January 27-February 2, 2026

Updates and news for the week of January 27-February 2, 2026

The UTC Campus Weekly newsletter is distributed every Tuesday morning. If you have news, events or announcements you would like shared with campus, please submit your information to Peyton Schultz (peyton-l-schultz@utc.edu) in the Division of Communications and Marketing by 3 p.m. on Friday for placement in the following Tuesday’s newsletter.

UTC News  UTC Events Calendar  |  Campus Updates


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Highlights

HOSTING A SUMMER CAMP AT UTC? WE WANT TO HELP SPREAD THE WORD

Each summer, UTC opens its campus to the community through a wide range of camps for K–12 students—from science and athletics to leadership development and college prep. These hands-on programs keep students engaged while school is out and give families access to university-level experiences right here on campus.

Most camps are open to the public and serve elementary, middle and high school students, offering full-day activity camps, weeklong academic programs and skill-building clinics.

Feature writer Carter Graham is gathering information for a combined summer camp website story/external press release. If you’re hosting a camp, please send details to carter-h-graham@utc.com by Wednesday, Feb. 11, so he can include as many programs as possible in the announcement.

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UTC wind ensemble to perform at Carnegie Hall

UTC Wind Ensemble

The UTC Wind Ensemble has been invited to perform a full concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City on Wednesday, March 18, an invitation that marks a milestone opportunity for student musicians to perform on one of the world’s most iconic stages.

The concert will feature 59 student performers from across the University, including 24 music majors and 35 students majoring in other academic areas.

The cost of the trip is approximately $2,000 per student. To help offset expenses, the UTC Division of Advancement has established a dedicated giving link at give.utc.edu/carnegie, with donations supporting student travel through the UTC Music Fund.

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SEND IN YOUR INFORMATION FOR THE UTC PARENT AND FAMILY ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

It is again time to recruit campus partners to send in information for the UTC Parent and Family Association newsletter, a monthly roundup distributed to more than 5,400 parents and family members.

To share information with the families of UTC students—upcoming events, important deadlines, helpful suggestions and departmental news—email Hannah Turcotte by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28. The February newsletter will be emailed to members Wednesday, Feb. 4.


Outstanding People of UTC

Betsy Myers (left) and Brandalyn Shropshire

Dr. Betsy Myers (left photo) and Brandalyn Shropshire were presented engraved plaques from Southern Conference Commissioner Michael Cross (photos by Ray Soldano).

Dr. Betsy Myers and Brandalyn Shropshire, who were named to the 2025–26 All-Southern Conference Faculty and Staff Team, were presented with engraved plaques during last Wednesday’s Mocs men’s basketball game. The conference-wide recognition highlights one faculty member and one staff member from each SoCon institution whose work has made a measurable impact on their campus.

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The Clarence E. Harris Chair of Excellence in Entrepreneurship in UTC’s Gary W. Rollins College of Business announced recipients for the third year of Mocs Innovate: The Harris Chair Seed Fund for Innovation, a mini-grant program supporting inventive research and entrepreneurial ideas with commercialization potential. This year’s awards recognize faculty and staff projects ranging from wearable technology and artificial intelligence to drone systems and urban logistics, with grants of up to $4,000 supporting early-stage innovation on campus.

  • Megan Cales (Gary W. Rollins College of Business) – Upgrading the Brooks Band wearable to include a clip-on microphone to enhance voice capture.
  • Medhi Khaleghian (Center for Urban Informatics and Progress) – Developing a multi-spectral drone system to enhance urban infrastructure and agricultural intelligence.
  • Shahnewazkarim Sakib (Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computer Science) – Creating an AI system for course design and accreditation management.
  • Maged Shoman (Center for Urban Informatics and Progress) – Designing a platform to predict grocery demand and support short-range autonomous delivery robots.
  • Weidong Wu (Civil & Chemical Engineering) – Building a crash-free web interface for statistical analysis and report generation.

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Dr. Amanda Hardin shows off resources available to rural school districts in the RAIL Library.

In its first 3½ months of operation, the RAIL System, led by Department of School Psychology Program Director Amanda Hardin, served 19 school districts across Tennessee and provided access to 186 assessment tools and related resources—saving participating districts more than $22,000 in costs they would otherwise have incurred purchasing the materials themselves.

