October 14-20, 2025
Updates and news for the week of October 14-20, 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
Submit your homecoming 2025 events
Homecoming 2025: Calling All the MOCsters is right around the corner (Oct. 25-Nov. 1). Homecoming Week is UTC’s official week of programs and events geared towards students, alumni, faculty/staff and the community to provide a fun, welcoming and positive experience for the UTC and Chattanooga community.
Please submit a form for each individual event your office or department plans to host. This will help us keep track of all programs. This form is not open to the general public. The final deadline to submit your events is 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15.
* * * * *
APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2025 PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD
The Public Service Award is a $1,000 scholarship awarded by the UTC Alumni Board of Directors and the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. Two undergraduate students displaying the most distinguished service to the UTC campus as well as the Chattanooga community will each receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Click here to apply. The application deadline is today (Oct. 14).
University service includes totally voluntary positions (campus committees, student orientation groups, Greek memberships, etc.) or positions which are accompanied by a stipend (student government association positions, admissions and recruiting work, publication staffs, etc.). Community public service can include such involvement as volunteer work in hospitals, counseling, tutoring, environmental services or any service that is not paid and does not receive academic credit.
The award is presented during half time of the Homecoming game and there are no restrictions on the way the financial award is used. Receiving this award may impact other scholarship monies.
The annual award is given to a UTC student who:
- Is carrying a full semester load of a minimum of 12 hours
- Has a minimum overall GPA of 2.5
- Has not previously received the UTC Public Service Award
- Submits a letter of reference (from faculty, administrator, and/or volunteer organizational advisor)
* * * * *
Highlight 3 Heading 2
XX
Outstanding People of UTC
 Junior Chloe Wesson and Assistant Professor Ryan Zwart hold a SORBA trail survey sign during research at Walden’s Ridge Park. Photo by Sunshine Loveless. UTC researchers have partnered with SORBA Chattanooga to measure the economic and community impacts of mountain biking in Hamilton County. The project, titled “2025 Economic and Socio-cultural Impact Study for SORBA Chattanooga,” is a one-year research effort led by Assistant Professor Ryan Zwart and UC Foundation Professor Drew Bailey in the Department of Health and Human Performance’s Sport, Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management (SORT) program.
* * * * *
 Dr. Lakmali Weerasena Dr. Lakmali Weerasena, an associate professor in the Department of Mathematics, spent her professional development leave designing elephant corridors in her native Sri Lanka to help prevent human-animal conflict. Weerasena utilizes operations research, a subject that led to her thesis on the application of mathematical modeling in conservation biology, to determine which areas of land to create corridors to help elephants travel safely away from human contact.
* * * * *
Check out these Mocs in the news:
- Last Monday, Adolph S. Ochs Professor of Government Michelle Deardorff and UC Foundation Professor Elizabeth O’Brien were both featured guests during the 8 a.m. hour on Jed & JR Mornings.
- Ryan Russell J&J Th
- Mark Johnson J&J F
- Ray Bassett J&J F.
Mark Your Calendar
This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:
 Caroline Richvalsky (photo credit: Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com)
- Wednesday, Oct. 15: Softball—Blue-Gold World Series, Frost Stadium, 5 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 16: Softball—Blue-Gold World Series, Frost Stadium, 5 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 16: Soccer vs. Furman, Finley Stadium, 6 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 17: Softball—Blue-Gold World Series, Frost Stadium, 5 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 18: Football vs. ETSU, Finley Stadium, 1:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Oct. 19: Soccer vs. VMI, Finley Stadium, 1 p.m.
- Monday, Oct. 20: Chat With the Mocs, Miller’s Ale House (Hixson), 96.1 FM, 7 p.m.
* * * * *
Scrappy’s Cupboard is closed through Wednesday, Oct. 15, due to University Center renovations and an office move. When the pantry reopens on Oct. 15, it will be located in UC Room 278, where the UTC community can continue to access Scrappy’s Cupboard once a month for emergency food support. During the closure, emergency food bags will be available for pickup in the current office in UC Room 399.
Scrappy’s Markets are back this semester and will continue through the fall. The next market will be from 2-4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21, on Vine Street.
Here is the upcoming Scrappy’s Market schedule:
- Wednesday, Nov. 5: 2-4 p.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 18: 2-4 p.m.
Scrappy’s Cupboard will also host its third annual Homecoming Food Fight from Oct. 25-Nov. 2. Offices and student groups are invited to compete to support students in need. First- and second-place winners who bring in the most donations will receive a trophy to display in their central office area. Click here to sign up for the food drive. Additional information will be sent to those who register.
* * * * *
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, 2026). The Balkans course is led by Dr. Beni Asllani, head of data analytics and native of Albania.
