March 4-10, 2025

Updates and news for the week of March 4-10, 2025

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

Expansion of UTC’s Gary W. Rollins College of Business breaks ground

From left: Vice Chancellor for Advancement Kim White, Sen. Bo Watson, Interim Chancellor Robert Dooley, Gary W. Rollins, Kathleen Rollins, UT System President Randy Boyd and Interim Dean of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business Michael Jones.

The current home of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business broke ground on an 81,000-square-foot expansion to Fletcher Hall. Located at the corner of McCallie Avenue and Douglas Street, the four-story addition will complement the existing building by connecting all four stories, expanding on the north side of the building facing away from McCallie Avenue. In case you missed it, watch a recap video here.

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Your Mocs are SoCon Champions

The Mocs men’s basketball team won the 2024-25 Southern Conference regular-season championship. This is the 13th title for the Mocs and their first since 2022

The team is set to begin its SoCon Tournament run at noon on Saturday, March 8, against either The Citadel or Western Carolina.

The women’s team, the No. 2 seed in the SoCon Tournament, plays Thursday, March 6, against Mercer.

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Chancellor search is underway

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Nominate Outstanding Faculty and Staff for the Alumni Awards

Dr. Jose Barbosa

Each year, the University of Tennessee Alumni Association (UTAA) honors outstanding UTC faculty and staff through two prestigious awards: the Outstanding Teacher and Public Service Awards. Each award includes a $1,000 honorarium and an invitation to the reception and dinner of the UTAA Board of Governors. Applications are due Monday, March 31. Click here to nominate.

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SCIENCE ON TAP RETURNS

Science on Tap returns in March with Dr. Amy Brock-Hon and “Mocs Underground: Advancing Research and Experiential Learning at Raccoon Mountain Caverns.”

Join the discussion from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, at the Tap House in St. Elmo. Brock-Hon, the Robert Lake Wilson Professor of Geology at UTC, will take Science on Tap participants inside the research and learning opportunities at Raccoon Mountain Caverns, a newly gifted site to UTC.

She’ll explain how studies in the cave may advance understanding of complex karst systems and the unique cave environment. Brock-Hon also will discuss the value of cave research for the community—beyond just UTC students and faculty—and take your questions.

Enjoy free snacks and appetizers, with local brews and other beverages available for purchase at happy hour prices. Additional 10% discount for military, first responders and students with ID. Register here. 

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Women’s History Month at UTC

To honor the sacrifices and changes women have set forth in history, the Center for Women and Gender Equity (WaGE) at the UTC celebrates Women’s History Month throughout March.

Women’s History Month calendar of events include:

• Wednesday, March 5: International Women’s Day Trivia, first floor of Lupton Hall, 3:30 p.m.
• Monday, March 17: Stitch and Bitch, Lupton Hall 118, noon
• Monday, March 24: Gender and Neurodiversity Chat, Disability Resource Center (University Center 352), noon
• Friday, March 28, through Sunday, March 30: Women’s Leadership Academy, Ocoee Retreat Center
• Monday, March 31: Stitch and Bitch, Lupton Hall 118, noon

Outstanding People of UTC

Emily Patton

WaterWays, a Chattanooga-area nonprofit, announced May 2024 UTC graduate Emily Patton as the first recipient of the Schorr Internship in honor of the late Dr. Mark Schorr, a professor in the Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science.

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Ryan Jones

UTC Senior Associate Athletics Director for Advancement Ryan Jones was named the 2025 College Division Fundraiser of the Year by the National Association of Athletic Directors of Development. Jones is in his fourth year with the Mocs and has guided UTC’s fundraising efforts to unprecedented success during his tenure.

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UTC Society of Physics Students members present their LEGOLAS project at the 2024 Southeastern Section of the American Physical Society meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina. From left: Emery Rutledge, Olivia Ziemer, Dr. Joshua Hamblen, Megan Black, Dr. Tatiana Allen, Samuel Glandon, Ike Deitch and Evan Humberd (photo courtesy of Dr. Tatiana Allen).

UC Foundation Professor of Physics Tatiana Allen has been named the 2023-24 Society of Physics Students (SPS) Outstanding Chapter Advisor for her leadership and guidance of the SPS chapter at UTC. The Outstanding Chapter Advisor—the highest honor given annually by the SPS—is bestowed to one advisor among approximately 850 chapters nationwide. The award recognizes exceptional leadership, student leadership development, and the support and encouragement an advisor provides to their chapter.

