November 11-17, 2025
Updates and news for the week of November 11-17, 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
UTC named a Top Veteran-Friendly School by U.S. Veterans Magazine
U.S. Veterans Magazine has named UTC a 2025 Top Veteran-Friendly School, recognizing UTC’s campuswide commitment to students with military ties.
The designation appears in the magazine’s winter 2025 issue, which highlights institutions demonstrating long-term investment and measurable impact in serving veterans, active-duty service members, reservists and their families.
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UTC to hold Investiture Ceremony for Chancellor Bruce
 Chancellor Lori Mann Bruce UTC will hold a historic ceremony to celebrate the formal investiture of Chancellor Lori Mann Bruce at 3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21, in McKenzie Arena.
An investiture is one of the oldest traditions in higher education, a ceremonial event that formally confers authority upon a new university leader. Rooted in centuries of academic heritage, the ceremony represents both continuity and renewal—symbolizing UTC’s enduring mission and the promise of new leadership.
The event is open to the public, with doors opening at 2 p.m. Seating will be available on the Gate 1 side of McKenzie Arena, and parking will be available in the Mocs Alumni Garage (Garage 31). For more information about the event, visit the Chancellor’s Investiture webpage. For those unable to attend the investiture in person, the ceremony will be streamed live.
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Volunteer to serve as Marshal
Faculty and staff are invited to serve as marshals at the upcoming Chancellor’s Investiture and Fall 2025 Commencement ceremonies. Marshals play an important role in supporting these milestone events and ensuring a smooth experience for graduates and guests.
- Friday, Nov. 21: 3 p.m., Investiture of the Chancellor
- Friday, Dec. 12: 2:30 p.m., Graduate (all colleges)
- Saturday, Dec. 13: 9 a.m., Undergraduate (all colleges)
To volunteer, fill out this form to indicate which ceremony(ies) you are available to marshal. Questions? Contact Natalie Haber.
Outstanding People of UTC
 Charlie Mix (left) and Nyssa Hunt Congratulations to UTC faculty and staff who received awards or submitted proposals for sponsored programs in October. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs announced that faculty and staff attracted $257,000 in external grant and contract awards during the month and submitted proposals for the potential to generate over $5,402,724 in external funding, if awarded.
Among those receiving awards in October were Charlie Mix and Nyssa Hunt in the Center for Applied Geospatial Data Science.
- Mix, in collaboration with the Chattanooga Area Southern Offroad Bike Association (SORBA), received $7,500 from the Lyndhurst Foundation for the project titled “SORBA Chattanooga Mountain Biking Trail Guide Cartography.”
- Mix and Hunt, in collaboration with the Lula Lake Land Trust, received $8,827 from the Land Trust Alliance for the project titled “Lula Lake Land Trust Conservation Priority Modeling.”
- Mix and Hunt received $70,000 from Skytec, LLC for the project titled “TN Blueways Mapping and Spatial Analysis.”
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 Heather Dayton (left) and Tiffany Malapanes You may have seen them around UTC’s campus—usually outdoors and accompanied by their John Deere utility vehicle named “Gail.” Grounds foreman Tiffany Malapanes and landscaping assistant Heather Dayton both arrived at UTC as full-time employees in the spring.
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Three UTC teams have been awarded UT Wellness Mini Grants as part of a University of Tennessee System initiative supporting student well-being and success. The UT System awarded $50,000 in total to 10 projects across all campuses, with UTC receiving three of the grants.
- Digital Wellness and Boundaries Bootcamp
Office of Title IX Compliance; principal investigators: Anitra Barrett, Sara Peters, Emily Rosenquist.
Students will create online modules promoting healthy digital boundaries, consent and communication.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy Group Intervention Program for High-Risk Students
UTC Counseling Center; principal investigators: Corinne Webster, Carisha Northcutt.
This program offers therapy groups for students struggling with chronic stress or suicidal thoughts.
- Cultivating Resilience in Undergraduate Nursing Students
School of Nursing; principal investigators: Suzanne Ridge, Jason Peter.
The project builds peer resilience and self-care training through a “train-the-trainer” model.
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Check out these Mocs in the news:
- UC Foundation Professor Joey Shaw participated in a Q&A about his plant research for a Highlands Biological Station article.
- An American Talk article about the Bering Land Bridge featured UC Foundation Assistant Professor Morgan Smith.
