October 7-13, 2025
Updates and news for the week of October 7-13, 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.
Today is Mocs Give Day
Today (Oct. 7) is Mocs Give Day—UTC’s annual day of giving—when proud alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends unite and give generously to make a difference for UTC. With challenges across campus, your gift can go further just by giving today.
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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.
Check out these opportunities to get involved as an individual, student organization or office this year.
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Student Organization Banner Painting: Closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, MocSync
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Office and Residence Hall Decorating Competition: Closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, MocSync
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Day of Service registration: Closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, MocSync
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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.
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)
Click here to apply. The application deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 14.
Outstanding People of UTC
 UC Foundation Professors (from left) Derron Bishop, Hyeyoon Jung, Jejal Bathi, Tian Li The UC Foundation continues its support for faculty each academic year with a new class of faculty members honored with UC Foundation Professorships. These selective awards are made to exceptionally productive junior faculty on the tenure track. This year’s recipients are:
- Dr. Derron Bishop, Assistant Professor, Department of Management
- Dr. Hyeyoon Jung, Assistant Professor, Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship
- Dr. Jejal Bathi, Associate Professor, Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering
- Dr. Tian Li, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry and Physics
Each faculty member above receives a $2,500 increase to their base salary, graciously supplied by the UC Foundation.
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 Clockwise from top left: Dr. Mina Sartipi, Dr. Tian Li, Dr. Donald Reising and Dr. Rick Mukherjee Congratulations to UTC faculty and staff who received awards or submitted proposals for sponsored programs in September. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs announced that faculty and staff attracted $ 2,562,367 in external grant and contract awards during the month and submitted proposals for the potential to generate over $ 7,555,385 in external funding, if awarded.
Among those receiving awards in September were a Center for Urban Informatics and Progress, Quantum Center, and College of Engineering and Computer Science collaboration involving Dr. Mina Sartipi (CUIP), Dr. Tian Li (Physics and Astronomy), Dr. Rick Mukherjee (Quantum Center), and Dr. Donald Reising (Electrical Engineering), who received $1,326,261 from the National Science Foundation for the project titled, “Advanced Cybersecurity for Power Distribution Infrastructure.”
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 UTC student Tyler Bennett (right) received the annual John Thomas Steiner Sr. Memorial Scholarship. Photo courtesy of Ruby Falls. Tyler Bennett, a second-year master’s student in the UTC Counselor Education Program and a Ruby Falls tour guide since 2023, was one of two recipients of the John Thomas Steiner Sr. Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship honors the memory of the former Ruby Falls president by recognizing Ruby Falls employees who demonstrate commitment to their community and careers.
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Check out these Mocs in the news:
- Dr. Lori Bruce spoke about her journey to becoming UTC’s first female chancellor in a Times Free Press feature.
- A Times Free Press article featured UC Foundation Associate Professor Karen Babine and her new book, “The Allure of Elsewhere: A Memoir of Going Solo.”
- J. Burton Frierson Chair of Excellence in Business Leadership Mark Mendenhall discussed leadership in a Times Free Press Edge Magazine story.
- Assistant Professor of Sport, Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management Ryan Zwart was mentioned in a SORBA grant announcement published in the Chattanoogan.
- UC Foundation Associate Professor of Health and Human Performance Liz Hathaway joined an episode of Jed & JR Mornings to discuss the dangers of falling and how to prevent it.
- Ray Bassett, WUTC editorial director and host of “Scenic Roots,” discussed WUTC’s Fall Pledge Drive on Jed & JR Mornings.
- UC Foundation Professor of Criminal Justice Rick Dierenfeldt talked about the FBI during an appearance on Jed & JR Mornings.
- Center for Regional Economic Research Director Howard Wall discussed a possible strike by Volkswagen employees on Local 3 News and NewsChannel 9. He was also interviewed by NewsChannel 9 about the local effects of the government shutdown.
Mark Your Calendar
 Photo credit: Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:
- Thursday, Oct. 9: Softball vs. Chattanooga State, Frost Stadium, 5 p.m.
- Monday, Oct. 13: Chat With the Mocs, Miller’s Ale House (Hixson), 96.1 FM, 7 p.m.
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WUTC’s Fall Pledge Drive is running now through Friday, Oct. 10.
A public service of the University, WUTC is home to NPR programming in our area, local hosts Ray Bassett and Haley Solomon, and learning opportunities for students on the UTC campus.
More than half of WUTC’s funding comes from the community here in Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley. Please support WUTC at wutc.org and click the “Donate” button.
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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
Business Analytics Certificate Information Sessions
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The UTC community is invited to a Mrs. Freshley’s donut sampling from noon-2 p.m. today (Oct. 7) in the UTC bookstore.
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Chattanooga Connect 2025, hosted by the UTC Research Institute, is taking place through Wednesday, Oct. 8, at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Following its successful debut last year, Chattanooga Connect will again convene industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers to explore the future of urban transportation and cutting-edge advancements in quantum computing, digital infrastructure, AI, connected and automated vehicles (CAV), and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technologies.
