March 3-9, 2026

Updates and news for the week of March 3-9, 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  |  In the Media


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Highlights

Strategic Plan 2025-2030

The UT System Board of Trustees has officially approved the UTC 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, establishing a bold, metric-driven roadmap to guide UTC’s continued growth and impact through the end of the decade.

The plan reflects nearly two years of campus collaboration, data analysis and community engagement. Initiated in spring 2024 under Chancellor Emeritus Steven Angle and advanced by Interim Chancellor Robert Dooley, the effort included more than 2,000 data points and campus-wide roadshows and surveys to ensure broad input and measurable outcomes.

Anchored by UTC’s vision to be “a model metropolitan university that unites learner success, innovative research, and community partnerships to spark transformative growth and prosperity,” the plan outlines clear aspirations for 2030, including achieving Carnegie R2 status as a high research activity institution and strategically expanding enrollment to 15,000 students.

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Measles vs. the Mocs: What You Need to Know

Measles is highly contagious—even more so than COVID-19. To ensure campus is healthy, it is vital that you know your immune status by verifying your vaccination records or laboratory proof of immunity.

UTC reports that 98% of students on campus have immunity, which serves as a strong shield for the community. Having immunity significantly reduces the chances of getting measles and keeps you from needing to be quarantined for up to 21 days if you are exposed.

Take action today:

  • Check your status: Log in to the UTC Medicat Patient Portal to review your records.
  • Need a blood titer? If you do not have documentation of immunity through vaccination, call UTC Health Services at 423-425-2266 to schedule a blood test.
  • Feeling sick? Do not walk into the clinic. Call first to help protect others.

Click here for more information.

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Mocs Women’s Basketball are SoCon Regular Season Champions

Your Mocs women’s basketball program has clinched a share of the 2025-26 Southern Conference Regular Season Title. The title marks the program’s 24th regular-season championship, a conference record.

They will head to Asheville next week as the No. 1 seed, looking to add a 21st SoCon Tournament Title to the trophy case. The tournament starts next Thursday, March 5. The Mocs will begin play at 11 a.m.

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Women’s History Month events

The Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies department invites students, faculty and staff to celebrate Women’s History Month with the following events:

  • Today (March 3): STEM panel, Metropolitan Building Room 231 (518 Oak St.), 12:30 p.m.
  • Friday, March 6: Glimmer and Shine art exhibit opening, Wavelength Gallery (854 McCallie Ave.), 5-8 p.m.
  • Wednesday, March 11: Keynote speaker Lisa Hendy, Guerry Center Reading Room, 6 p.m.
  • Friday, March 27: UTC Book Club discussion of “Lessons in Chemistry,” Library Room 440, 3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 31: UTC History Club Movie Night featuring “Hidden Figures,” Derthick Hall Room 101, 7 p.m.

Outstanding People of UTC

Hattie Martinek

Hattie Martinek, a UTC senior majoring in political science and public service and a member of the Innovations in Honors program in the Honors College, has been selected for the highly competitive Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Junior Summer Institute (JSI) at the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy.

The PPIA JSI program is designed to prepare undergraduates for graduate study and careers in public service. Participation requires a commitment to pursuing a master’s degree in public policy or international affairs at a PPIA consortium graduate school.

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Hannah Stone (left) and Catherine Meeks Quinlan

Students and staff at UTC are helping shape the upcoming Oak Street Residence Hall in a unique way by incorporating recycled glass into the building’s lobby floor.

UTC’s campus is participating in a glass drive through Friday, March 13, where students, faculty and community members can donate used glass for the project. The glass drive is a partnership between UTC’s Environmental Studies program, the Student Environmental Action and Sustainability Committee, Tinker Ma Architects, and local glass recycling company Overlooked Materials.

Hannah Stone, a senior majoring in integrated studies with concentrations in environmental science, environmental studies and creative writing, has been leading the initiative along with Associate Lecturer of English and Co-Director of Environmental Studies Catherine Meeks Quinlan.

