November 18-24, 2025
Updates and news for the week of November 18-24, 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 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 1:30 p.m. For more information about the event, visit the Chancellor’s Investiture web page. For those unable to attend the investiture in person, the ceremony will be streamed live.
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Submit your events for Winter Welcome Week
Help welcome our new and returning students to the start of the semester by submitting your events to the 2026 Winter Welcome calendar online. Winter Welcome 2026 will be Jan. 12-16. If you are hosting an event or program during the first week of classes, please consider submitting your event to the official calendar found on the Winter Welcome website.
To submit an event, please complete this form. The deadline to submit events for the 2026 Winter Welcome calendar is noon on Friday, Jan. 2.
Email Laura Petrus with questions.
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Four-star Gen. B.B. Bell donates archive and memoir to Special Collections
 B.B. Bell, left, meets with comedian Bob Hope during a Desert Shield and Desert Storm visit in 1990. Photo courtesy of University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Special Collections. Retired U.S. Army Gen. Burwell Baxter “B.B.” Bell III, a 1969 graduate of the University of Chattanooga, commanded at every level from platoon to four-star general during his 39 years of service. Bell has donated his personal papers and recently published memoir, “Memoirs of a Nondescript Four-Star General: A Love Story,” to the UTC Library’s Special Collections.
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Welcome Sophie
 UTC Police Corporal Aaron Bayer and his K-9, Sophie. Sergeant Sophie recently landed her dream job at UTC. So did Corporal Aaron Bayer of the UTC Police Department. Sophie, a 1-year-old Labrador retriever, officially started her role on Nov. 3 as the UTCPD therapy dog.
Outstanding People of UTC
 1st Lt. Terry Ellis When 1st Lt. Terry Ellis was asked how his time in the military influenced his life, his answer was simple: “How has it not?” The work he does in hospitals, schools and his business all lean on his military experience.
Ellis, an assistant professor of practice at UTC’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program—and the keynote speaker for the University’s annual Veterans Day Luncheon—initially joined the U.S. Army National Guard in 2014 in search of financial assistance to support his education.
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Check out these Mocs in the news:
- Director of Music Therapy Katie Elverd discussed Chattanooga’s Trembling Troubadours on an episode of Jed & JR Mornings.
- Dr. Chris Smith, director of the School of Nursing, spoke on Jed & JR Mornings about the UTC College of Nursing announcement.
- A Local 3 News story featured Sergeant Sophie, UTC’s new therapy K-9, and her handler Cpl. Aaron Bayer.
- A Times Free Press story featured Professor Erkan Kaplanoglu and the Engineering Management and Technology Department.
- Director of Veteran and Military Affairs Sylvana Matthews discussed UTC being named a Top Veteran-Friendly School by U.S. Veterans Magazine on Jed & JR Mornings.
- News 12 Now and Local 3 News covered UTC’s annual Veterans Day Luncheon.
- WalletHub’s ranking of best sports cities included talking to experts in the field, including Health and Human Performance Department Head Eric Hungenberg.
- Fitness Coordinator Scarlett Vineyard and Assistant Director of Campus Recreation Corbin Hedges were featured by Campus Rec magazine to discuss campus fitness programs.
- Center for Regional Economic Research Director Howard Wall spoke to Local 3 News about tariffs and their impact on grocery staples.
Mark Your Calendar
 Photo credit: Angela Foster This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:
- Thursday, Nov. 20: Women’s Basketball vs. Austin Peay, McKenzie Arena, 6 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 22: Women’s Basketball vs. Northern Kentucky, McKenzie Arena, 2 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 22: Men’s Basketball vs. North Alabama (SoCon/ASUN Challenge), McKenzie Arena, 4:30 p.m.
- Monday, Nov. 24: Chat With the Mocs, Miller’s Ale House (Hixson), 96.1 FM, 7 p.m.
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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.