- Adolph S. Ochs Professor of Government Michelle Deardorff joined an episode of Jed & JR Mornings to discuss the nation’s first Election Day since Trump’s return to the White House.
- UC Foundation Associate Professor of health and human performance Liz Hathaway joined Jed & JR Mornings for a discussion about fitness trends.
- Center for Regional Economic Research Director Howard Wall spoke to the Times Free Press about new apartments in Chattanooga and its effect on the local economy.
Mark Your Calendar
 Photo credit: Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:
- Friday, Nov. 14: Volleyball vs. The Citadel, Maclellan Gym, 6 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 15: Volleyball vs. Furman, Maclellan Gym, 6 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 16: Women’s Basketball vs. UAB, McKenzie Arena, 2 p.m.
- Monday, Nov. 17: Chat With the Mocs, Miller’s Ale House (Hixson), 96.1 FM, 7 p.m.
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Information sessions are taking place for the spring 2026 study abroad course, “Doing Business in The Balkans,” which is open to all UTC students. The course has no prerequisites and includes a two-week international study trip to the Balkans, visiting Italy, Croatia and Albania (tentatively scheduled for May 11-24). The Balkans course is led by Dr. Beni Asllani, head of data analytics and native of Albania.
Information sessions:
- Today (Nov. 11): 12:30 p.m., Zoom
- Thursday, Nov. 20: 2 p.m., Zoom
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Information sessions are taking place for the summer 2026 study abroad course, “Doing Business in Germany,” which is open to all UTC students. The course has no prerequisites and includes a two-week international study trip to Germany, visiting Berlin, Nuremberg and Munich (tentatively scheduled for June 20-July 3). The Germany course is led by Dr. Michael Jones, senior associate dean of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business.
Information sessions:
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Graduate students are invited to “Yappy Hour and Moc-tails” from 4-6 p.m. today (Nov. 11), in Fletcher Hall Room 438. Meet fellow graduate students, share your interests and enjoy alcohol-free mocktails in a relaxed, social setting. Hosted by the Graduate Student Association.
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The UT System will host a refresher session on DASH reports supporting departmental ledger processes from 10-11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12. The session will include guidance on troubleshooting and investigating transactions, with time for Q&A.
Based on feedback from the previous session, this event will focus more on departmental funding ledgers rather than research funding. No registration is required.
Join the Town Hall using this link or by visiting the Friends of DASH website under DASH…Did You Know?
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Celebrate Veterans Day with the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12, outside of Hooper Hall. Veterans eat free, and food trucks will be on campus serving a variety of meals.
Support the event by donating or “paying it forward” with a $13 meal card to sponsor a veteran meal voucher at Give.UTC/Veterans. Click here to RSVP.
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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. The Rollins College of Business graduate programs provide flexible course options and exclusive career support resources to elevate your education and advance your career.
MSM Information Sessions
Business Analytics Certificate Information Sessions
MBA Information Sessions
MSDA Information Sessions
MAcc Information Sessions
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The Guerry Center will host a Volunteer Fair from 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12, in the Guerry Center Reading Room. Meet representatives from local organizations and nonprofits looking for UTC students to get involved and give back to the Chattanooga community. The event is open to all members of the UTC community, with free pub subs and refreshments available.
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High school students and families are invited to experience what it means to be a Moc during the Power C Tour from 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the Aquatic and Recreation Center. The event connects future students with UTC leaders, faculty, staff and current Mocs to learn about academics, housing, financial aid and campus life. Qualified seniors can even earn admission on the spot through the University’s “Moc Minute” program.
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Students in Dr. Katelyn Hancock’s Ethics in Criminal Justice course will showcase their artwork during the Pouring for Purpose Gallery from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13, in the University Center Chickamauga Room.
The event features abstract paintings created by students exploring ethical dilemmas and solutions in the criminal justice system. Attendees can take home a student painting in exchange for a donation, with all proceeds benefiting the local nonprofit Partnership for Families, Children and Adults’ HOPE Initiative Program. Both cash and electronic donations will be accepted.
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UTC’s Undergraduate Curriculum Committee will meet at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13, via Zoom. For a list of the proposals that will be considered, log on to Curriculog and select the University Undergrad – Nov. 13, 2025 agenda.
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UTC will welcome hundreds of prospective students and their families to campus for Blue and Gold Preview Day from 8:30 a.m.-noon on Saturday, Nov. 15, at the UTC Aquatic and Recreation Center (ARC). Volunteers are needed to help guide guests around campus and share what it means to be a Moc.