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Check out these Mocs in the news:

  • UTC Special Collections’ completed grant-funded project to preserve Dr. Tommie Brown’s papers was featured in the Chattanoogan and the Chattanooga PulseSpecial Collections Director Carolyn Runyan spoke to the Hamilton County Herald about the project.
  • An MSN article about conflict in Iran featured UC Foundation Associate Professor Saeid Golkar.
  • Robert L. Wilson Professor of Geology Amy Brock-Hon wrote an article about the Raccoon Mountain Caverns for the Tennessee Conservationist.
  • Library Dean Tim Gritten joined Jed & JR Mornings to discuss the importance of the UTC Library and its resources.
  • Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and UC Foundation Professor Elizabeth O’Brien talked about longevity fixation syndrome on Jed & JR Mornings.
  • West Chair of Excellence in Communication and Public Affairs Brandon Bouchillon joined Jed & JR Mornings to discuss his research on the benefits of group texting.
  • UTC student and country music artist Bella Lam discussed her new single “Take it Out on my Guitar” with News 12 Now.
  • Dr. Dawn Ford spoke to NewsChannel 9 about the impacts of lead on children and adults.
  • Assistant Professor Emma McDonnell discussed bills about food and nutrition for a Times Free Press article.
  • Literacy Director for the Center for Excellence and Innovation in Education Yvette Stewart spoke to NewsChannel 9 about UTC’s new literacy pilot program.
  • A Hamilton County Herald article discussed junior elementary education student Abby Clark’s Medal of Honor Teacher Fellowship, assistant professor Hemangi Mavadiya’s Outstanding Dietetic Educator of the Year award and UTC’s new safety app, Safe@UTC.
  • The Hamilton County Herald recognized Gary W. Rollins College of Business students and John C. Stophel Distinguished Student awardees John Dempsey, Kestutis Dubininkas, Madison Goble, Chandler Mason, Ana Morris, Paige Proseus and Juliet Romines.

Mark Your Calendar

Photo credit: Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com

Upcoming Mocs home athletics calendar:

  • Saturday, March 7: Men’s Tennis vs. The Citadel, UTC Tennis Center, noon
  • Monday, March 9: Chat With the Mocs, Miller’s Ale House (Hixson), 96.1 FM, 7 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 10: Men’s Tennis vs. Jacksonville State, UTC Tennis Center, 1 p.m.
  • Friday, March 13: Women’s Tennis vs. Tennessee Wesleyan, UTC Tennis Center, 3 p.m.

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In honor of Women’s History Month, the Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies department will host a STEM Panel from 12:30-1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, in Metropolitan Building Room 231 (518 Oak St.).

Women professionals will discuss their careers and research in STEM fields. All students, faculty and staff are invited to attend.

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“Take Five 2026: Americans Abroad” invites 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.

Upcoming selections and presenters include:

  • Today (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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What began as a grant-supported effort to address gaps in care for medically underserved communities has grown into one of the area’s most consistent forums for sharing practical, evidence-based approaches to inclusive care.

On Wednesday, March 4, the UTC College of Nursing will bring together health professionals, community partners and caregivers from across the region for the 10th annual Inclusive Care Conference—a daylong virtual conference focused on one of health care’s fastest-growing needs: caring for older adults.

The event, which will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., is free and open to the public, with optional continuing education units available for a fee. Click here to register.

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Dr. Xiunan Wang is organizing a Mathematical Biology Webinar Series as part of her NSF LEAPS-MPS program, supporting learning and engagement with mathematical modeling in biological systems. Hosted online, the series is open to undergraduate and graduate students, educators and others interested in the intersection of mathematics and biology, and features speakers from a range of institutions and career stages.

The upcoming webinar from 2-3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, will feature Dr. Sebastian Stockmaier, assistant professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UT Knoxville. He will present “Merging Behavioral and Disease Ecology: Insights from Vampire Bats,” exploring how animal behavior and infectious disease interact to shape pathogen transmission. Using vampire bats as a model system, Stockmaier examines infection-induced behavioral changes, rabies-driven aggression and cross-species transmission dynamics linking bats and livestock.

Upcoming webinar date:

  • Wednesday, March 25, 3-4 p.m.: Dr. Veronica Ciocanel, Duke University

Click here for Zoom links, passwords and additional details.

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Career Connections will host a “How to Follow Up After an Interview” event from 3-4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, in Fletcher Hall Room 109. This workshop will teach you how to master professional follow-up techniques, including how to write impactful thank-you emails, proper timing and what to say (and avoid) after your interview.

Students interested in attending should email Megan Cales to register or learn more.

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The UTC Department of Communication invites you to the 10th annual Photo Night on Wednesday, March 4, celebrating the power of visual storytelling and the photojournalists behind it.