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Check out these Mocs in the news:

  • UTC Chief of Police Sean O’Brien and Director of Public Safety Brett Fuchs talked to NewsChannel 9 about mandatory active shooter training for faculty and staff.
  • UC Foundation Professor Sean Richards spoke to NewsChannel 9 about fast fashion and how it affects textile waste and ocean microplastics.
  • Center for Regional Economic Research Director Howard Wall spoke to the Times Free Press, NewsChannel 9 and the Local 3 News about Chattanooga job growth.
  • Coordinator of Career Engagement Megan Cales joined Jed & JR Mornings to discuss the Brooks Band, a wearable wristband that gives children with autism or other neurodiverse traits gentle, real-time feedback when their voices get too loud.

Mark Your Calendar

Photo credit: Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

  • Thursday, Jan. 29: Men’s Basketball vs. Wofford, McKenzie Arena, 6 p.m.
  • Friday, Jan. 30: Women’s Basketball vs. Mercer, McKenzie Arena, 6 p.m.
  • Friday, Jan. 30: Women’s Tennis vs. Georgia State, UTC Tennis Center, 6:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Jan. 31: Wrestling vs. The Citadel, Maclellan Gym, 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, Feb. 1: Women’s Basketball vs. Samford, McKenzie Arena, 2 p.m.
  • Monday, Feb. 2: Chat With the Mocs, Miller’s Ale House (Hixson), 96.1 FM, 7 p.m.

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The Center for Wellbeing offers a monthly line-up of trainings for faculty and staff. If interested, please sign up here. Trainings counting toward completion of the Mental Health Ally Program are noted with an asterisk (*).

The Center is happy to schedule trainings for specific teams or departments at other times throughout the year. Reach out to Megan McKnight with questions or to request a training.

  • Today (Jan. 27): Opioid Overdose Response and Naloxone (Mocs Recovery Lounge at Stacy Town Center), 12:30-1:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Jan. 28: Sleep Matters: Improving Sleep Among Employees and Students (Zoom), 10-11 a.m.
  • *Wednesday, Feb. 4: Suicide Prevention Using Question, Persuade, Refer and the C-SSRS (Zoom), 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • *Thursday, Feb. 19: Psychological First Aid (Zoom), 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, Feb. 26: Opioid Overdose Response and Naloxone (Mocs Recovery Lounge at Stacy Town Center), 11 a.m.-noon
  • Friday, Feb. 27: Introduction to Motivational Interviewing for Faculty and Staff (Zoom), noon-1 p.m.

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Eddie Brudney, professor of history at UTC, will lead a discussion titled “Historians React to Current Events: Policeman of the Americas? Understanding U.S. Intervention in Venezuela” from 2-3 p.m. today (Jan. 27) in Holt Hall Room 229.

The talk, sponsored by the Department of History and UTC History Club, will place recent U.S. military action in Venezuela in historical context, exploring how past American interventions in the region help explain the significance and potential consequences of current events.

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Scrappy’s Cupboard is open and operational for the spring semester and is now located in University Center Room 278. Hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. All UTC faculty, staff and students are welcome to visit. Patrons may use Scrappy’s Cupboard once per month, no questions asked.

Scrappy’s Markets also return this spring. The next market will take place from 2-4 p.m. today (Jan. 27) on the second floor of the University Center. All spring markets will be held 2-4 p.m. in the University Center on the following dates:

  • Wednesday, Feb. 11
  • Tuesday, Feb. 24
  • Wednesday, March 11
  • Tuesday, March 24
  • Wednesday, April 8
  • Tuesday, April 21

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Students are invited to the “Paid Internships and Employer Research” workshop from noon-1 p.m. today (Jan. 27) in Fletcher Hall Room 211. The workshop will walk students through strategies for finding paid internships and researching employers, with tips on identifying quality opportunities and making informed application decisions. Click here to register.

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UTC staff are invited to take part in a conversation focused on building a stronger campus community from 2-4 p.m. today (Jan. 27) in the UC Auditorium and via Zoom. Free snacks and beverages will be provided. Click here to learn more.

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The Journey Health Foundation Research Center is accepting proposals for the REACH Fund, a new seed-funding program supporting applied research that turns data into action for healthier communities. Selected projects may receive up to $25,000 to explore how social determinants of health influence outcomes in Chattanooga and the surrounding region, with applications due Monday, March 30. Applications are available here.

