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Updates and news for the week of September 12 – 18, 2023
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 chuck-wasserstrom@utc.edu in the Division of Communications and Marketing by 3 p.m. on Friday for placement in the following Tuesday’s newsletter.
It’s Founder’s Week: UTC celebrates its 137th anniversary
Every September, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga celebrates Founder’s Week—a weeklong commemoration of the first day in the University’s history. On Sept. 15, 1886, Chattanooga University opened its doors for the first time with a teaching staff of seven and an enrollment of 118 students.
On Friday (Sept. 15), Chancellor Angle will present the annual State of the University address at noon in the University Center Auditorium. Please click here to RSVP. You can also watch the State of the University via Livestream.
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The first Coffee with the Chancellor for the new academic year will be held from 8:15-9:30 a.m. on Thursday (Sept. 14) in the Guerry Center Reading Room. This is an open-door event; feel free to drop by and chat for a few minutes at your convenience. The only agenda is meaningful conversation, so bring your creative ideas and any questions or concerns.
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One of the highlights of the Founder’s Week calendar is the UTC Service Awards Annual Luncheon, which recognizes faculty and staff marking employment milestones of five or multiples of five years.
The luncheon, which takes place today (Sept. 12), will honor 199 members of the UTC family— including three who have completed 40 years of service: Dr. Lucien Ellington, professor in the School of Education and director of the Asia Program and the Center for Reflective Citizenship; Teresa McKinney, administrative assistant to the Chancellor; and Vanasia Parks, senior associate vice chancellor for business services.
Free Flu Shots Available Sept. 18-22
Walgreens will be hosting a free flu shot clinic at UTC next week. No appointment is necessary, but please download, complete and print this form before you arrive for your injection. Bring your current insurance card; free vouchers will be provided for those without insurance. Click here for more information.
Dates and times for the free flu shot clinics:
- Monday, Sept. 18: Noon-3 p.m., UC Chattanooga Room C
- Tuesday, Sept. 19: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., UC Chattanooga Room C
- Wednesday, Sept. 20: Noon-3 p.m., UC Chattanooga Room C
- Thursday, Sept. 21: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., UC Chattanooga Room C
- Friday, Sept. 22: Noon-3 p.m., University Health Services
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Have questions about COVID-19? University Health Services has identified a few simple steps all of us can take to help avoid contracting or transmitting COVID-19.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Every year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, UTC celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month—a time to commemorate the history, heritage and contributions of the ancestors of American citizens who came from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, South America and Central America.
In collaboration with campus and community partners, the Office of Multicultural Affairs has a number of events planned to honor Latin American heritage, beginning with a Fiesta Friday Hispanic Heritage Month kickoff at 2 p.m. on Friday (Sept. 15) on the first floor of Lupton Hall. Visit the MCC’s Hispanic Heritage Month webpage for calendar information.
- Throughout the month, a Hispanic Heritage Month visual timeline can be found in the Multicultural Center (Lupton Hall Room 119).
- As part of the celebration, the UTC Library has an engaging array of themed resources; click here to see the electronic collection.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. At UTC, this is a time to shine a light on suicide, eradicate the stigma surrounding mental health, learn prevention strategies, increase knowledge of resources and support the well-being of our fellow Mocs. Our community is encouraged to find time this month to take part in this effort. Suicide prevention takes all of us.
All event information can be found in MocSync. If your department or group is interested in scheduling an individual suicide prevention training, please reach out to megan-mcknight@utc.edu. It is OK to ask for help!
On-Campus Resources:
- 24/7 CARE Line: 423-425-CARE (2273)
- Counseling Center: 423-425-4438 (University Center Suite 338)
- Student Outreach & Support: 423-425-2299 (University Center Suite 399)
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988
- Crisis Text Line: Text TN to 741741
- TN Statewide Crisis Line: 1-855-CRISIS-1
September is National Preparedness Month
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, has declared September National Preparedness Month, and UTC Safety and Risk Management urges everyone to take steps to know what to do in the event of an emergency situation on campus. Your first step is to make a plan, and you can do so by asking yourself the following questions:
- In what events will you act?
- What will you do immediately?
- What will you do next?
- How will you communicate?
Share your plan with family and co-workers by talking to them about when, where and how you plan to react to an emergency. Download the free Safe Mocs app (through the Apple or Google Play app stores) and have family members do, as well, so that they can access the UT Reconnect site where you’re able to confirm your status. For more information, visit Ready.gov.