A complimentary VIP reception will be held from 5-6 p.m. in the UTC Fine Arts Center. Guests can check in at the VIP table upon arrival. The main program will follow from 6-8 p.m. in the Roland Hayes Concert Hall and will feature a Q&A-style conversation with four distinguished photojournalists.

Founded by award-winning photojournalist and associate lecturer Billy Weeks, Photo Night also highlights work from Rising Rock, UTC’s student-powered storytelling lab.

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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, Business Analytics Certificate and Master of Accountancy graduate programs. The Rollins College of Business graduate programs provide flexible course options and exclusive career support resources to elevate your education and advance your career.

Business Analytics Certificate Information Sessions

MSDA Information Sessions

MBA Information Sessions

MAcc Information Sessions

MSM Information Sessions

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Graduate students are invited to unwind at “Thrive & Flourish: Mindfulness & Wellness Recharge” from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, in the Fletcher Hall fourth-floor lounge.

The event will feature a DIY aromatherapy bar, hot tea station and guided journal-making space designed to help students relax and reset. RSVP on MocSync to reserve a spot.

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The Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies will host the next installment of its “What’s the Big Idea?” lunch discussion series from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Friday, March 6, in Lupton Hall Room 235.

Dr. Ian Dunkle will lead a conversation titled “Doing Wrong For Its Own Sake: Possible? Distinct? Sometimes Good?” Pizza and beverages will be served.

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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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UTC Innovations in Honors students are hosting a family-friendly music and dance event, “Dancing Through the Decades,” from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, at the Carver Community Center. The event will serve as the introduction to an intergenerational mentorship program connecting teens, young adults and seniors in Chattanooga through S.T.E.A.M.-based engagement opportunities.

College-aged students are especially encouraged to attend to learn more about participating in the future program. Clubs, organizations and individual students interested in volunteer or community engagement opportunities can find more information here. Those who would simply like to attend are invited to join the celebration.

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Alum Fred Lemmons will return to campus to perform at the UTC Fine Arts Center’s Roland Hayes Concert Hall. Photo courtesy of Fred Lemmons.

A UTC music alumnus whose career includes 21 years with “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band will return to campus Sunday, March 8, for a 3 p.m. performance at the UTC Fine Arts Center’s Roland Hayes Concert Hall.

Master Gunnery Sergeant Fred Lemmons, USMC (Retired), a 1982 UTC graduate with a bachelor’s degree in music education, will be a featured soloist for “An Afternoon of Music” by the Mid-South Symphonic Band. Lemmons will perform “Introduction, Theme, and Variations” by Gioacchino Rossini, followed by an encore designed to surprise the audience. Click here for more information.

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“The End: Books and Conversations on Death and Dying” is a monthly book club dedicated to thoughtfully exploring themes of death and dying. Through shared reading and discussion, participants aim to demystify death and open space for conversation about a topic often considered culturally taboo.

The next meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, in the UTC Library Room 209. The featured book is “The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully” by Frank Ostaseski, described by Macmillan as “an exhilarating meditation on the meaning of life and how maintaining an ever-present consciousness of death can bring us closer to our truest selves.”

Whether you’ve finished the book, just started or are simply curious, all are welcome to join the conversation. For questions, contact Jill Tyson.

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Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to register for the UT Innovative Technologies Symposium, taking place Tuesday through Thursday, March 24-26, at the Knoxville Convention Center. Hosted by UT’s Office of Innovative Technologies, the three-day event will focus on everyday IT challenges, shared interests and emerging solutions while fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among higher education IT professionals across Tennessee.

The symposium will feature keynote speakers, breakout sessions and networking opportunities with peers, industry experts and technology companies serving higher education. The event is open to all Tennessee higher education institutions; a $150 registration fee applies to non-UT attendees. Learn more and register here.

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Join the UTC Grad School from 4-5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, in the University Center Admissions Tour Room for a campus tour and learn more about advanced degree opportunities at UTC–plus an added bonus for engineering students.

This guided tour will introduce you to UTC’s historic campus, modern facilities and graduate student experience, while providing an overview of available graduate programs and campus resources. Attendees interested in engineering will also have the opportunity to preview UTC’s engineering labs and facilities firsthand. Click here to learn more and reserve your spot.

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UTC will host the 2026 meeting of the Tennessee Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers (TAAPT) on March 27-28, bringing high school teachers, university faculty and students to campus for a statewide conference. 