Faculty and researchers can learn more during a Zoom info session from 2-3 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28. Questions can be directed to Shelley-Kay@utc.edu.

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Join an Orientation Leader interest meeting to learn more about the role, responsibilities and impact you can make in welcoming new students to campus. This meeting is a great opportunity to ask questions and find out if the position is right for you.

  • Wednesday, Jan. 28, Admissions Tour Room (2nd floor of the University Center), 3 p.m.
  • Thursday, Jan. 29, Admissions Tour Room (2nd floor of the University Center), 3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Feb. 3, Zoom, 3 p.m.

If you are interested but unable to attend any of these interest meetings, please email Katelynn Buchanan.

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The Innovations in Honors program is seeking currently enrolled students interested in joining the UTC Honors College in fall 2026. Students can learn more by registering for a virtual information session, held via Zoom on the following dates:

  • Wednesday, Jan. 28, 6-7 p.m.
  • Thursday, Feb. 5, 1-2 p.m.

The program offers opportunities to develop key skills and enrich the academic experience through hands-on learning, including courses such as Innovation Lab, where students collaborate with partners from the city of Chattanooga to design and implement projects that address community challenges.

Additional benefits of admission to the UTC Honors College include a $2,000 annual scholarship (for up to three years, depending on completed credits at the time of admission), potential housing in the honors residential community, an out-of-state tuition waiver, priority registration, small class sizes and support for research and travel opportunities.

Students are encouraged to register for a virtual information session or contact Dr. Jordan King, program director, for more information.

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Dr. Shikha Bangar, lecturer in physics at UTC, will present “Teaching Noisy Qubits New Tricks: Quantum Machine Learning Algorithms for Near-Term Devices” from 4-5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 29, in UTC Library Room 435.

Bangar will discuss the current state of quantum machine learning and how researchers are designing learning models that work with noisy, near-term quantum hardware. Her talk will focus on continuous-variable quantum systems and explore how physically motivated algorithm design can enable meaningful learning tasks on today’s quantum computers.

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Career Connections will host the “Nacho Everyday Career Workshop: Secrets Hiring Managers Don’t Tell You” from noon-1 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 2, in the University Center Room 127. Local employers will share career fair tips and hiring insights—plus nachos—with speakers Rachel Frizzel from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and Samantha Thompson from Erlanger Hospital.

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Career Connections and the Department of Criminal Justice will host the Criminal Justice Expo from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3, in the University Center Tennessee Room. Students are invited to come network with over 20 justice-related organizations.

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The Gary W. Rollins College of Business will hold virtual information sessions for the Master of Business Administration, MS Management, MS Data Analytics, and Master of Accountancy graduate programs. Rollins College of Business graduate programs offer flexible course options and exclusive career support resources designed to advance your education and career.

MAcc Information Sessions

MSM Information Sessions

MSDA Information Sessions

MBA Information Sessions

Business Analytics Certificate Information Sessions

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Students are invited to the “Reaching Employers: Email & LinkedIn Strategies” workshop from 2-3 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3, in Fletcher Hall 210. The session will cover cold emailing, LinkedIn outreach, follow-up strategies and how to stay professional and persistent when connecting with employers. Register online and direct questions to Megan Cales.

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Graduate students are invited to a virtual workshop, “Financial Fitness: Practical Financial Wellness Tips for Grad Students,” from noon-1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5, via Zoom. Led by UTC’s Financial Wellness Center, the session will cover budgeting, managing expenses and building healthy financial habits.

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Natasha Trethewey

Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and two-term U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey will deliver a free, public lecture titled “The Role of the Humanities in Our Personal and Civic Lives” at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5, in the University Center Tennessee Room. The event will include a lecture by Trethewey, readings from her work, a question-and-answer session and a book signing. Books will be available for purchase at the lecture through Barnes & Noble.

The lecture is sponsored by The Lyndhurst Foundation, the UTC Honors College O’Dea Lecture Series, the UTC Division of Access and Engagement, The Keese Lecture Series and the UTC Department of English.

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Dr. Kelly Richmond Pope

“From Curiosity to Courtrooms,” a real-world look at forensic accounting will take place at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, in the University Center Auditorium.