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Check out these Mocs in the news:

• Visiting Lecturer John Hart, the interim director of the Clarence T. Jones Observatory, was on WGOW-FM’s Jed & JR Mornings to talk about an asteroid that in on a path toward Earth.
• Manuscripts Archivist Molly Copeland spoke to News 12 Now and Chattanoogan.com about the UTC Special Collections unveiling of the Chattanooga Lookouts digital collection.
• An episode of Jed & JR Mornings featured Mike Bradshaw, director of UTC’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Mark Your Calendar

Cortland Grove (photo credit: Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com)

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

• Friday, March 7: Men’s tennis vs. UAB, UTC Tennis Center, 2 p.m. 

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The UT System is launching the “Well Informed: UT System Hybrid Wellness Series” from 9 a.m.-1:45 p.m. today (March 4) with its first session focused on the impact of opioids on our campuses and how we can work together to prevent substance misuse and promote well-being.

This event features a keynote from Dr. Stephen Loyd, insights from UT System President Randy Boyd and interactive Narcan training. It’s an important opportunity to equip faculty, staff and students with the knowledge and resources to address opioid use and create a healthier campus community. Join us in person at UTC, live online or register to watch later. Click here to learn more.

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In conjunction with Mocs Dining, Scrappy’s Markets are returning for the spring 2025 term. Please join us to receive 10 free fresh produce items during each event. Open to all faculty, staff and students. All markets are held in the University Center from 2-4 p.m., with the next one taking place today (March 4). Markets will also be held March 19, April 1 and April 14.

Please consider donating to Scrappy’s Cupboard food pantry this semester. We have seen an increase in use and need donations to continue to support our community. We accept all non-perishable, unopened, unexpired food and personal care items. Donations can be dropped off from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday in UC Room 399.

Scrappy’s Cupboard is most in need of can openers, canned/boxed milk and milk alternatives, toilet paper, paper towels, sports drinks, cooking oils, canned fruit, canned meats, rice, breakfast bars and instant mashed potatoes. We also accept clothing items and are in need of gloves, hats, scarves and lightly used winter coats. Donate via our Amazon Wishlist or financially online. If your group would like to host a food drive, please reach out to scrappyscupboard@utc.edu.

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Dr. Cecilia Fajardo-Hill

Dr. Cecilia Fajardo-Hill will present a guest lecture, “Body Politics/Political Bodies in Latin American Art,” from 5-6 p.m. today (March 4) in Fine Arts Center Room 315. Light refreshments will be provided. The talk will explore how Latin American artists, particularly women, have used the body as a site of resistance, agency and imagination in response to dictatorships and oppression since the 1960s.

An art historian, curator and writer specializing in Latin American and Latinx art, Fajardo-Hill has curated major exhibitions such as “Radical Women: Latin American Art 1960-1985.” She is an associate professor of museum studies and art history at Arizona State University and director of the Northlight Gallery.

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Sponsored by the George C. Connor Professorship of American Literature and the UTC Department of English, the Take Five 2025 lineup explores what it means to be educated in the modern world.

Take Five sessions occur Tuesday nights at 6 p.m. in the University Center Tennessee Room. Each session will offer a light dinner, and no RSVP is necessary. Upcoming spring dates:

• Today (March 4): Dr. Jennifer Beech presents David Joy’s “When These Mountains Burn”
• Tuesday, March 18: Dr. Verbie Prevost presents Larry Brown’s “Dirty Work”
• Tuesday, April 8: Dr. Bryan Hampton presents Julie Schumacher’s “The Shakespeare Requirement”

All books are available through online retailers and at the UTC Bookstore (423-425-4107). Contact Aaron-Shaheen@utc.edu with questions.

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The Office of Multicultural Affairs book club will be reading Chamique Holdsclaw’s book, “Breaking Through: Beating the Odds Shot after Shot,” at its next meeting today (March 4). Anyone who has a copy of the book is welcome to join.

Book club meetings will also be held on March 18 and April 2. There are a limited number of books available for students. Sign up here.