Today (Nov. 18)
Wednesday, Nov. 19
Thursday, Nov. 20
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Please join the College of Engineering and Computer Science from 1-3 p.m. today (Nov. 18) for a retirement reception celebrating Dr. Gary McDonald and his 40-year career at UTC. The reception will take place in the UTC Library’s Roth Reading Room.
This spring, Dr. McDonald received the UTC Lifetime Teaching Award after completing his 40th year on the faculty. His career accolades include the UTC SGA Outstanding Professor Award, five Cole Outstanding Engineering Teacher Awards and the Chattanooga Engineers Club Young Engineer of the Year Award. Most notably, he played a key role in the mechanical engineering program’s accreditation in 2003.
Click here to learn more about Dr. McDonald.
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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.
MSDA Information Sessions
MBA Information Sessions
MAcc Information Sessions
MSM Information Sessions
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The next Scrappy’s Market will be from 2-4 p.m. today (Nov. 18) between Grote Hall and the University Center.
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Faculty, staff and community members are invited to join the upcoming Professional Education Open House from 3-4 p.m. today (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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 Senior theatre major Ellen Rich, center, portrays Medea, joined by Chorus members played by Alayna Harrison, Maislynne Payne, Karis Richardson, Liz Suffill and Teagan Tate. Photo by Alex Miller-Long/UTC Theatre Co. The UTC Theatre Co. will perform Euripides’ “Medea,” translated by Diane J. Rayor, beginning tonight (Nov. 18) through Nov. 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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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.
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Students interested in entrepreneurship are invited to “Startup Jumpstart: Turning Ideas Into Action” at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19, hosted in the Max Fuller Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Mapp Building.
The panel will feature Tennessee founders and resource partners who will share how they took their first steps into launching a business. Panelists include Jennifer Skjellum (LaunchTN), Lynn Chesnutt (Tennessee Small Business Development Centers), Krue Brock (Chattanooga Football Club), Hudson Brock (AlloHire), Builder Brock (WAYPOINT) and Megan Cales (Sensory Bridges, LLC).
In-person attendees may join at the Max Fuller CIE or participate virtually. All students and aspiring founders are welcome—no business plan required.
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UTC’s Undergraduate Curriculum Committee will meet at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20, via Zoom. For a list of the proposals that will be considered, log on to Curriculog and select the University Undergrad – Nov. 20, 2025 agenda.
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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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An information session will take place at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20, via Zoom 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.
Students earn three credit hours on the undergraduate level (MGT 4950) or graduate level (MGT 5950). For more information, contact COBInternational@utc.edu or visit COB International Programs.
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The UTC Library will host a Zine Fest from 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20, in the Roth Grand Reading Room and the Southern Writers Room on the Library’s fourth floor. The event will showcase student-created zines from five College of Arts and Sciences courses. Studio Librarian Sarah Kantor collaborated this semester with classes taught by Sybil Baker (English), Natalie Blanton (sociology), Susan Eckelmann (history) and Emma McDonell (anthropology) as students developed their projects. All are welcome to attend and explore the work created by UTC students.
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The UTC Philosophy and Religion Department will host the Utopias and Dystopias Philosophical Film Fest at 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20, in Derthick Hall Room 201.
The event will feature short films created by UTC students, with prizes awarded to the top entries as judged by a panel of experts. Pizza and candy will be provided.
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The Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science will host the BGE Research Symposium from 1-3 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 1, in the Lupton Hall Lobby. The event is a research poster social highlighting student and faculty work across biology, geology and environmental science—including topics such as ecology, limnology, reservoir ecology and mineralogy.
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The UTC Singing Mocs, a highly selective contemporary commercial choir, have an opening for a soprano or alto for the spring 2026 semester. Auditions will take place on Monday, Dec. 1. Those interested can learn more and sign up for an audition time here.
Campus Updates
The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs published its 2025 Annual Report. Click here to view.
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Thanks to our generous campus community, the third annual Homecoming Food Fight collected 1,824 pounds of donations for Scrappy’s Cupboard, UTC’s on-campus food pantry.