Dr. Kelly Richmond Pope will share her unconventional career journey at the intersection of accounting, ethics, storytelling and investigation. The talk offers an engaging and practical look at how accounting can be used to protect organizations and the public and may be of interest to those exploring career paths, interested in ethics or drawn to real-world investigative work. Registration information is available here.

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“Take Five 2026: Americans Abroad” returns in January, inviting the UTC campus and broader community to take part in a shared reading experience exploring what happens when Americans travel abroad—for both high and low adventure.

This year’s selections and presenters include:

  • Tuesday, Feb. 10: Sybil Baker presents “The Sheltering Sky” by Paul Bowles
  • Tuesday, March 3: Will Kuby presents “The Talented Mr. Ripley” by Patricia Highsmith
  • Tuesday, March 24: Verbie Prevost presents “Daisy Miller” by Henry James
  • Tuesday, April 7: Bryan Hampton presents “The English Experience” by Julie Schumacher

All sessions take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday evenings in the University Center Tennessee Room. A light dinner will be served. Books may be ordered through any online retailer or at the UTC Bookstore. Questions can be directed to Aaron Shaheen.

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The Journey Health Foundation Research Center will host a data summit from 9:30 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Feb. 17, in the Wolford Family Athletic Center.

The event will bring together faculty, students, community organization leaders and business partners to explore how data can help communities better understand and respond to everyday factors that influence health and well-being across Chattanooga and the surrounding region. Registration is available here.

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The Probasco Chair of Free Enterprise will host Steve Forbes for a lecture titled “How Free Enterprise, Not Government, Made America Great” at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26, in the UTC Fine Arts Center.

Forbes, chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media, will explore the principles of economic freedom through the lens of some of the country’s most influential entrepreneurs. There will be time at the end for a Q&A, moderated by UTC Probasco Chair Claudia Kramer. Registration information is available here.

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“Drawing the Future from the Past,” an exhibition highlighting student work from UTC’s Interior Architecture and Design program, will be on view through Thursday, Feb. 26, at the Association for Visual Arts (AVA) Landis Education Gallery (30 Frazier Ave.).

The exhibition features projects from a two-semester capstone sequence in which students research historically significant buildings and develop adaptive reuse proposals informed by architectural, cultural and social context. Students collaborate with professional mentors, architects, historians, code officials and building owners, as well as community partner Preserve Chattanooga, to create design solutions that support preservation advocacy and potential community revitalization.

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The Institute for Contemporary Art presents “The Cupola Project,” an exhibition on view through Friday, March 6. Initiated in 2023 by artist and professor Martijn Van Wagtendonk as a sculpture assignment at the University of Georgia’s Lamar Dodd School of Art, the project has grown to engage more than 45 students and faculty from diverse disciplines.

Inspired by Renaissance architect Filippo Brunelleschi, “The Cupola Project” integrates engineering, science, language, music, philosophy and kinetic sculpture into a large-scale interactive structure. Constructed with mortise-and-tenon joints, the work has continued to evolve over recent years. Designed with portability in mind, Cupola functions like a mobile fairground attraction, easily assembled and disassembled to travel and engage audiences.

The ICA is free and open to the public from noon-4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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The UTC Graduate School announced that the following student will be presenting final works of research as an advanced degree candidate. Everyone is invited to attend.


Campus Updates

The Environmental Studies program is partnering with the SGA Sustainability Committee, Tinker Ma Architects and local glass recycling company Overlooked Materials to turn old glass into the new lobby floor of Oak Street Residence Hall.

UTC students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to bring empty, clean glass jars—such as teriyaki sauce, strawberry jam and pickle jars—to the bright yellow collection bins located at Stacy Town Center and the University Center Roundabout, directly across from the Esports Complex.

 All glass colors are accepted, with dark blue glass especially encouraged. Collection bins will be available from now through the start of spring break.

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UT Promise is a last-dollar scholarship that covers remaining tuition and mandatory fees for eligible Tennessee residents at UTC and includes required mentoring and community service. Student Success Programs has received requests from UT Promise students for mentors to help support them during their time at UTC, with students required to meet with a mentor at least once per semester for guidance, questions and goal-focused encouragement. Faculty and staff can complete the interest form or contact Student Success Programs with questions, and additional information will be shared with those who express interest.