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Ever wonder what a registrar does all day? Have questions for a registrar?

Faculty and staff are invited to join the registrars for open discussion of the roles and responsibilities of the Office of the Registrar and explore ways we can work together to best serve UTC.

The next session will take place from 10-11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 5, in Engineering and Computer Science Room 238. Additional sessions will be held from 11 a.m.-noon on Monday, March 24, in Fletcher Hall Room 211 and from 1-2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, in Hunter Hall Room 215. Attendees are welcome to stop by as their schedules allow.

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Come by the Center for Wellbeing from noon-2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5, in University Center Room 350 to design your own wellness essentials kit and get prepared for a safer spring break.

Pick up free items including naloxone, fentanyl test strips, safer sex supplies, sunscreen, sunglasses, sunhat, electrolyte replacers, aloe and SPF lip balm.

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Throughout your undergraduate and graduate academic career, you’ve gained a wealth of valuable skills and experiences—but how do they translate into landing your dream job?

Join the Graduate School and Career Connections from noon-1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5, via Zoom for an engaging workshop where we’ll explore how to showcase your college experiences in ways that captivate employers and boost your chances of getting hired.

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The next Quantum Journal Club will take place at 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, in the Math Department Conference Room (Lupton Hall Room 308). Dr. Kazi Reaz, a postdoctoral researcher at UTC, will be the featured speaker for the meeting. Reaz’s presentation, “White Rabbit: a PTP Application for Robust Sub-nanosecond Synchronization,” will cover time distribution in a White Rabbit Network. The talk will provide an overview of the White Rabbit project and its requirements, emphasizing the system’s critical timing aspects.

Going forward, Edward Steele and Gage Plott will coordinate the club’s meetings. Those interested in suggesting future speakers are encouraged to contact them.

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Students, what events do you want to see on campus? Help shape our student programs and events by completing this quick survey. Your feedback will help us in providing the best experiences for the 2025-2026 academic year. The survey will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 7.

The first 1,000 students to participate will receive one of the following UTC branded giveaway items: 40-ounce cup with straw, mini umbrella, UTC Croc charms (two per student) or a UTC blanket. Click here to complete the survey.

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Join the Clarence T. Jones Observatory on Saturday, March 8, for a one-time free event celebrating International Women’s Day. “Sisterhood of the Stars” honors the contributions of influential women in astronomy with an evening of interactive exhibits and a planetarium show.

Gates open at 6:30 p.m., with programs running from 7-9 p.m. Attendees who arrive by 7 p.m. or earlier will have priority admittance until capacity is reached.

The Clarence T. Jones Observatory is located at 10 N. Tuxedo Ave. For easier access, parking is available behind Brainerd United Methodist Church.

For more details, click here.

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The Meacham Writers’ Workshop, one of UTC’s longest-running literary traditions, will celebrate its 40th anniversary this spring with a series of readings, receptions and special events featuring award-winning writers, UTC alums and emerging voices.

The 2025 Spring Meacham Writers’ Workshop, taking place March 19-22, is free and open to the public—with events held at various locations on the UTC campus and at Stove Works (1250 E. 13th St. in Chattanooga). Since its inception in 1985, the workshop has provided a platform for nationally known authors, local writers, students and novice writers to engage in an open exchange of ideas, works and readings.

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The Department of Chemistry and Physics continues its spring semester seminar series with “Ether Dynamics and Unification of Gravitational and Electromagnetic Forces,” a talk presented by Dr. Ling Jun “Eddie” Wang, professor of physics in the Department of Chemistry and Physics. The event will take place from 3:30-4:15 p.m. on Friday, March 21, in Grote Hall Room 129.

In this talk, based on over 30 years of scholarship at UTC, Wang will present his theory of Ether Dynamics, which unifies the Biot-Savart law and the Lorentz force law in electrodynamics. His research demonstrates that the magnetic field arises from the vorticity of ether and introduces a dynamic gravitational force to complement Isaac Newton’s static gravitational force. This work contributes to the long-standing effort in the physics community to unify gravitational and electromagnetic forces.

For event details, click here.

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Join the Master of Public Health program for Nourishing Minds in Research Bites from 1-2 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, in the Metropolitan Building Room 306. The event, sponsored by Cengage Learning and the HHP Department, will feature presentations by MPH students Emily Holden and Brittany Rogers and faculty member Marissa McElrone. Food and beverages will be provided.