Organized by the UTC Department of Physics and Astronomy in collaboration with the UTC Quantum Center, the statewide meeting is designed to support physics educators through professional development, research exchange and networking opportunities. For more information and to register, visit the TAAPT website.

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Interested in graduate school? The UTC Virtual Grad Fair will take place from noon-2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, via Zoom.

Participants can explore more than 30 UTC graduate programs, connect with faculty and program representatives, and learn about admissions, funding and career pathways. Application fee waivers will be available for completed domestic applications submitted March 31-April 12.

The event is open to anyone interested in pursuing a graduate degree at UTC. Click here to learn more and register.

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The UTC Spring Research and Arts Conference will be held from 9 a.m.-5:15 p.m.on Wednesday, April 15, in McKenzie Arena. The conference will showcase research and creative works by UTC undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty and staff. Presentations by MOCS Innovate! awardees, local high school students and community members will also be on display. Presentations, which run concurrently throughout the day, include posters, arts displays and a limited number of oral presentations.

The event is free and open to the public, and attendees can join one session or stay all day. Click here for more information. 

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


Campus Updates

March is National Nutrition Month—a reminder that food fuels your body and brain, especially during busy study days. Aim to build balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein and plenty of water to keep your energy steady and your focus sharp. Small choices—like not skipping meals, cooking in your dorm and adding colorful foods to your plate—can make a meaningful difference over time, both mentally and physically.

Be sure to check out Scrappy’s Market, held twice a month in the University Center, for free, fresh and accessible food options. Keep an eye out for nutrition tabling events around campus throughout the month.

For more nutrition-related information, contact the Center for Wellbeing in University Center Room 207.

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Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Student SEARCH Award, which provides a $1,000 award to support UTC graduate and undergraduate students across all disciplines who pursue original scholarship under the direction and supervision of UTC faculty. The student application deadline is Sunday, March 8.

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Dr. Liz Hathaway, 2025 UTAA Outstanding Teacher Award recipient

Each year, the University of Tennessee Alumni Association honors outstanding UTC faculty and staff through two prestigious awards: Outstanding Teacher and Public Service. Awardees will receive a $1,000 honorarium and an invitation to the UTAA Board of Governors reception and dinner. Click here to nominate deserving faculty and staff by Friday, March 27.

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The Boyd Venture Challenge is an annual seed-funding competition open to undergraduate and graduate students across the UT System. Each spring, the challenge awards a total of $50,000 in non-dilutive startup capital, with individual grants of up to $25,000 to help student entrepreneurs move their businesses forward.

Eligible businesses must be legally established and structured as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC or corporation with a federal tax ID, and the student applicant must hold majority ownership. Applicants selected to pitch must demonstrate traction, such as revenue, customer or mentor recommendations, purchase orders, MOUs or participation in programs like iCore. Previous awardees may reapply but must show how prior funding advanced their business.

Applications close at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 3. Selected applicants will be invited to pitch their business plans in person. Click here to learn more about the 2025 winners and application details.

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For the past 12 years, Keep Music Alive—a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the value of music—has sponsored the worldwide event known as Teach Music Week each March. Music teachers, schools, music and movement groups and music stores are invited to participate in this annual celebration.

Throughout March, Janet Sump, adjunct instructor of piano, will offer a complimentary music lesson to any pre-college student interested in studying piano, violin or participating in Piano Klass Kidz (class piano for children ages 6-8). Faculty and staff whose children have expressed interest in studying music are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.

To schedule a lesson, contact Janet Sump or 423-316-0398.

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UTC’s Center for Applied Geospatial Data Science (CAGDS) has been selected as a finalist in the 2025 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition, earning international recognition for an interactive mapping project that uses geospatial data science and artificial intelligence to guide where trees are planted across the city.

“Mapping Chattanooga’s Urban Forests,” a StoryMap created by GIS Director Charlie Mix, documents how UTC researchers, city leaders and nonprofit partners are using data to address urban heat and tree canopy loss. The public is invited to cast a vote for the Community Choice Award through Tuesday, March 10.

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UTC is gearing up for a summer full of camps for local K-12 students, with options ranging from quantum computing to sports clinics. Designed to keep students active and engaged, camps are led by UTC faculty, staff and athletics programs and offer opportunities for elementary, middle and high school students to explore new interests and sharpen skills. Click here to learn more.