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Faculty are invited to join the Faculty Writing Collective, which meets from 9:30 a.m.-noon on Fridays during the academic year in the UTC Library. This is a writing accountability group that includes a brief goal setting exercise, two hours of quiet writing time and a check-in at the end of the session.

The UTC Faculty Writing Collective’s goal is to support faculty who face structural, cultural and institutional barriers to writing by fostering a supportive community grounded in accountability, care and equity. Faculty are encouraged to carve out dedicated writing or research time this Friday and enjoy a pastry while they work. To join the email list, contact Emma McDonell.

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UTC Campus Recreation has launched the Adventure Awaits Scholarship Fund to expand access to Mocs Adventure Camp, one of the University’s youth summer programs. The fund will provide scholarship support for children who may not otherwise be able to attend the camp due to financial barriers, with a goal of supporting 25 campers this year.

Donations of any amount help make camp accessible to more families. As a thank you, the first 50 donors who give $50 or more will receive a limited-edition “This Shirt Did Some Good” T-shirt. Those whose children have previously attended Mocs Adventure Camp are also invited to share their camp stories to help highlight the program’s impact.

To learn more, make a gift or share a story, visit the Adventure Awaits Scholarship Fund page. Questions can be directed to MocsAdventureCamp@utc.edu.

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UTC Veteran and Military Affairs has partnered with BJ’s Wholesale Club in Hixson to support the Holiday for Heroes campaign. The goal is to reach 200 memberships and raise funds for veteran and military-connected students as part of the Holiday for Heroes event series.

Participants can receive a discounted BJ’s membership while giving back to UTC Veteran and Military Affairs. To join, scan the QR code or click the flyer link, or call 800-313-8887 and use group code 827042 to ensure your sign-up counts toward UTC’s campaign.

Sign up here by Friday, Jan. 30, to secure pre-club opening discounts. Spread the word—every membership helps support our veterans.

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The UT Alliance of Women Philanthropists is accepting applications from UT faculty, staff, departments and student organizations for the 2026-27 Giving Circle Grants Cycle to support projects that challenge conventional approaches and inspire new solutions to pressing needs.

Proposals may request support for a new project or program that benefits the campus or an expansion of an existing program. Grant requests may range from $2,500–$25,000 and may not include general operating expenses, including faculty salaries. Applications include a cover sheet, a two-page proposal narrative and a one-page detailed budget. Full instructions and a list of past recipients are available on the Circle of Giving website.

Those planning to apply should notify Todd Moore-Doman by Tuesday, Feb. 3, so ORSP can assist with budget preparation and application materials. Proposals must be submitted for routing in Cayuse SP by Friday, Feb. 20, to be eligible for consideration. ORSP will submit final approved proposals to AWP by Friday, Feb. 27, with awards expected to be announced by Monday, March 30.

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The Chattanooga Area Regional Transit Authority (CARTA) operates a free shuttle that serves downtown, the North Shore, St. Elmo and the Incline Railway. The current route was developed in the early 1990s and, aside from the recent addition of the North Shore Express, has remained largely unchanged.

CARTA is now reimagining its shuttle routes and service and is seeking community input. Whether you are a daily shuttle user or have never hopped on for a ride, CARTA wants to hear from you. An interactive map allows participants to drag and drop pins to share ideas, thoughts and suggestions for improving shuttle service. A short survey, which takes about five minutes to complete, is also available through the map.

Community members are encouraged to take the survey and share it with friends, family and co-workers. This is an opportunity to help improve how the shuttle benefits residents, businesses and visitors across the community. Click here for the interactive map and survey.

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The Office of Research Integrity has announced a new go-live date for DASH Research IRB: Monday, Feb. 16. Below are key deadlines to support the transition to the new submission system.

  • Today (Jan. 27): Only IRB submissions that are fully approved by 5 p.m. will be moved into DASH Research IRB. Any submissions not approved by that time must be resubmitted in the new system after go-live.
  • Monday, Feb. 16: All new IRB applications must be submitted through the DASH Research IRB module.

For questions or assistance, contact Baley Whary at irb@utc.edu or 423-425-5867.

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Interested in UTC’s multidisciplinary Learning and Leadership (LEAD) doctoral programs? Join a virtual information session hosted by Dr. Elizabeth Crawford, LEAD programs advisor, and Dr. David Rausch, LEAD programs director.

Register here to receive an Outlook calendar invite with the Zoom meeting link.

