November 25-December 1, 2025
Updates and news for the week of November 25-December 1, 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 marks a new chapter as Chancellor Lori Mann Bruce is formally invested
 Chancellor Lori Mann Bruce On Friday, Chancellor Lori Mann Bruce was formally installed as the 19th leader in the University’s 139-year history. The event brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni, state and community leaders, and members of the UT System, each playing a part in a day that will be remembered at UTC for years to come.
In case you missed it, click here to watch the full Chancellor’s Investiture ceremony.
* * * * *
Celebrating UTC’s 2025-2026 SoCon Honorees
 Dr. Betsy Myers and Brandalyn Shropshire Dr. Betsy Myers and Brandalyn Shropshire from UTC have been named to the 2025-2026 All-Southern Conference Faculty and Staff Team. Both honorees will be formally recognized later this academic year when Southern Conference Commissioner Michael Cross presents them with engraved plaques during the Mocs men’s basketball game on Jan. 21, 2026, vs. ETSU.
* * * * *
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.
* * * * *
Additional Administrative Closing Day
A message from Chancellor Lori Bruce:
Colleagues,
Following President Boyd’s announcement regarding the additional administrative closing day on Friday, January 2, 2026, I want to extend my sincere thanks to each of you. Your hard work, dedication and steady commitment to our students and our mission make UTC such a remarkable place.
Please know how much I appreciate everything you do for our university and our community.
With gratitude,
Dr. Lori Bruce
Chancellor, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Outstanding People of UTC
 Dr. JAy Blackman (left), Dr. Ethan Carver, Dr. Stacie Grisham and Anthony McClellan Congratulations to four members of our UTC community on being chosen for the 2026 Executive Leadership Institute cohort:
- Vice Chancellor for Communications and Marketing JAy Blackman
- Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate School Ethan Carver
- Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Success Stacie Grisham
- Assistant Vice Chancellor for Facilities Planning and Management Anthony McClellan
The Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) is the premier development opportunity designed to cultivate values-driven leaders across the UT System. The rigor of the innovative, competency-based curriculum instills excellence in alignment with the Be One UT values for the emerging and established leaders within the cohort. This experiential, 10-month journey features transformative programming, individual executive coaching and meaningful opportunities for systemic collaboration through a variety of learning modalities and a culminating capstone.
* * * * *
The UTC Advancement team was honored with the Excellence in Fundraising Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Southeast Tennessee. The award recognizes nonprofits that have demonstrated significant philanthropic growth over the past three fiscal years. The team was recognized during a recent AFP National Philanthropy Day event.
* * * * *
 Dr. Elizabeth O’Brien Dr. Elizabeth O’Brien, a UC Foundation professor and director of the School of Professional Studies in the UTC College of Health, Education and Professional Studies, has been named UTC’s vice provost for faculty affairs. Her appointment is effective Jan. 2, 2026.
* * * * *
Communication students recently excelled at the Atlanta Photojournalism Seminar, attending workshops and portfolio reviews led by top professionals in the field—including several Pulitzer Prize winners.
Delaney Holman and Sydney Banks placed first and second in the Tamron Street Photo Contest, while UTC students were featured in the seminar’s official highlight reel.
* * * * *
Sergeant Sophie, UTC’s new therapy K-9, and her handler Corporal Aaron Bayer made an appearance on NewsChannel 9.
Mark Your Calendar
 Teddy Washington (photo credit: Ray Soldano/gomocs.com) This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:
- Friday, Nov. 28: Men’s Basketball vs. Tennessee Wesleyan, Coke Zero Sugar Classic, McKenzie Arena, 2 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 30: Men’s Basketball vs. Tennessee State, Coke Zero Sugar Classic, McKenzie Arena, 2 p.m.
- Monday, Dec. 1: Chat With the Mocs, Miller’s Ale House (Hixson), 96.1 FM, 7 p.m.
* * * * *
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.
* * * * *
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.
* * * * *
An information session is taking place at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, via Zoom 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.
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.
* * * * *
Career Connections invites on-campus employers to participate in a part-time job fair during Winter Welcome Week. The event will take place from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15, in the University Center Tennessee Room.
The fair is an opportunity to meet students seeking part-time, on-campus positions and to bring new talent into your department. On-campus employers interested in participating can contact Community and Employer Relations Specialist Jillian Duke for registration details.
Campus Updates
As we go into the holiday break and the new year, things can be incredibly stressful, whether lonely and isolated or overwhelmed by difficult family members. Although challenging, setting boundaries with family members (physical, emotional, intellectual, political, time) can be beneficial.
- Value your time and ask others to do the same. Whether you have a prior commitment during a family gathering or can only attend an event until a certain time, setting clear boundaries on your time helps build mutual understanding.
- Learn to say no. Saying yes when you really want to say no impacts your self-esteem and self-respect and can eventually lead to conflict and resentment.
- Identify and avoid triggers such as behavior-altering substances, inappropriate topics of conversation and points of contention that lead to conflict.
- Take a direct and kind approach. If you clearly and calmly explain your stance regarding troubling family behavior and the behavior stays the same, you may need to consider more drastic measures for enforcing your boundaries.
