May 13-19, 2025
Updates and news for the week of May 13-19, 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.
Highlights
Dr. Lori Mann Bruce recommended as next UTC chancellor
 Dr. Lori Mann Bruce UT System President Randy Boyd is recommending Lori Mann Bruce to the UT Board of Trustees as the next chancellor of UTC. A special meeting of the board to consider President Boyd’s recommendation for the appointment will be held at 9 a.m. on Friday, May 16, with members participating virtually.
Dr. Bruce currently serves as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Tennessee Technological University. Under her leadership, Tennessee Tech achieved a perfect academic program quality score from the state—the first in more than 40 years—and launched new academic programs aligned with workforce needs. She also led efforts to grow research funding, improve faculty and staff compensation, and invest in major infrastructure projects across campus.
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University High students cross the stage
Cheers and applause filled the Roland Hayes Concert Hall last Friday as the inaugural graduating class of University High crossed the stage—celebrating both their diplomas and a pioneering partnership between UTC and Hamilton County Schools.
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Introducing the Moc’s Golden Feather Award
The Moc’s Golden Feather Award, formerly known as the Chancellor’s Blue Ribbon Award, is designed to celebrate and honor the dedication and excellence of our UTC staff. This program reflects our belief that every member of our campus community plays a vital role in creating a supportive and dynamic environment where students and colleagues feel valued, supported and empowered to succeed.
The award will honor staff who demonstrate exceptional performance, creativity and innovation, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative and welcoming campus culture. As the saying goes, “Mocs fly together,” and this award celebrates both teamwork and the individual contributions that uplift our community.
To learn more and to submit nominations, please visit the Moc’s Golden Feather Award webpage.
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Celebrate WUTC icon Richard Winham before his retirement
 Richard Winham After nearly four decades of shaping the sound and soul of public radio in Chattanooga, WUTC-FM host Richard Winham will retire this summer
To honor his extraordinary legacy, WUTC will host a public benefit concert from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, at Barrelhouse Ballroom, located at 1501 Long St. in downtown Chattanooga. The all-ages, family-friendly event will feature performances by local folk, blues and bluegrass artists, with a limited pre-show meet-and-greet with artists and station staff from noon to 12:45 p.m.
The benefit concert is also a fundraising event, with proceeds helping sustain WUTC’s ongoing mission to support music, arts and cultural programming in the Tennessee Valley—work inspired by Winham’s legacy. Tickets can be purchased here.
Outstanding People of UTC
 Dr. Azad Hossain Congratulations to UTC faculty and staff who received awards or submitted proposals for sponsored programs in April. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs announced that faculty and staff attracted $341,932 in external grant and contract awards during the month and submitted proposals for the potential to generate over $4,731,631 in external funding, if awarded.
Among those receiving awards in April was Dr. Azad Hossain (Biology, Geology and Environmental Science), who received $147,389 from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for year two of the project titled “Remote Sensing of Water Quality in the Tennessee River.”
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The Chattanooga Mocs men’s tennis team captured the 2025 UTR Sports NIT Championship with a 4-2 win over Saint Mary’s College of California on Friday at the Rome Tennis Center in Rome, Georgia.
The title marks the program’s first national postseason championship. UTC finished the season 15-11, winning five of its final six matches. The matchup was the first-ever meeting between UTC and Saint Mary’s.
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 Shi Mae Bowling and mentor Laurie Melnik Allen, Lyndhurst Chair of Excellence in Arts Education and Professor of Practice in Theatre Education at UTC. One University High graduate, Shi Mae Bowling, has known for years that she wanted to become a costume designer. What she didn’t know was that a high school initiative located on a college campus would turn that dream into a real, reachable goal and connect her with a mentor—Laurie Melnik Allen—who could help make it possible. But thanks to her time at University High, Bowling—a graduating senior from the program’s first cohort—has found guidance and a sense of belonging while earning college credit.
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 Ryan Jones Ryan Jones has been named Associate Vice Chancellor of Advancement at UTC. In this role, Jones will organize and coordinate fundraising efforts across the UTC campus and lead the team of fundraising professionals across the university’s academic, athletics and student support service areas.
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The Chattanooga Mocs men’s basketball team has been named the 2025 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Male Amateur Team of the Year following its historic NIT Championship season.
UTC finished 29-9, matching the most wins in program history and becoming the first Southern Conference member to win a Division I men’s basketball national title. The award will be formally presented at the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame banquet on Saturday, July 19, in Nashville.