The outstanding people of UTC
 From left: Rahul Bhosale, Kristen Jennings Black, David Giles, Mohammad Mahtabi, Emma McDonnell The Ruth S. Holmberg Grants support faculty members who have demonstrated the potential and ability to function at a higher level of scholarship, engage students in addressing problems of contemporary importance through research efforts, or work with tenured faculty or the administration in building innovative curriculum. The recipients of the Holmberg Grants for 2023-2024, along with the title of their funded proposal, are:
- Dr. Rahul Bhosale–Assistant Professor, Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering; Proposal: Computational Thermodynamic Modeling of Mixed Metal Oxide Driven Solar Thermochemical H2O Splitting Cycle
- Dr. Kristen Jennings Black–Associate Professor, Department of Psychology; Proposal: Barriers to Resources that Support Workers’ Mental Health
- Dr. David Giles–Associate Professor, Department of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science; Proposal: Making Seafood Safe Food: Collaborative Research Integrating Microbiology, Applied Chemistry, and Aquaculture
- Dr. Mohammad Mahtabi–Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering; Proposal: Toward High-Quality, Defect-Free 3D Printed Parts
- Dr. Emma McDonell–Assistant Professor, Department of Social, Cultural, and Justice Studies; Proposal: The Quinoa Bust: The Making and Un-Making of an Andean Miracle Crop
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Several UTC Rising Rock students won 2023 Excellence in Broadcasting Awards from the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters:
- Allie English won first place for Best Local Use of Digital or Social Media Platforms for “Raising Wolves.”
- Eli Rushing won first place for Best Radio News, Sports or Event Coverage for “Heather’s Story.”
- Brittany Santiago and Seth Carpenter were finalists for Best Radio News, Sports or Event Coverage for “Miss Nola’s Gumbo.”
- Jerrod Niles was a finalist for Best TB News or Feature Story for “Battle Buddies.”
Rising Rock features student-developed non-fiction stories about greater Chattanooga. The site is a combined effort of the Department of Communication and UTC student media—including The Echo (student newspaper), MocsNews (student video news program) and The Perch (student digital radio station).
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Check out these Mocs making a difference:
- Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Sherah Basham received the American Society of Criminology’s Division of Policing 2023 Teaching and Mentorship Award.
- The Mocs men’s golf team captured its first win of the 2023-2024 season at the Marquette (Wisconsin) Intercollegiate behind individual champ Samuel Espinosa, a senior from Pedrena, Spain.
- Mosaic Director Amy Rutherford recently spoke to Ferris State University faculty and staff about the psychology of autistic students.
Nominations and Applications for the 2023 Public Service Award
The Public Service Award was established to honor two students who have displayed extraordinary service to the university and community. Awardees of this $1,000 scholarship, sponsored by the UTC Alumni Board of Directors and the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, will be recognized during homecoming festivities.
University service can include voluntary positions or positions accompanied by a stipend. Community public service can include volunteer work in hospitals, telethons, counseling, tutoring, environmental services, Red Cross, or any service that is not paid and does not receive academic credit.
Fine Arts Center Announces UTC LIVE! Performing Arts Series for 2023-2024
 Emmy Award winner Carrie Newcomer will perform on the Roland Hayes Concert Hall Stage on Saturday, Oct. 28. The UTC Fine Arts Center unveiled its highly anticipated UTC LIVE! 2023-2024 Performing Arts Series.
With a distinct and captivating lineup, UTC LIVE! at the newly renovated Fine Arts Center promises to deliver a rich array of performances that will enchant music and theater enthusiasts of all tastes and genres. The robust schedule includes ticketed and professional events and student productions. For ticket information, visit utc.edu/fine-arts-center
UTC Volunteers Needed for Sept. 22 Community Service Initiative
UTC is participating in the United Way of Greater Chattanooga’s city-wide “Day of Caring” community service initiative on Friday, Sept. 22.
The Office of Housing and Residence Life has reserved select spots across three locations (Brown Middle School, Hixson Middle School and Chattanooga Zoo) where your volunteer hands are needed for beautification efforts such as painting, moving debris and hanging up items. Interested students, faculty and staff will be able to indicate a preferred volunteer site. Register here.
- Volunteers need to be available during the morning of Sept. 22 and should wear closed-toe shoes.
- A grab-n-go breakfast, transportation, T-shirt and lunch will be provided.
Email Daniel-Grzesik@utc.edu, the director of Leadership Development and Programs, if you have any questions about this community service initiative.