Graduate students are invited to stop by from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 8, in the Graduate School Office in Race Hall Room 103 for Grad School Drop-in + Fuel Up. Free caffeinated and non-caffeinated drinks, snacks and giveaways will be available to help power through the mid-term push.
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The Changemaker Challenge is a business concept pitch competition for UTC students—all majors welcome. If you have an idea for a new venture, sign up to compete. No business plan required. Bring your creativity, passion and vision to solve a real-world problem.
The winner will receive a set of four Totem Compasses, including a rare collector’s edition crystal-faced compass. The event will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 8, in the Max Fuller Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Mapp Building).
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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, 2026). The Germany course is led by Dr. Michael Jones, senior associate dean of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business.
Information sessions:
- Wednesday, Oct. 8: 1:30 p.m., Zoom
- 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.
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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, 2026). The Balkans course is led by Dr. Beni Asllani, head of data analytics and native of Albania.
Information sessions:
- Thursday, Oct. 9: 12:30 p.m., Zoom
- 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
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UTC’s Undergraduate Curriculum Committee will meet via Zoom at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9. For a list of the proposals that will be considered, log on to Curriculog and select the “University Undergrad – Oct. 2025” agenda.
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Anyone considering graduate school is invited to join the Graduate School for a virtual “Ask Us Anything” Q&A session via Zoom from 2-3 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9. Participants can get tips on programs, applications, funding and more, and chat live with Graduate School staff. The session is open to anyone interested in UTC’s 30-plus advanced degree programs. Learn more at utc.edu/gradschool.
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The Quantum Seminar series has been restructured and will now be known as the Quantum Colloquium Series. The series will occur monthly, with speakers encouraged to give high-level talks for a broad audience.
The next meeting will take place at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9, in UTC Library Room 435.
Professor Enrique Solano, co-chief executive officer and co-founder of Kipu Quantum in Berlin, Germany, will present “Quantum Advantage and Quantum Usefulness for Academic and Industrial Applications.”
In his talk, Solano will introduce the current state of quantum computing paradigms and quantum processor modalities. He will discuss how quantum advantage and usefulness can be extracted for academic and industrial applications, with examples demonstrating their relevance to combinatorial optimization and quantum artificial intelligence.
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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.
- Friday, Oct. 10: Sleep Matters: Improving Sleep Among Employees and Students (Zoom), noon-1 p.m.
- *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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
- Today (Oct. 7): Jason Harville, Zoom, 9:30 a.m., Calendar
- Wednesday, Oct. 8: Giitoun Martin, Zoom, 9 a.m., Calendar
- Thursday, Oct. 9: Marci Reiter, Zoom, 10 a.m., Calendar
- Friday, Oct. 10: Mohamedelfateh Mohamedkhir, ECS 347, 10 a.m., Calendar
- Friday, Oct. 10: Megan McCoy, Lupton Hall 302, 10 a.m., Calendar
- Friday, Oct. 10: Vijayalakshmi Karattuppalayam Kumarasamy, MDRB Conference Room, 10 a.m., Calendar
- 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.
- Friday, Oct. 17: Mulatha Dissanayake Mudiyanselage Chinthaka Pradeep Weerarathna, Lupton Hall 390, 2:30 p.m., Calendar
Campus Updates
Mocs students, you will be receiving an email this week about the Student Experience Survey. This 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.
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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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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 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.
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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
At UTC, mental health support is a priority, with resources available across campus to provide care and reinforce the message: You are not alone.
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The UTC Library and the Office of Student and Family Engagement brought a petting zoo to campus, giving students a chance to relax and connect with animals between classes. Click here to see petting zoo photos.
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 During a Costa Rica study abroad summer 2025 experience, a group of UTC students, led by Dr. Edwin Murillo, took classes at the Universidad Politécnica Internacional. Photo courtesy of Dr. Edwin Murillo. From visiting the hot springs of an active volcano to playing with monkeys on the beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park, 22 UTC students studying Spanish explored Costa Rica this summer while studying abroad.
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 Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly and members of the UTC esports program at Chattanooga Comic Con 2025. Photo credit: Elizabeth Thornburgh. The UTC esports program hosted the inaugural Scenic City Invitational from Sept. 26-28, drawing 20 Rocket League teams from across the country to compete for a share of the $3,000 prize pot.
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Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:
- Center for Wellbeing Director Megan McKnight answered questions about the center’s programs, resources and peer support that address the many dimensions of student well-being, including mental health, physical health, recovery and stress management.
- This summer, Dr. Murat Barisik joined three peers from across the country in receiving a 2025 Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award from the NSF’s Thermal Transport Processes program. His five-year, $501,760 grant supports the project titled “Multiscale characterization of heat transfer in nanoporous materials assisted by machine learning.”
- From The Beatles to Simon and Garfunkel, the Trembling Troubadours returned to UTC with a performance that showcased their voices and raised awareness about Parkinson’s disease.
- UTC offers a wide range of web applications to support new and current students with various tasks.
WUTC
 Steven Kline UTC alum Steven Kline discussed his new role as the new Clarence T. Jones Observatory director on WUTC’s “Scenic Roots.”
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