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Business students are invited to an exclusive Unum Luncheon from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2, at Unum’s downtown office, where they can explore internship and full-time opportunities, network with company representatives and tour the office.

A van is available for 11 students on a first-come, first-served basis, or attendees may drive themselves. Space is limited, so RSVP by emailing Megan Cales by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 28, indicating transportation needs and any dietary restrictions.

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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.

• Today (March 4): Chloe Smotherman, Lupton Hall Room 376, 11 a.m., Calendar
• Today (March 4): Alexandra King, Zoom, 1 p.m., Calendar
• Wednesday (March 5): Julie Spino, Zoom, 9 a.m., Calendar
• Wednesday (March 5): Antonio Meeks, Zoom, 12:30 p.m., Calendar
• Wednesday (March 5): Berri Rawls, 540 McCallie Room 357, 1 p.m., Calendar
• Thursday (March 6): Tuan Nguyen, Multidisciplinary Research Building Conference Room, 9 a.m., Calendar
• Thursday (March 6): Bailee Smith, 540 McCallie Room 357, 9:30 a.m., Calendar
• Thursday (March 6): Andrea Stevens, ECS Room 440, 10 a.m., Calendar
• Thursday (March 6): Seyedmehdi Khaleghian, Multidisciplinary Research Building Conference Room, 12:30 p.m., Calendar
• Thursday (March 6): Daniel Carpenter, Zoom, 1 p.m., Calendar
• Thursday (March 6): Foster Opoku, Zoom, 1 p.m., Calendar
• Thursday (March 6): John DiClementi, 540 McCallie Room 357, 3 p.m., Calendar
• Thursday (March 6): Michael Downs, Lupton Hall Room 393, 4:30 p.m., Calendar
• Friday (March 7): Brandalyn Shropshire, Lupton Hall Room 372, 11 a.m., Calendar
• Friday (March 7): Amelia Ribeiro, Zoom, 1 p.m., Calendar
• Friday (March 7): Mark Mariani, 540 McCallie Room 394, 1:30 p.m., Calendar

Campus Updates

The UTC train is under new management. Advancement is now overseeing the reservation and usage of the train. If you’re interested in having the train at an event, or if you are a faculty or staff member who is interested in becoming a “conductor,” please email Laura-Snyder@utc.edu.

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Details for the Spring 2025 CHAIN (Chattanooga’s Artificial Intelligence Network) Lunch and Learn Series have been posted. From practical applications to the future of the AI landscape, you’ll learn how to utilize AI in your business and in your life while networking with peers in the Chattanooga area.

Monthly sessions will be held at 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Thursdays through May, and lunch is included. Check out the CHAIN webpage or call the Center for Professional Education (423-425-4344) to register or for more info. The cost is $25 per session. Departments may pay with a transfer voucher after registration.

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The Humanities Program invites all UTC undergraduates to participate in the North Callahan Essay Prize, awarded each year to an undergraduate whose exceptionally fine essay addresses a subject related to the Humanities (art, music, philosophy, religion, rhetoric/literature, history, theater, or interdisciplinary studies that combine these disciplines). Essays will be evaluated by an interdisciplinary committee of professors. The prize carries a $1,000 award.

Funding for the award 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 an alumnus of the University of Chattanooga.

Essays must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 21. Click here for the submission form PDF. Email jose-luis-gastanaga@utc.edu with questions and to submit the essay.

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Starting in June, rising second to sixth graders in the Challenger Exploration Camp will have the opportunity to participate in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) challenges, rocket launches and explorations of space and Earth. Each day, campers can also go on excursions to locations such as the Chattanooga Zoo, the UTC Aquatic and Recreation Center, the Clarence T. Jones Observatory and the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center.

To learn more about the Challenger STEM Learning Center and to access a link to the Challenger Exploration Camp, visit this link.

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Registration is now open for Mocs Adventure Camp, a summer experience filled with adventure, exploration and fun. Designed for rising first through eighth graders, the camp takes place at the UTC Aquatic and Recreation Center and offers a mix of outdoor activities, team-building experiences and skill development, all led by experienced and enthusiastic staff. The cost is $300 per week.