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Check out these Mocs in the news:
- UTC’s MobileMOC health clinic was featured in a Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging video.
- News 12 Now highlighted graduating UTC students in a recent story, including Rainey Randolph, who serves as the station’s digital content producer.
- UC Foundation Professor Elizabeth O’Brien joined an episode of Jed & JR Mornings to discuss parenting.
- Assistant Professor of Geology Jennifer Taylor spoke to NewsChannel 9 about the earthquake that shook eastern Tennessee on Saturday.
- Angela Dittmar, director of teaching artist residencies for Arts-Based Collaborative, was featured in an article published in the Chattanooga Pulse.
Mark Your Calendar
Science on Tap continues in May with UTC School of Nursing’s Dr. Meagan Oslund as the featured speaker.
Join the discussion from 5-7 p.m. today (May 13), at the Tap House in St. Elmo. Oslund will share how MobileMOC—a custom-built mobile health clinic—is helping expand care for older adults and caregivers in rural communities.
Funded through a $2.6 million Tennessee Department of Health grant, MobileMOC is the centerpiece of the School of Nursing’s ROAD MAP initiative. The vehicle will be on site for attendees to explore before and after the talk.
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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Only one session remains in CPE’s Spring 2025 CHAIN Lunch and Learn Series. Attendees can enjoy lunch, network with other local professionals and explore how AI can improve productivity in both professional and personal life.
- Thursday, May 15: “AI and Society – Global Challenges, Environmental Impacts, and a Responsible Future” 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
The cost is $25 and includes lunch. Departments may pay with a transfer voucher after registration. Visit the CHAIN webpage or call the Center for Professional Education at 423-425-4344 to register or for more information.
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A town hall focused on healthy aging, rural health and community partnerships will take place from 8:30-11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20, in the Wolford Family Athletic Center.
The event will feature regional leaders, including Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Ralph Alvarado, and spotlight innovative programs supporting older adults across the region and state. It will also celebrate MobileMOC, the Rural Health and Older Adult Interprofessional Mobile Health Program.
Register here by Wednesday, May 14. All are welcome.
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After 35 years of teaching, research and service at UTC, Professor of Physics Ling-Jun “Eddie” Wang is retiring. Please join the Department of Chemistry and Physics in celebrating his career from 3-5 p.m. on Friday, May 23, in the University Center Chickamauga Room.
Campus Updates
The University is implementing a new electronic platform for IRB submissions, DASH Research IRB. In preparation for the transition from our current email submission system to DASH Research IRB, we want to inform you of some important upcoming dates. Please read carefully and make plans for your research submissions accordingly. Note that training will be provided by the UTC Office of Research Integrity so you can familiarize yourself with DASH Research IRB. Here is what you need to know now:
- Only fully approved projects will be moved into the new system. Any submissions that are not approved by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 27, will not be moved to DASH Research IRB and will need to be re-submitted in DASH Research IRB after go-live on Monday, July 14.
- To allow time for the IRB to process and approve new applications by Friday, June 27, no NEW IRB submissions (including change requests and annual reviews) will be accepted between Wednesday, June 16, and Monday, July 14.
- Please check on any outstanding IRB submissions now to see if you have any pending submissions that need to be addressed prior to this date. We recommend sending any pending submissions back to the IRB by no later than Monday, June 16, to ensure the board has time to process them.
- If you have a study that has an expiration date in June or July that you wish to continue past that end date, the IRB strongly recommends that you submit a Form B, Request for Changes, by Saturday, May 31, to avoid any issues with getting approval before the study expires.
- Monday, July 14, is the scheduled go-live date for DASH Research IRB: All new IRB applications will be submitted through this module.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact Baley Whary or call 423-425-5867 for assistance.
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The CEACSE Research Innovation and Strategic Expansion (RISE) program is now accepting proposals for early-stage, high-potential research projects that strengthen UTC’s Center for Urban Informatics and Progress (CUIP) and the Quantum Center.
Selected projects may receive up to $70,000 for the 2026 calendar year, supporting one month of summer salary for faculty or research staff, full-year PhD student support and additional research expenses.
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Deadline: Proposals must be submitted as a single PDF by 5 p.m. on Monday, July 15, to both Hannah Archer and Claudia Colpo.
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Eligibility: Lead PIs must be faculty, research faculty or postdocs at a UT System institution. If not UTC-based, the PI must advise a UTC PhD student supported by the project.