Mark your calendar
 The U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve Band From Thursday to Saturday (Sept. 14-16), the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve Band will be at UTC to work with music students and present the following free concerts open to the public:
- Thursday (Sept. 14): Cadek Recital Hall, 2 p.m.
- Friday (Sept. 15): Roland Hayes Concert Hall in the UTC Fine Arts Center, 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday (Sept. 16): Finley Stadium, 3 p.m.
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Faculty and staff, encourage your students to invest in their potential by participating in Moc LEAD—a 10-week certificate program that helps them prepare for their next steps as leaders in their organizations, their communities, their internships and their future careers. Active participants can expect to explore leadership in a fun way, discover their “why” and communication style, connect with a network of resources and achieve their goals. There will be plenty of free food and giveaways along the way. Students will have the opportunity to earn a scholarship reward. Applications close at 4 p.m. on Wednesday (Sept. 13).
- Sessions take place on Thursdays from 2-3 p.m. from Sept. 14 through Nov. 16.
- More information, including academic and retention data and the application, can be found at www.utc.edu/moclead. Please pass this link on to students.
Email Daniel-Grzesik@utc.edu, the director of Leadership Development and Programs, if you have any questions or if you are interested in getting involved as a faculty/staff member.
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“The First Amendment, the Academy, and the Media: Restoring a Marketplace of Ideas,” is the topic of the 13th Annual Dr. Richard Gruetzemacher Constitution Day Lecture Series, which takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday (Sept. 13), in the University Center Tennessee Room. The lecture series is presented by the UTC Center for Reflective Citizenship and co-sponsored by the University of Tennessee Institute of American Civics, the UTC Probasco Chair of Free Enterprise, the UTC College of Health, Education and Professional Studies, and the Jack Miller Center for Teaching America’s Founding Principles.
The featured speaker is Joshua Dunn, the inaugural Executive Director of the Institute of American Civics at the University of Tennessee Baker School for Public Policy and Public Affairs, with UTC Masengill Professor of Communication John B. “Jack” Zibluk as a symposium respondent. For more information, contact the Center for Reflective Citizenship at crc@utc.edu or call 423-425-5603. | Livestream Link | Calendar Info
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Philosophy and Religion will be hosting a series of events on campus this fall. Click on the following UTC Events Calendar links for more information:
- Thursday (Sept. 14): The Case for Ethics in Health Care, Lupton Hall Room 114, 3 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 5: Antisemitism in the Southeast, University Center Auditorium, 7 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 26: Doctors’ Panel on Healthcare Equity, Access and Patient Choice, Lupton Hall Room 114, 4 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 10: Evangelical Worship: An American Mosaic, The Camphouse (806 E. 12th St.), 7 p.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 16: Post-Halloween Philosophical Horror Film Festival, University Center Auditorium, 5 p.m.
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 Patten House is located on the corner of Oak and Palmetto. Faculty and staff, please join us at the University Club for our first Fall Open House from 5-7 p.m. on Friday (Sept. 15) at UTC’s Patten House.
What is the University Club? The University Club is a social club open to all UTC faculty, staff and retirees (and their families) and has existed in some form or fashion at UTC since the 1940s. Clubbers meet informally to share goodwill and society two Fridays a month. We hope you can join us! Email patrick-sweetman@utc.edu, the University Club president, if you have any questions.
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Campus Recreation presents Chattanooga Nights, taking place from 6-9 p.m. on Friday (Sept. 15) at the UTC Sports Complex (499 O’Neal St.). Shuttles will be running every 15 minutes from the UTC Awning and South Campus (outside of Decosimo).
All UTC club sports, esports and intramurals will have tables providing information for students interested. There will be a dunk tank, inflatable obstacle course, yard games, sand volleyball, soccer and archery tag—along with free food, ice cream and music by DJ Noble Living.
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The Mocs Recovery Program is seeking applicants for Advisory Board Members.
The mission of the Mocs Recovery program is to provide a recovery-minded community in which UTC students in all phases of recovery can pursue their personal, professional, and academic goals for the purpose of enhancing personal wellness and contributions to the global community. CRP staff collaborate with UTC professionals to support a continuum of care model (prevention, treatment, and recovery) for substance use disorders. Responsibilities for this position include:
- Aid in the development of research and program evaluation of the Mocs Recovery program
- Identifying potential funding sources and writing grants to aid in the support of the Mocs Recovery program
- Assist in the development and review of policies and procedures related to the Mocs Recovery program
- Attend quarterly meetings to discuss the Mocs Recovery program
- Advocacy initiatives related to promoting recovery on the UTC campus
If you are interested in serving, please reach out to Advisory Board Chair Tyler Oberheim (steven-oberheim@utc.edu) by Friday (Sept. 15).