Camp dates:

• Week 1: June 2-6
• Week 2: June 9-13
• Week 3: June 16-20
• Week 4: June 23-27
• Week 5: July 7-11
• Week 6: July 14-18
• Week 7: July 21-25
• Week 8: July 28-Aug. 1

Spots fill up quickly, so don’t miss out on an unforgettable summer. Visit utc.edu/mocs-adventure-camp to register. For questions, contact Mocs Adventure Camp at MocsAdventureCamp@utc.edu or call 423-425-4213.

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UTC Aquatics is now hiring lifeguards for summer 2025. Applicants must be 16 years or older, pass all lifeguard prerequisites, be able to teach swimming lessons (training provided) and must have American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification. If applicants can work all summer, certification can be provided.

Lifeguards will make $13 an hour. Contact Kate Dennis at emma-dennis@utc.edu if interested.

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UTC students, faculty and staff can try out a subscription to Ground News thanks to the UTC Library.

Ground News is a platform that makes it easy to compare news sources, read between the lines of media bias and break free from algorithms. Nearly 60,000 articles from publications around the world are compiled every day, and users can explore political biases, factuality and ownership data from just about every news organization. Users can also take advantage of the Blindspot feature to see stories covered by different sides of the political spectrum.

To sign up:

• Make sure you are connected to UTC Wi-Fi or logged in to a computer on the UTC network.
• Visit https://ground.news/register or download the Ground News app in the App Store or Google Play.
• Use your own e-mail and password. No need to use the “Continue with Institution” feature.

Trial access ends on Saturday, March 22. If you have any questions, feedback or would like to see this resource stick around, please contact us via e-mail at materials@utc.edu.

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UTC Campus Recreation provides a variety of ways to stay active, from fitness classes and outdoor adventures to intramural sports, weightlifting and club sports. The Campus Recreation office, located in the Aquatics and Recreation Center, is open to anyone interested in learning more about available programs. Full-time faculty and staff memberships are $25 per month and can be set up as a payroll deduction.

Current opportunities include intramural registration for 7×7 soccer, indoor pickleball and indoor volleyball. Campus Recreation is also hiring lifeguards for the summer. Those interested can contact Kate Dennis at emma-dennis@utc.edu for more information.

UTC Newsroom

UTC students, faculty and local residents participated in the “Chattanooga Marathon Project,” a research initiative led by the Department of Health and Human Performance to study the physical, mental and social benefits of race training. After seven weeks of training with Fast Break Athletics, participants took on the Chattanooga Marathon 5K and/or 10K. HHP faculty and students tracked their progress to examine how structured training, social support and expert guidance influence long-term fitness habits and self-confidence.

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From left: Luke, Isabella and Matthew Riggs.

For many college freshmen, finding a study group can be a challenge. But for triplets Isabella, Luke and Matthew Riggs, their study partners have been the same since birth. The UTC mechanical engineering majors are inseparable—attending every class together, taking the same coursework and earning identical 4.0 GPAs.

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Clockwise from top left: Billy Weeks, Kathleen Greeson, Patrick Murphy-Racey, Jess Harris and Mike Stewart.

From 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5, the campus community and the public are invited to attend a discussion and Q&A session with photojournalists Kathleen Greeson, Patrick Murphy-Racey, Jess Harris and Mike Stewart. As founder and leader of Photo Night, photojournalist and Associate Lecturer Billy Weeks gives each professional the chance to showcase their work and share their experiences with the audience.

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

• With spring training baseball in full swing, the UTC Library’s Special Collections has published a new digital collection documenting the early history of the Chattanooga Lookouts minor league baseball team. The collection, titled “Sandy Sandlin Chattanooga Lookouts Photographs,” contains photographs, memorabilia, papers, newspaper clippings and other materials documenting the Lookouts from 1912 to 1987—with the bulk dating from the 1930s to the 1960s.
• The UT Leadership Institute recognizes and trains leaders within the UT System to develop their skills and understanding of leadership’s role in higher education. Approximately 50 participants from UT institutions and administrative units are invited to attend.

WUTC

UTC Associate Lecturer of photojournalism Billy Weeks and Pulitzer Prize-winning Associated Press photographer Mike Stewart joined an episode of WUTC’s “Scenic Roots.”