Student volunteers will receive a UTC T-shirt, meal voucher and service hour credit for their time. This is also a great opportunity for those interested in becoming an orientation leader or campus ambassador. For questions, contact Maddie Mills.
Volunteers must attend one of the following info sessions:
- 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, Tour Room (2nd floor of the University Center)
- 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, Tour Room (2nd floor of the University Center)
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Dr. Amy Brock-Hon, Robert Lake Wilson Professor of Geology, will lead a lecture on Raccoon Mountain Caverns and regional geology at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13, in Grote Hall Room 319.
Following the lecture, Brock-Hon will guide a tour of the public section of the caverns at 5:30 p.m. (319 W. Hills Drive).
Space for the cavern tour is limited to 10 participants, but the lecture is open to all. Those interested in the tour are asked to attend the lecture first, as key background information will be shared there. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended for the tour.
Click here to register for the lecture and tour and learn more about the caverns.
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The Center for Wellbeing offers a monthly lineup of trainings for faculty and staff. Please sign up here. Sessions that count toward completion of the Mental Health Ally Program are marked 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.
- Friday, Nov. 14: Sleep Matters: Improving Sleep Among Employees and Students, Zoom, noon-1 p.m.
- *Friday, Nov. 14: Mental Health First Aid, Library Room 209, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
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 College Quest student panelists Bentley Adkins, left, Shelby Alford, Tooba Tanveer and Lukas Wise On Friday, Nov. 14, high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing careers in professional health care, engineering, computer science and technology—along with their families—are invited to College Quest at UTC.
Co-hosted by UTC’s Pre-Health Professions Advising, the College of Engineering and Computer Science, and UTC Admissions, College Quest combines targeted academic sessions, lab experiences, and a student panel with a parent track that covers financial aid, housing, career services and academic support. Click here to learn more about the panelists and their UTC stories.
The half-day event takes place from noon to 5 p.m. at the Wolford Family Athletic Center. The event is free and complimentary parking is available in Lot 31. Registration for College Quest is required by Nov. 4 and is available online by visiting go.utc.edu/college-quest.
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Cheer on UTC’s Civil Engineering Concrete Canoe Team and Rowing Team as they swap boats and race for bragging rights during Athletes vs. Engineers from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Chattanooga Rowing Boathouse (1001 Riverside Drive). Enjoy free food, music and networking opportunities. Hosted by the College of Engineering and Computer Science.
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Join the Center for Global Education in celebrating International Education Week, recognizing the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. Each fall, the Center hosts events that highlight cultural experiences, global awareness, and the value international scholars and students bring to UTC. All events are open to students, faculty and staff.
Monday, Nov. 17
Tuesday, Nov. 18
Wednesday, Nov. 19
Thursday, Nov. 20
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The next Scrappy’s Market will be from 2-4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18, on Vine Street.
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Faculty, staff, and community members are invited to learn more at the upcoming Professional Education Open House from 3-4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18, via Zoom.
The UTC Center for Professional Education offers flexible, career-focused programs designed to help working professionals advance their skills in Human Resources, Supply Chain, Project Management, Artificial Intelligence and Information Technology. Each program is led by industry experts who bring real-world experience into the classroom, preparing participants for certification exams and career advancement opportunities. Click here to RSVP.
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The UTC Theatre Co. will perform Euripides’ “Medea,” translated by Diane J. Rayor, from Nov. 18-22 in the Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre at the UTC Fine Arts Center. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. nightly, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, Nov. 22.
Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for students and seniors (student ID required). Tickets can be purchased online or through the UTC Fine Arts Center Box Office—by phone at 423-425-4269 or in person.
Directed by Assistant Professor Drew Davidson, “Medea” explores betrayal, exile and revenge in a fast-paced, 90-minute adaptation that balances classical language with modern accessibility.
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*will put in blog link Monday*
Join the Center for Applied Geospatial Data Science (CAGDS) on Wednesday, Nov. 19, to celebrate GIS Day, a global event recognizing the work of geographic information systems (GIS) professionals. This year’s theme highlights how today’s geospatial thinkers are “geo-generalists,” applying spatial thinking across disciplines such as public health, marketing, climate science and logistics to solve complex challenges using data-driven insight.