Information sessions:
- Thursday, Oct. 16: 2 p.m., Zoom
- Tuesday, Oct. 21: 12:30 p.m., Zoom
- Tuesday, Oct. 28: 12:30 p.m., Zoom
- Wednesday, Nov. 5: 1:30 p.m., Zoom
- Tuesday, Nov. 11: 12:30 p.m., Zoom
- Thursday, Nov. 20: 2 p.m., Zoom
* * * * *
Meet with Political Science and Public Service Department Head Chris Horne from 11 a.m.-noon on Friday, Oct. 17, or 4-5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 20, in the 540 McCallie Building Room 268. Students will learn about the department’s majors, with optional concentrations in American Politics, International Relations and Comparative Politics, Public Law, Public Policy, and Public Administration and Nonprofit Management.
There will also be conversations about the meaningful careers PSPS graduates pursue in law, politics, government, and the nonprofit sector and the many ways we support PSPS majors’ career exploration and preparation. Learn more at utc.edu/psps.
* * * * *
The UTC Department of Mathematics is excited to host its fall 2025 Colloquium Series, featuring a dynamic lineup of scholars sharing their research across diverse areas of mathematics. These talks provide an opportunity for students, faculty and the community to engage with innovative ideas and foster collaboration. Check out our webpage and join us for this in-person engaging series:
- Friday, Oct. 17: Mohandas Pillai
- Friday, Oct. 24: Xiunan Wang
- Friday, Nov. 7: Brian Choi
- Friday, Nov. 14: Wilhelm Treschow
* * * * *
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.
Business Analytics Certificate Information Sessions
MAcc Information Sessions
MSM Information Sessions
MSDA Information Sessions
MBA Information Sessions
* * * * *
Walgreens will be on campus Oct. 22-24 to offer flu vaccine clinics from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in 120 Lupton Hall Commons. No appointment is needed. Just bring your current insurance and pharmacy benefits card. If you don’t have insurance, free vouchers will be available.
Please click here to visit our website for more information and to complete and print your vaccine consent form.
COVID-19 boosters will not be available at the clinics. They will be available at the Walgreens at the 110 N. Market St. location in the pharmacy for those who are eligible. Click here to schedule an appointment online for your COVID-19 booster.
* * * * *
The Graduate School will offer a professional development workshop, “Digital You,” via Zoom from noon-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22. Participants will learn how to use social media and online tools to grow their professional network and advance their careers. The session includes sign-ups for free headshots in partnership with Career Connections. More information is available at utc.edu/gradschool, and students can RSVP on MocSync.
Graduate students are also invited to take part in a Grad School Tour from 5-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23 to explore campus, discover new opportunities and learn more about UTC’s advanced degree programs. Visit utc.edu/gradschool to reserve a spot.
* * * * *
The Center for Wellbeing offers a monthly lineup of trainings for faculty and staff. If interested, please sign up here. Trainings counting toward completion of the Mental Health Ally Program are noted 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.
- *Wednesday, Oct. 22: Suicide Prevention Using Question, Persuade, Refer and the C-SSRS (Zoom), 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- *Tuesday, Oct. 28: Psychological First Aid, University Center Room 350, noon-1 p.m.
* * * * *
The Decosimo Success Center in the Gary W. Rollins College of Business will host the Elevate Financial Bridge Luncheon from noon–1 p.m. in Fletcher Hall Room 214 on Wednesday, Oct. 22. RCOB students can register here.
* * * * *
The UTC Graduate School and the Office for Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavor (URaCE) invite the campus community to attend the Fall Student Pitch Competitions on Tuesday, Oct. 28, in McKenzie Arena Room 301.
This year’s event features 15 graduate students competing in the Three Minute Thesis competition and eight undergraduate students participating in the Research Elevator Pitch competition. More than 10 UTC faculty, staff and Chattanooga community members will serve as judges.
The Graduate Student Three Minute Thesis will take place from 10:30-11:53 a.m., followed by the Undergraduate Student Research Elevator Pitch from 1:20-2 p.m. The competition will conclude with an award ceremony from 2:15-2:45 p.m.
* * * * *
Interested in learning more about the Graduate Athletic Training Program? Join us for one of our virtual information sessions during the fall 2025 semester. Each session will be similar in format, featuring a 30-minute program overview followed by a Q&A panel with two to four current students. Sessions will not exceed one hour total. If you’d like to attend, please fill out this form.
Upcoming sessions are 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28; and 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19.
A Zoom link will be sent to you within 24 hours of the session you sign up for. If you are unable to make one of these sessions but would like more information, please email program director Shellie Acocello.