Applications for the summer 2026 Ph.D. and Ed.D. cohorts will be accepted now through Friday, Feb. 27. Step-by-step application instructions and additional details, including FAQs, will be available on the LEAD program websites. For questions, email utclead@utc.edu.

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Free short-term physical therapy services are available to UTC students, faculty and staff through the PT Pro Bono Clinic, led by physical therapy faculty and doctoral students. The clinic provides evaluations and treatment for a range of concerns, from ankle sprains to lingering back pain.

The clinic is located in University Health Services in Maclellan Gym and is open 8 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and 1-5 p.m. on Thursdays. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 423-425-2266. Questions can be directed to ptclinic@utc.edu.

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The National Science Foundation Noyce Track 2 fellowship project is accepting applications from STEM-degreed professionals to prepare to teach secondary mathematics and science through the Master of Education degree program. The 2026-2027 cohort will begin coursework in May 2026. Please contact Deborah McAllister or click this link for project details. 


UTC Newsroom

Chancellor Lori Mann Bruce

Chancellor Lori Bruce

During Chancellor Lori Bruce’s first semester at UTC, University photographer Angela Foster was nearby, capturing moments that defined the beginning of her new role. Click here to view the photo essay.

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Dr. Lisa Piazza

Dr. Lisa Piazza came to UTC in 2018 with a goal to help more students see themselves as researchers. As executive director of the Office for Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavor (URaCE), she works with students and faculty across campus to help more students find their way into research and creative work.

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UTC nursing student Carly Chastain takes a patient’s blood pressure at the Rhea Richland Senior Neighbors Center in Dayton, Tennessee.

UTC nursing student Carly Chastain takes a patient’s blood pressure at the Rhea Richland Senior Neighbors Center in Dayton, Tennessee.

Since launching in spring 2025, UTC College of Nursing’s MobileMOC medical outreach clinic has delivered preventive care, screenings, education and referrals to older adults and caregivers across rural counties, logging thousands of miles, thousands of patient touch points and hundreds of student learning hours through an interprofessional team spanning nursing, occupational therapy, social work, nutrition and advanced practice providers.

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As part of Winter Welcome Week, UTC hosted the Winter Organization Fair to connect students to both new and existing organizations that could align with their interests.

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Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:

  • Laurel Rhyne remembers the very first time she heard about generative artificial intelligence. It was December 18, 2022. She was listening to a National Public Radio story in her car while crossing the Market Street Bridge. “The focus was all on plagiarism and what it was going to do for higher ed,” explained Rhyne, an associate lecturer in the UTC College of Nursing. “What I saw was so much more. “Our whole world is going to change.”
  • As part of this semester’s Winter Welcome Week festivities, UTC hosted “Dinner & A Show! Featuring Trent James.” The event brought students together for a catered meal and a live performance by magician and comedian Trent James.
  • UTC Assistant Professor of Anthropology Emma McDonell’s central question this past summer: Who controls the food on people’s tables?

WUTC

Chancellor Lori Bruce

Chancellor Lori Bruce

Chancellor Lori Bruce sat down for an episode of “Chatting with the Chancellor” for WUTC’s “Scenic Roots.” She discussed the College of Nursing, quantum, her investiture ceremony and her first six months at UTC.


IN Memoriam

Dr. Tommie F. Brown, esteemed UTC professor, pioneering department head, and Tennessee state representative, died at 91 on January 20, 2026. A trailblazer in education and civic leadership, she founded UTC’s Department of Social Work and served seven terms in the Tennessee House.

Dr. Brown joined UTC as the University’s first black tenure-track faculty member in 1971 as an assistant professor in the Sociology Department. She created and became coordinator of the Social Work program in 1977 before establishing the Department of Social Work in 1980. She served as department head until 1983.

After serving as both District Representative and professor from 1993 to 1998, Brown retired from her position at the university to focus on her legislative duties. Her legacy includes the Tommie F. Brown Academy and decades of service uplifting Chattanooga’s community with unwavering passion and integrity.

Information on visitation and funeral services this week is available here.

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This section is reserved for memorial announcements of current and former UTC employees as the Office of Communications and Marketing becomes aware. To publish an announcement, a publicly available obituary must be provided. Please send any announcements to Vice Chancellor JAy Blackman at jay-blackman@utc.edu.

 

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