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Jeremy Huw Williams (pictured), a Welsh baritone opera singer who also is known for his work in contemporary classical music, will perform at the Cadek Recital Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 19. The free concert, open to the public, will take place at 7:30 p.m.—and seating is limited.
Williams’ time at UTC will include conducting a master class for voice students, visiting Dr. Jonathan McNair’s music composition classes and performing for Dr. Aaron Shaheen’s Modern American Literature course.
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Exempt employees (and/or non-exempt employees with supervisory responsibilities) of any UT campus are welcome to register for the inaugural BEST Man Forum to be held Tuesday, Sept. 19, at the UT Conference Center in Knoxville. The forum will be based on the book “Of Boys and Men” with keynote remarks from the author, Richard Reeves. The one-day event will include facilitated small-group sessions based on chapters of the book, an executive leadership panel, extensive networking and a vendor session.
The UTC Division of Diversity and Engagement is sponsoring transportation to this event for UTC employees, leaving campus at 6:30 a.m. and returning at 6 p.m. the same day.
- Learn more about the conference and register here.
- Resources may be available through UTC’s Career Development Fund to help defray the cost of this event for non-exempt employees. Visit that website to see if you’re eligible for financial assistance.
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Meet-up for Researchers is an opportunity to share research interests and projects with other faculty, staff and graduate students and learn more about research and innovation happening at UTC.
The next event takes place from 10:30 a.m.-noon on Wednesday, Sept. 20, in the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Mapp Building Room 212). At this month’s meeting, Dr. Kusum Rathore, vice president of the UT Research Foundation-Multi Campus Office (MCO), will lead a discussion about working with the UTRF. Contact jennifer-skjellum@utc.edu with questions. Click here to register.
Notice of Final Defense: Upcoming Research Presentation
The UTC Graduate School announced that the following student will be presenting final works of research as an advanced degree candidate. Everyone is invited to attend.
- Wednesday, Sept. 20: Caleb Whitted will present doctoral research titled, “Factors Influencing Intercollegiate Athletics Fundraising Structure: A Survey and Theory Development,” via Zoom, 2 p.m. | Calendar Info
Campus Updates
 Photo credit: Tennessee Aquarium UTC students, staff and faculty can enjoy a 50% discount on Tennessee Aquarium admission during the bi-annual College Days celebration. The discount is available Sunday-Friday through Sept. 29.
The discount applies not only to the 120,000 square feet of animal-filled galleries in the Aquarium’s River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings but also to tickets for 45-minute film screenings at the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater. The savings apply to tickets for every person in the eligible individual’s party.
With this special discount, admission to the Aquarium will be $20 for adults (regularly $39.95) and $15 for ages 5-17 (regularly $29.95). Discounted IMAX 3D tickets will be $5 for all ages. Click here to learn more about College Days—and don’t forget to bring your UTC ID.
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Juniors and seniors are invited to apply for the spring 2024 Tennessee Legislative Internship Program, an outstanding opportunity for students interested in learning about law, legislative processes and state government. Interns are paid $400 per week and help manage committees, conduct bill research and assist with constituent relations.
All interested students (including freshmen and sophomores who are thinking ahead) are invited to meet with the program’s director from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 25, in the University Center Lobby.
Click here for forms and application instructions. Application materials are due by noon on Monday, Oct. 2. Email Christopher-Horne@utc.edu for more information.
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Students, the UTC Counseling Center will be hosting a weekly Stress and Anxiety support group, taking place from 3-4 p.m. on Wednesdays in the Sequoyah Room (second floor of the University Center).
Each session is dedicated to helping students de-stress and refocus on what’s important in their lives and will include different stress-management techniques. Experience a safe space where you will find support, solidarity and solutions. For more information, contact the Counseling Center at 423-425-4438.
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UTC students, the GEAR UP program helps urban students who have faced some serious challenges get on point for high school and realize their college ambitions. This is a great chance for you to change the future for a group of students who are unlikely to reach college and join the economic, civic and social mainstream without the kind of help you can give them.
All GEAR UP positions pay $15 an hour. If you would like to learn more, click on this Campus Updates post—which includes a link to the application packet.