This year’s winners are:
Community Organization and Alumni Group
- First place: Walk2Campus Properties (240 points, 21 pounds)
- Second place: Black Alumni Council at UTC (128 points, 13 pounds)
Faculty/Staff Office Division
- First place: College of Nursing (3,768 points, 446 pounds)
- Second place: Mocs One Center (3,305 points, 355 pounds)
Student Organization and Residence Hall Division
- First place: Public Health Association (1,550 points, 106 pounds)
- Second place: Lockmiller Residence Hall (226 points, 13 pounds)
Congratulations to all winners, and thank you to everyone who contributed. First- and second-place groups will receive trophies recognizing their support.
Scrappy’s Cupboard accepts donations 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday in UC Room 278. Items may also be purchased through the Amazon Wish List here.
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UTC Veteran and Military Affairs has partnered with BJ’s Wholesale Club in Hixson to support the Holiday for Heroes campaign. The goal is to reach 200 memberships and raise funds for veteran and military-connected students as part of the Holiday for Heroes event series.
Participants can receive a discounted BJ’s membership while giving back to UTC Veteran and Military Affairs. To join, scan the QR code or click the flyer link, or call 800-313-8887 and use group code 827042 to ensure your sign-up counts toward UTC’s campaign.
Sign up here by Jan. 30 to secure pre-club opening discounts. Spread the word—every membership helps support our veterans.
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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 web page 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 went 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
 Dr. Kate McKinney As the Kay K. Chitty assistant professor in the UTC School of Nursing, Dr. Kate McKinney divides her week between educating future nurse practitioners and caring for patients who otherwise might not receive care.
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 Trinity Anthony As a middle schooler, Trinity Anthony was in the bottom 1% for cognitive function among children her age due to a traumatic brain injury. Today, she is a Brock Scholar in the UTC Honors College. The junior is also an art history major and a student worker in the UTC Library’s Honors Specialist program.
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 Lana Crawley and Lana Fennell smile as they reveal a finished pour-painted canvas. Students in UTC’s Ethics in Criminal Justice course are learning about ethical decision-making the way their instructor prefers—by putting it into practice. Instead of discussing policing, courts or corrections dilemmas solely in writing, the students turned those scenarios into pour-painted canvases. Their work was then displayed publicly to raise money for a local service organization.
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 1st Lt. Terry Ellis delivered the keynote address during the Chancellor’s Veterans Day Luncheon. For 1st Lt. Terry Ellis, being a veteran isn’t about a single moment. It’s about a promise made. When Ellis, an assistant professor of practice at UTC’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, was announced as the keynote speaker for the annual Chancellor’s Veterans Day Luncheon last week, he described it as “humbling.”
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Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:
- Through her love of Chattanooga, Necole Gonsahn decided that the long commute to UTC was worth it to pursue a Master of Education degree in counseling. The May 2025 graduate, who served in the U.S. Army Reserve, reflected on her time at the University and partnering with the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs.
- The blue-and-gold energy at UTC was palpable last week as the Power C Tour returned to Chattanooga. The statewide recruiting tour made stops across Tennessee this fall, but the final event at UTC had a familiar, hometown feel.
- UTC has released conceptual renderings that offer the public an early look at the vision to reimagine the historic Engel Stadium property into a transformative new home for UTC women’s athletics and community health.
- Will artificial intelligence create a more efficient future or lead to a wave of unprepared young adults entering the workforce? Last week, students from the UTC Gary W. Rollins College of Business debated questions like this while discussing the benefits and drawbacks of AI in university courses.
- GIS Day, held every year on the third Wednesday of November, will be celebrated by CAGDS with a workshop for the campus community.
- The River Cities I-O Psychology (RCIO) Conference Series is an annual outreach and education initiative managed by the UTC M.S. degree program in Industrial and Organizational (I-O) Psychology focused on putting psychological science to work.
WUTC
An episode of WUTC’s “Scenic Roots” featured Dawn Hjelseth with River City Company, the economic development nonprofit for downtown Chattanooga.
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