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Project Period: Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2026.
For full details and submission guidelines, view the Request for Proposals (RFP). Questions may be directed to Hannah Archer.
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Operation Move In (OMI) 2025 is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 13-14, in first-year residential spaces across campus. This marks a return to a campus-wide collaboration to welcome UTC’s newest Mocs this fall.
OMI is an opportunity for faculty, staff, students and organizations to come together and create a warm, supportive environment for incoming students and their families. A campus-wide committee is being formed to coordinate the two-day event. Volunteer roles will include unloading, parking, traffic flow, greeting and more. There will be follow-up communication to request volunteers for OMI.
For more information, contact OMI committee chair Jason Harville.
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UTC’s Master of Public Health program, specializing in Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, is still accepting applications. The program offers flexible full-time and part-time options with evening, hybrid and online classes. No GRE or prerequisite courses are required, and students from all academic backgrounds are welcome.
To learn more or apply, visit utc.edu/mph. For questions, contact Emma Sampson or call 423-425-4196.
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The Center for Wellbeing launched its Mental Health Ally training program for faculty and staff to recognize employees on campus who are engaging and learning how to best support our students’ mental health. Trainings included in the Mental Health Ally program are QPR (one hour), Suicide Prevention Using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) (one hour), Psychological First Aid (one hour) and Mental Health First Aid (eight hours). Complete trainings and receive recognition on campus for your dedication to improving outcomes for students.
Recognition tiers:
- Certificate of completion: Every training
- Mental health ally sticker to display: Complete QPR, Suicide Prevention Using the C-SSRS, and Psychological First Aid
- Mental health ally sweatshirt: Complete Mental Health First Aid
- Mental health ally recognition on Center for Wellbeing website and Campus Newsletter: Complete all four trainings
If you have questions about this program, please reach out to Amy Kyriakidis or Megan McKnight.
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Starting in July, 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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The UTC College of Engineering and Computer Science will host the Summer Algebra Enrichment Program for rising 8th through 11th graders from July 7-18 at the CECS building (735 Vine St.). The program runs from 9 a.m.-3:45 p.m. each day and the cost is $75 per student.
This two-week experience is designed to strengthen algebra skills and introduce students to career pathways in engineering, computer science and other STEM fields. The program includes Algebra 1 instruction led by experienced educators, mentoring sessions with UTC students and hands-on career exploration activities. Space is limited to 30 participants and registration is required.
For more information or to register, click here or contact CECS Outreach Coordinator Alex Coker.
UTC Newsroom
 Lori Coletta shakes hands with College of Health, Education and Professional Studies Dean Valerie Rutledge as she crossed the McKenzie Arena stage during Graduate School commencement. As advanced degree recipients from UTC’s Graduate School crossed the McKenzie Arena stage, one in particular stood out—not because of a number, but because of her story. At 62 years of age, Lori Coletta accepted her Master of Social Work degree—a moment of “legitimacy” marking the culmination of a decades-long path rooted in advocacy, exploration and the pursuit of purpose.
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 Jacob Cate Jacob Cate, who recently graduated with a studio art degree from UTC, spent the past three years drawing new life into the University’s always-feisty mascot. His bold, hand-drawn style added personality to campus campaigns, UTC homecoming themes and everything from Mocs T-shirts to mugs.
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 Mara Doze shakes hands with Interim Chancellor Robert Dooley during UTC’s commencement ceremonies. As a student ambassador in UTC’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, Mara Doze offered support that went beyond paperwork. She answered questions about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, explained financial aid processes, connected people to campus resources and, just as often, listened.
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With spring in full swing, the Arts-Based Collaborative at UTC has been bringing the arts to life in classrooms and communities across the area.
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Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:
- UTC has been selected by the Institute of International Education to receive a prestigious American Passport Project grant, which will provide funding for 25 Pell-eligible students to obtain their first U.S. passport—removing a key barrier to studying abroad and opening the door to global engagement.
- The Advisory Board for UTC will meet on Friday, May 16, in Room 102 of the James R. Mapp Building (410 E. 8th St.). The meeting will begin at 1 p.m..
WUTC
Director of the Center for Regional Economic Research Howard Wall and First Tennessee Bank Distinguished Professor of Finance Bento Lobo discussed tariffs and their effect on the economy in an episode of “Scenic Roots” on WUTC.
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