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Want to study abroad? Students, come to a Study Abroad 102 session to find out how to have a global adventure while earning UTC credit. Session dates, times, locations and RSVPs can be found here. These sessions will allow students to meet with a staff member to get their general questions answered and work on choosing the right program that matches their academic, personal and professional goals.
Haven’t signed up for the Study Abroad 101 Canvas course yet? Do that here before attending a session.
Looking ahead:
 From left: Assistant Coach Nick Robinson, John Houk, Garrett Engle, Carson Johnson, Braedon Wear, Samuel Espinosa, Ward Harris and Coach Blaine Woodruff (photo credit: GoMocs.com) This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:
- Thursday (Sept. 14): Soccer vs. San Francisco, Finley Stadium, 6 p.m.
- Friday (Sept. 15): Volleyball vs. Eastern Michigan (Chattanooga Classic), Maclellan Gym, 11 a.m.
- Friday (Sept. 15): Volleyball vs. Morehead State (Chattanooga Classic), Maclellan Gym, 7 p.m.
- Saturday (Sept. 16): Volleyball vs. Gardner-Webb (Chattanooga Classic), Maclellan Gym, 2 p.m.
- Saturday (Sept. 16): Football vs. The Citadel, Finley Stadium, 6 p.m.
Looking back
Should I go to college? Can I afford college? Where should I go to college? Those questions were at the center of the conversation when officials with the UT System and UTC visited four Chattanooga metropolitan area high schools last Wednesday during the UT Promise tour.
Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:
- The 2023 Meacham Writers’ Workshop will take place Sept. 21-23 at various UTC campus locations and off-campus at Stove Works (1250 E. 13th St. in Chattanooga). The program, which is free and open to the public, consists of readings, panels and workshops with the goal of creating an informal setting where well-known writers from around the country, local writers, students, novice writers and their readers can freely and equally exchange ideas, works and readings.
- Many students arriving on campus for the fall semester seek opportunities for friendship, excitement, exercise and even a chance to test their competitive edge. UTC offers a variety of club and intramural sports that provide these opportunities and have the potential to appeal to every student.
- Two years after joining a research partnership with a Boston neurology group, Professor Gary Wilkerson and company are ready to use their findings to train local high school athletes to improve their reaction times and decrease their susceptibility to injuries.
- The presentation “The 339 Manumissions and Beyond Project: A Reparative Search for Descendants of Formerly Enslaved Africans” will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, in the Guerry Center Reading Room. “The 339 Manumissions and Beyond Project” is a research and educational effort in response to the release of newly digitized manumission documents.
Tales from the UTC PodLab
 Tracy Beamon and Christopher Cooper “Tennessee Valley Across the Table” is a student-led podcast that brings locals, often strangers with different views, together to learn who we are as people. It is inspired by StoryCorps’ One Small Step program.
In 2022, community members came to the UTC PodLab and opened their lives with stories about their families, their politics and their hopes for the future. This year, UTC Honors students, under the direction of Will Davis, studied the recordings and chose the material that most resonated with them. This episode by UTC political science student Daley Culberson features a conversation between Tracy Beamon and Christopher Cooper.
You can subscribe to “Tennessee Valley Across the Table” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
WUTC Spotlight: UTC LIVE!
 As part of the Fine Arts Center’s UTC LIVE! series, “Baldwin v. Buckley,” the american vicarious production of the historic 1965 debate between James Baldwin and William F. Buckley Jr. will be reenacted over three nights on the UTC campus Feb. 22-24, 2024. With a distinct and captivating lineup, UTC LIVE! at the newly renovated Fine Arts Center promises to deliver a rich array of performances that will enchant music and theater enthusiasts of all tastes and genres. The robust schedule includes ticketed and professional events and student productions.
The Fine Arts Center’s Bob Boyer recently was a guest on WUTC-FM’s Scenic Roots to introduce the UTC LIVE! series for 2023-2024.
U(TC)-Tube: Must-watch video
 UTC home opener vs. Kennesaw State University
Be Well Tip: Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and Recovery Month
As we observe both Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and Recovery Month this September, consider how kindness and support can change lives. Reach out to fellow students, listen and let those in need know they’re not alone. Share information about campus mental health resources and encourage open conversations about wellbeing. Together, we can create a supportive environment where recovery and resilience can thrive.
- Let’s stand together as a source of hope and strength this month. Check out the Center for Wellbeing and Mocs Recovery pages for suicide prevention and recovery events happening all month and ongoing recovery groups.
- Visit the Counseling Center for on-campus support.
- Save the CARE Line number in your phone (423-425-2273) for after-hours support or call/text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24/7 at 988.
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