* * * * *
Mocs Field Games will take place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, on Chamberlain Field. Open to all faculty, staff and students, this Homecoming tradition includes an obstacle course, Minute-to-Win-It–style games, tug-of-war, dodgeball and more. Prizes include a free tailgate space for one of the last two football games plus Mocs swag from logo brands, including a branded tent, zero-gravity chairs and more.
Click here to sign up by Wednesday, Oct. 15. For questions, contact Ashley Sautter.
* * * * *
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, 2026). The Germany course is led by Dr. Michael Jones, senior associate dean of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business.
The next information session: Thursday, Oct. 30: 12:30 p.m., Zoom
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.
* * * * *
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.
- Wednesday, Oct. 15: Elizabeth McAllister, Holt 399, 10:30 a.m., Calendar
- Wednesday, Oct. 15: Firas Elhag, MDRB Conference Room, 11 a.m., Calendar
- Wednesday, Oct. 15: Mary Fortune, Lupton Hall 372, 11 a.m., Calendar
- Thursday, Oct. 16: Zackery Neal, ECS 440C, 1 p.m., Calendar
- Friday, Oct. 17: Alea Coble, Lupton Hall 372, 11 a.m., Calendar
- Friday, Oct. 17: Mulatha Dissanayake Mudiyanselage Chinthaka Pradeep Weerarathna, Lupton Hall 390, 2:30 p.m., Calendar
Campus Updates
xxx
* * * * *
Mocs students, the Student Experience Survey is administered to all students across the UT System to learn about your current needs, well-being and preferences, and we need everyone’s help in completing the two-minute questionnaire. Click here to go to the survey. Student feedback informs us about the Mocs experience and helps identify opportunities for the future. Students are encouraged to complete the survey by Friday, Oct. 31.
* * * * *
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 Center for Academic Support and Advisement offers peer-to-peer academic support at no cost to currently enrolled UTC students. All programs are internationally certified by CRLA and/or ICSI.
- Peer academic coaching: Students can schedule an appointment with a peer academic coach to improve skills such as study habits, motivation, goal setting, time management, organization, navigating Canvas and using campus resources.
- Supplemental instruction: The SI Program provides group study sessions twice a week for selected courses. SI leaders review challenging course content in interactive ways that build understanding through games, practice materials, discussions, simulations and study skill activities.
- Tutoring: Free tutoring is available for a variety of courses, with NetTutor and walk-in options offered. Tutoring provides a personalized learning experience, encourages better study habits and enhances critical thinking skills.
For more information, email Academic Support or stop by Library Room 335.
* * * * *
Are you in need of physical therapy services? The Department of Physical Therapy offers short-term care for students, faculty and staff for free. The on-campus clinic is led by PT faculty and doctoral students during the fall and spring semesters. If you are experiencing functional limitations, pain, lingering injuries, recent injuries, or would like guidance to improve overall fitness, they are happy to evaluate you.
The clinic is located in University Health Services in Maclellan Gym (545 Terrell Owens Way). Hours of operation are 8 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and 1-3 p.m. on Thursdays.
To schedule an appointment, call University Health Services at 423-425-2266. For additional information, email ptclinic@utc.edu.
UTC Newsroom
 Fabion Walden stands next to his poster titled “A Secure and Scalable SMS Classification Platform for Scam Warning Research.” Photo courtesy of Fabion Walden. Senior Fabion Walden is a computer science major with a concentration in cybersecurity in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. This summer, he participated in the Research Experiences for Undergraduates in Software Engineering Program at the Carnegie Mellon University CyLab.
* * * * *
 Rebecca Nix collecting soil samples during fieldwork during her summer REU. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Nix. Junior Rebecca Nix is a geology major with a concentration in geospatial science. The Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, native spent her summer in Cocodrie, Louisiana, forecasting the effects of increased salinity and edge erosion on soil organic carbon stability in a mangrove encroachment front.
* * * * *
Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:
- A group of 21 undergraduate and graduate students, all recipients of the Scholarship, Engagement, the Arts, Research, Creativities and Humanities (SEARCH) Award—given by URaCE to students across all disciplines to begin research under UTC faculty supervision—recently met to discuss where they are in the research process.
- What was once a club for gamers has turned into a program for students to play competitively for scholarships or a place to go with friends after class to game.
WUTC
xxx
IN Memoriam
xxx
xxx. A full obituary is available here.
* * * * *
This section is reserved for memorial announcements of current and former UTC employees as the Office of Communications and Marketing becomes aware. To publish an announcement, a publicly available obituary must be provided. Please send any announcements to Vice Chancellor JAy Blackman at jay-blackman@utc.edu.
|