CAGDS will host a free workshop, “GeoAI — Deep Learning for Imagery Classification in GIS and Remote Sensing,” from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Multidisciplinary Research Building (MDRB 102). Registration is required. Participants will explore the intersection of GIS and artificial intelligence (AI), learning how deep learning techniques can analyze high-resolution imagery to:
- Classify land cover types such as forests, farmland, water and urban areas
- Detect and count buildings, vehicles or roads
- Identify storm or wildfire damage to support disaster response
By combining AI with GIS, users can process large datasets faster, uncover hidden patterns and gain new insights about the world around us.
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Free STI testing will be available for all UTC students, faculty and staff from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at the Terrell Owens Way roundabout (between the University Center and University Health Services).
The event is hosted by the Center for Wellbeing and provided by the Music City PrEP Clinic.
Schedule your appointment here.
Campus Updates
November is National Healthy Skin Month—a great reminder to take care of your body’s largest organ. As the weather cools and campus life gets busier, keep your skin glowing by staying hydrated, using a gentle cleanser and moisturizing right after cleansing to lock in hydration. Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and healthy fats, and make your skincare routine adjustable, consistent and tailored (ACT).
Your skin’s needs change with the seasons, your environment, and even stress—so adjust as needed. Consistency is key: most products take at least 30 days to show results, so resist the urge to constantly switch things up. Tailor your routine to your unique skin type—what works for someone on social media may not work for you. And remember, daily sunscreen is non-negotiable—even on cloudy days or when you’re indoors near windows. It’s the single most effective step to prevent premature aging, sun damage and skin cancer. Finally, don’t overlook rest and stress management—your skin reflects your overall well-being. Treat it kindly, and it’ll show.
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The following employees joined UTC in October:
- Nicolas Everhart – IT Administrator, Information Technology
- Dionne Gray – MobileMOC Community Health Worker, School of Nursing
- Patrick D. Sherlock – Housing Security Officer, Security Services
- Jose F. Lopez Gonzalez – Police Officer, Police Emergency Services
- Joni Martin – Administrative Support, Division of Access and Engagement
- William Douglas May – Financial Aid Accounting Coordinator, Financial Aid
- Christopher Moreland – CECS Recruitment and Outreach Specialist, College of Engineering and Computer Science
- Julia Becker – Academic Records Evaluator, Registrar’s Office
- Mamadou Diallo – Assistant Teacher, Children’s Center at Brown Academy
- Haley Woodruff – Interim Golf Coach, Women’s Golf
- Emily Hannah Clark – Project Manager, School of Nursing
- Tiana Leonard – HR Partner, Human Resources
- Bonnie Callaway – Academic Advisor I, CAS Student Success Center
- Debora Maria Advincula – Senior Custodian, Building Services
- Tovonna Covington – Custodian, Boling Apartments
- Daisy Guadalupe Lopez Acosta – Custodian, West Campus
- Kimele Carter – Executive Director, Disability Resource Center
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In August, the UTC campus experienced a criminal act intended to cause disruption, chaos and trauma. While similar incidents have impacted other institutions across the country, UTC was among the first targeted this academic year—serving as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and collective resilience.
At the direction of University administration, UTC will now require mandatory Active Violence Response Training for all regular full-time employees (faculty and staff) and affiliated staff (Aramark, Barnes & Noble and Canon). This marks the first year the training is mandatory for the campus community.
To assist in delivering the program, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) has partnered with Defend Systems, a life safety and security consulting firm specializing in active shooter response and emergency preparedness. The training will focus on emergency awareness, critical response actions and strategies that improve survivability. Click here to register for a session.
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The UTC Center for Global Education has been awarded the IIE American Passport Project Grant for the 2025-2026 academic year. This national grant will fund the first U.S. passport for 25 Pell-eligible UTC students, helping them take their first step toward studying abroad.
What’s included:
- Full cost of a new U.S. passport (application and photo)
- Guidance from global education advisors
- Peer mentoring and pre-study abroad workshops
Click here to learn more about eligibility and apply. The deadline to apply is Friday, Nov. 21.
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Support a survivor and help protect the planet at the same time. The UTC Police Department is collecting used cell phones, tablets, laptops and other small electronic devices—working or not—to be securely wiped and either recycled or refurbished for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.
Through a partnership with the 911 Cell Phone Bank, refurbished devices are provided with two months of prepaid service at no cost to the victim, with low-cost renewal options available afterward. So far this year, more than 90 victims, advocates and forensic nurses in Hamilton County have received phones, laptops and iPads through this program.