  • Mocs Adventure Camp (K-8): Weekly sessions June 1-July 31; activities include climbing, swimming, sports and games; $320 per week.
  • Challenger Exploration Camp (rising 3rd-6th graders): July 6-31; space missions, coding, robotics, rocket launches and local excursions; $290.50 per week.
  • Quantum Summer Camp (rising 10th-12th graders): June 15-18; hands-on exploration of quantum computing and real-world problem-solving; $200.
  • Chattanooga Volleyball Camps (various ages): June and July sessions; costs vary.
  • Men’s Basketball Camps (ages 7-17): June 22-25 and July 20-23; $310.

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Safe@UTC, the new campus safety smartphone app, provides students, faculty and staff with direct access to safety resources. The app allows users to directly connect with the UTC Police via one-touch panic button functionality, anonymously report suspicious activity, initiate a remotely monitored Safe Walk, request a Safe Ride and quickly access other campus resources. The new app is free to download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

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The Counseling Center has partnered with Parkridge Mental Health Therapy Center to offer extended services on the UTC campus. Parkridge at UTC is open from 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and offers individual therapy, group therapy and intensive outpatient services for students, faculty and staff.

Click here for video directions to the Parkridge Mental Health Therapy Center, located off the UC Foundation Apartments courtyard (Suite 5217). To schedule an initial appointment, call 423-468-5213. Students who are already receiving services through the UTC Counseling Center are encouraged to speak with their provider about whether Parkridge at UTC is a good fit for their needs.

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The Humanities Program invites all UTC undergraduates to participate in the North Callahan Essay Prize competition. The prize is awarded annually to an undergraduate whose exceptionally fine essay addresses a subject related to the humanities, including art, music, philosophy, religion, rhetoric and literature, history, theater or interdisciplinary studies that combine these disciplines. Essays will be evaluated by an interdisciplinary committee of professors, and the winner will receive a $1,000 award. All essays must be submitted electronically to Dr. José-Luis Gastañaga by 5 p.m. on Monday, March 23. Learn more by clicking here.

Funding for the prize is provided by an endowment established by the late Dr. North Callahan, distinguished professor emeritus of history at New York University, author of 17 books and alumnus of the University of Chattanooga.

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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.

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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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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 is excited to host Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies to celebrate graduates’ achievements. The ceremony dates and times for each college are listed below.

  • Friday, May 8, College of Health, Education and Professional Studies…College of Nursing, 2:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 9, College of Arts and Sciences, 9 a.m.
  • Saturday, May 9,College of Engineering and Computer Science…Gary W. Rollins College of Business, 2 p.m.

All ceremonies will be combined undergraduate and graduate ceremonies.

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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. 

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The Chattanooga Mocs will host the Mercer Bears on Saturday, Nov. 7, for Homecoming 2026 at Finley Stadium—a date students and alumni will want to circle in blue and gold.

Homecoming week will feature campus events and competitions leading up to kickoff, making it one of the most anticipated traditions of the year. The Mocs hold a 61-31-4 all-time record in Homecoming games and are 3-2-1 against Mercer in past Homecoming matchups.

Season tickets are on sale now, with season pass renewals open through Friday, May 29. For assistance, contact the UTC Ticket Office by email or by phone 423-266-6627.


UTC Newsroom

Black-and-white photograph of (from left to right) an unidentified individual, Margaret Sloan-Hunter, Gloria Steinem, and Tommie F. Brown. Photo courtesy of University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Special Collections.

Just days before Dr. Tommie F. Brown passed away at the age of 91 on Jan. 20, 2026, archivists at UTC crossed a significant finish line: the completion of a federally funded project to process and open Brown’s personal and professional papers for public research.

The 18-month project, supported by a $144,049 grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, resulted in the full processing of the Tommie F. Brown papers—a 172-box collection documenting the life and work of a woman whose influence shaped UTC, Chattanooga and the state of Tennessee.

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Steven Kline

After years as a UTC student, teacher and advisor, Steven Kline now leads the Clarence T. Jones Observatory—nearly 15 years after first getting involved as an assistant. Kline sat down to explain his role.

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Sarah Kantor

On the third floor of the UTC Library is a creative space many students pass without realizing what it offers. The UTC Library Studio provides all students with digital software, creative outlets and hands-on assistance.

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


WUTC

Jeremiah Harmon

Singer-songwriter Jeremiah Harmon performed and discussed his upcoming album on WUTC’s “Live in the Library.”

 

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