- Set realistic expectations for relationships. People engaging in toxic behavior are often resistant to change. You may need to distance yourself from these family members.
Remember to enjoy yourselves and take this time to rest and recharge.
* * * * *
In January, the University will transition its room reservation software from EMS to 25Live. To accommodate this transition, there will be some reservation availability changes in EMS in the coming weeks.
- After noon on Tuesday, Dec. 2, users will no longer be able to reserve space in EMS for any meetings or events happening after Saturday, Feb. 28. Reservations for dates past Feb. 28 can be made in the new system once it goes live in January.
- Sunday, Dec. 14, will be the last date to submit reservations through the EMS web portal. For last-minute space needs between Dec. 15-19, users can reach out to the department that manages the space. General inquiries about space reservations can be sent to spaces@utc.edu.
The EMS reservation shutdown on Dec. 14 will allow existing 2026 reservations to be moved into 25Live. The ability to make new reservations for spring 2026 will resume when 25Live launches campus-wide on Wednesday, Jan. 7. Further information and training resources will be shared in the coming weeks to support users during the transition to the new system.
* * * * *
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.
* * * * *
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.
* * * * *
Interested in UTC’s multidisciplinary Learning and Leadership (LEAD) doctoral programs? Join a virtual information session hosted by Dr. Elizabeth Crawford, LEAD programs advisor, and Dr. David Rausch, LEAD programs director.
Register here to receive an Outlook calendar invite with the Zoom meeting link.
Applications for the summer 2026 Ph.D. and Ed.D. cohorts will be accepted from Dec. 1 through Feb. 27. Step-by-step application instructions and additional details, including FAQs, will be available on the LEAD program websites. For questions, email utclead@utc.edu.
* * * * *
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.
* * * * *
If you’ve ever spotted a pale pink or brown lizard clinging to the wall of a building, or even hiding out in a sink, you’re not alone. These small reptiles with banded tails and padded toes are Mediterranean house geckos, a non-native species that has quietly made its home in Chattanooga for nearly two decades. This includes many buildings at UTC.
If you have spotted a Mediterranean house gecko, click here to report the sighting.
* * * * *
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.
* * * * *
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.
* * * * *
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.
* * * * *
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 Monday, Jan. 12, 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.
* * * * *
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
 Anthropology major Chase Heistand displays his sling skills during a paleo skills workshop. For a few hours on a recent Saturday afternoon, UTC students and professors set aside their phones and laptops, opting for another type of technology. They gathered on Chamberlain Field to participate in Paleolithic skills and try their hand at atlatls, slings, friction fires, grinding corn and flint knapping.
* * * * *
 Environmental science graduate students Will Meyer and Rio Palmeira examine lemur behavior at the Tennessee Aquarium. Dr. Hope Klug, UC Foundation and Guerry professor in the UTC Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science, has partnered with the aquarium for the past 14 years. As part of her environmental statistics course, her students are studying the relationship between animal behavior and the space used in microhabitats.
* * * * *
 Sam Burchett, left, leads a group of students in the Department of Health and Human Performance’s Food Science Lab during a “Let’s Make Tamales!” workshop. Two very interesting and successful activities celebrating the Día de los Muertos holiday brought together numerous groups—and a UTC undergraduate who spent years cooking in New York City kitchens, including some of the most competitive in the world.
* * * * *
Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:
- Blue and Gold Preview Day, UTC’s comprehensive open house, took place last week. Blue and Gold provides prospective students with a broad introduction to campus life, admissions, housing and scholarships.
- When Dr. Zibin Guo talks about movement, he’s not just talking about tai chi. He’s talking about “humanity in motion, the way strength, beauty and grace can exist even in moments of vulnerability.” Guo recently traveled to Dhaka, Bangladesh, at the invitation of UNESCO’s International Centre of Martial Arts for Youth Development and Engagement (UNESCO-ICM) to co-lead a five-day Wheelchair/Adaptive Tai Chi training program for health care providers and community advocates.
- UTC recently held an event for incoming college students interested in health care, engineering, computer science and technology known as College Quest.
- UTC has again been recognized by Military Times as one of the nation’s top universities for veterans and military-connected students. UTC placed second among Tennessee institutions and is the only university in the state recognized for offering both traditional in-person and online programs for veterans.
- The UTC Percussion Ensemble recently joined thousands of musicians, educators and industry leaders in Indianapolis for the 50th anniversary Percussive Arts Society International Convention, known throughout the music world as PASIC.
- The UTC School of Nursing is partnering with the Tennessee Department of Health to expand access to cardiovascular care for older adults in rural Southeast Tennessee. Building on the success of the University’s MobileMOC program, the new initiative—titled “Connecting Community Partners: Breaking Down Barriers to Heart Health”—is designed to connect senior centers, local providers and community resources to help older adults monitor and manage their blood pressure while learning practical ways to maintain heart health.
WUTC
 Chancellor Lori Bruce On an episode of “Chatting with the Chancellor” on WUTC’s “Scenic Roots,” Chancellor Lori Bruce discussed new UTC Chief of Staff Cheryl Montgomery, students and public safety, and the College of Nursing.
|