Donations can be dropped off anytime in the UTC Police Department lobby, open 24/7.
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Often, we think of summer programs when we think of Programs for Minors, but UTC has a wealth of programs designed for our area youth that run throughout the year. The Programs for Minors policy, a UT system policy, is in place to ensure that minors (youth 17 and younger) and the individuals who work with them are protected.
If you have questions about the policy or a program you are planning, please visit the Programs for Minors webpage or contact UTCDPS_Compliance@utc.edu.
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Housing and Residence Life is looking for resident assistants for the spring 2026 academic semester and the 2026-2027 academic year. RAs are students who work and live in the residence halls to provide resources, programs and support to their fellow students. This position offers free housing, a meal plan and a stipend. Being an RA is a great way to get involved on campus and develop transferable skills for your future career. Visit utc.edu/ra to learn more
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UTC Campus Recreation is offering a new Faculty and Staff Walking Membership for $10 per month.
Payroll deduction is available for full-time faculty and staff. Sign-ups begin Nov. 3 at the Campus Recreation Office in the Aquatic and Recreation Center (ARC). Office hours can be found here. Please note that this membership is valid only for the indoor walking track. Other areas of the building, including machines and free weights along the track, are off-limits.
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The R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) Program is a national self-defense course that focuses on awareness, prevention, risk reduction and realistic hands-on training. Classes are taught by certified UTC Police and Public Safety instructors.
- Free for students, faculty and staff
- No experience necessary
- Emphasis on safety and empowerment
- Offered multiple times throughout the year
Click here or email Marion Perkins to register or learn more.
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The Clarence E. Harris Chair of Excellence in Entrepreneurship in UTC’s Gary W. Rollins College of Business is excited to announce the third year of Mocs Innovate: The Harris Chair Seed Fund for Innovation. This mini-grant program is designed to foster inventive research and entrepreneurial initiatives on campus. UTC faculty and staff are encouraged to apply for grants of up to $4,000 to support new ideas with commercialization potential.
The Mocs Innovate mini-grant program aims to inspire and support creative projects at all stages of development and is open to any UTC faculty or staff member with innovative ideas that demonstrate clear pathways for licensing or entrepreneurial ventures. By providing up to $4,000 in funding, the Mocs Innovate initiative seeks to accelerate the development of ideas that can have a meaningful impact both within and beyond the University.
Click here to learn more. The deadline to apply for this cycle of grant funding is Dec. 15.
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The Office of Research Integrity (ORI) will host a training session to help the campus community transition to DASH Research, UTC’s new research administration platform.
DASH Research Safety: The Research Safety module will go live on Nov. 10, replacing the current IBC email/Word document submission process. Principal investigators will not be required to submit new registrations until Jan. 12, 2026, allowing ORI to migrate active registrations first. ORI will host an in-person demonstration of the new platform from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4. Lunch will be provided. To attend, RSVP to the IBC at ibc@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
 Savannah Bananas owner Jesse Cole discusses his journey with marketing students. Jesse Cole, owner of the American sensation Savannah Bananas, discussed his journey of owning the baseball team with UTC marketing students over Zoom.
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 Chief Sean O’Brien (left), Deputy Chief Matt Holzmacher and Director of Emergency Management Brett Fuchs Students in Dr. Katelyn Hancock’s criminology class recently spent their class time going on a “crime walk.” Though UTC has its own police force and safety experts, Hancock wanted her students to ask: What areas can be improved?
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Nearly 1,500 local elementary and middle school students packed the McKenzie Arena stands for the annual Education Day game last week, helping create an atmosphere that matched the energy on the court.
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 As part of a service project, students from the Perspectives on Death and Dying course paint pumpkins at Welcome Home of Chattanooga. Photo by Chapel Cowden. While discussing death is a taboo subject for many, for Chapel Cowden it is a course topic she embraces.
Cowden, a health and science librarian and UC Foundation professor at UTC, teaches Perspectives on Death and Dying. She said the course is one of the most requested every year. Available to students in the Honors College, the course examines death from various angles.
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 CECS Student Ambassador Tooba Tanveer meets with a recruiter at the CECS Career Fair Last week, UTC College of Engineering and Computer Science students were given time to network right outside their classrooms. The CECS Career Fair brought 76 companies to the college, with companies hosted on all four floors of the Engineering and Computer Science building.
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Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:
WUTC
An episode of WUTC’s “Scenic Roots” featured members of the Arts-Based Collaborative at UTC.
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