September 15-21, 2026

Updates and news for the week of September 15-21, 2026

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.

UTC News  |  UTC Events Calendar  |  Campus Updates  |  In the Media

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Highlights

CELEBRATE FOUNDER’S WEEK

Join the UTC community as we celebrate Founder’s Week, through Sunday, Sept. 20, honoring 140 years since the University’s founding in 1886. The week will feature celebrations, traditions, service opportunities and events for students, faculty, staff, alumni and the Chattanooga community.

Today (Sept. 15), Chancellor Lori Bruce will deliver the annual State of the University Address at 2 p.m. in the University Center Auditorium, followed by UTC’s 140th Birthday Party from 3-5 p.m. on Terrell Owens Way and Vine Street with free food truck vouchers, birthday cake, music, games, giveaways and more. Click here to view the full Founder’s Week schedule.

For the first time in UTC history, the University will also host an on-campus fireworks show at approximately 8:10 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17. The fireworks will launch from Lot 7 beside Maclellan Gym. As a safety precaution, the area around Lot 7, including portions of Douglas Street and Mocs Alumni Drive, will be closed from noon-9 p.m., and attendees are asked to watch from a safe distance. Students are also invited to an SGA watch party in the West Campus Housing Courtyard.

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UTC sets graduate student record with second-highest overall enrollment

UTC welcomed 11,809 students for fall 2026, the second-highest enrollment in the University’s 140-year history and set an all-time high for graduate enrollment.

Graduate enrollment reached 1,749 students, a 5% increase over the previous record of 1,664 set last year. The graduate population includes more than 550 professional and research doctoral students, reflecting UTC’s expanding research enterprise and portfolio of advanced academic programs.

UTC also saw significant growth in dual enrollment, with participation increasing by more than 90% from fall 2025. While dual enrollment is a relatively new area of focus for the University, UTC has expanded initiatives with local charter schools and continues to host University High on campus, giving more high school students opportunities to earn college credit before graduation.

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UTC to celebrate staff and faculty achievements

This year, 183 employees will be honored during the UTC Service Awards Annual Luncheon on Wednesday, Sept. 16. The luncheon, a signature event of Founder’s Week, offers University leaders an opportunity to recognize the dedication and commitment of longtime members of the UTC community.

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SKIP THE FEE: FREE APP WEEK

Are you or someone you know considering applying to UTC?

Applying to college can add up quickly, but UTC is offering prospective students a chance to save money during Free Application Week, taking place through Friday, Sept. 18.

During Free App Week, the University will waive its standard $30 undergraduate application fee and $35 Graduate School application fee (domestic applications only) for all applicants who use the code FREEAPP27 in the UTC application portal at utc.edu/apply.

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SUBMIT EVENTS FOR 2026 HOMECOMING WEEK: MOCS2K

Homecoming 2026, MOCS2K, will take place Saturday, Oct. 31, through Saturday, Nov. 7. Campus departments are invited to submit events that connect to the Homecoming theme and complement activities planned throughout the week.

• Priority deadline: Friday, Sept. 25 (eligible for printed marketing materials and the online calendar)
• Final deadline: Friday, Oct. 9 (eligible for the online calendar only)

All event submissions will be reviewed by the University Homecoming Committee. Click here to learn more, view the current schedule and submit an event. If you have an idea but need help developing it or finding the best fit in the schedule, contact engage@utc.edu.

Outstanding People of UTC

UC Foundation Professors (from left) Brooke Epperson, Jannatul Ferdoush, Bart Pushaw, Jessica Taylor, Xiunan Wang and Justin Wymer

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 given to exceptionally productive junior faculty members on the tenure track. This year’s recipients are:

• Dr. Brooke Epperson, Associate Professor, College of Nursing
• Dr. Jannatul Ferdoush, Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science
• Professor Bart Pushaw, Assistant Professor, Department of Art
• Dr. Jessica Taylor, Associate Professor, Department of Applied Leadership and Learning
• Dr. Xiunan Wang, Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics
• Dr. Justin Wymer, Assistant Professor, Department of English

Each faculty member above receives a $2,500 increase to their base salary, graciously supplied by the UC Foundation.

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Dr. Kumar Yelamarthi (left) and Michael Roeser

Congratulations to UTC faculty and staff who received awards or submitted proposals for sponsored programs in August. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs announced that faculty and staff attracted $2,054,283 in external grant and contract awards during the month and submitted proposals for the potential to generate over $2,168,565 in external funding, if awarded.

Among those receiving awards in August were Dr. Kumar Yelamarthi and Michael Roeser (CECS – Dean’s Office), who received $500,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission for the project titled, “Enhancing Workforce Development in Appalachia through Advanced Engineering Lab Equipment.”

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Dr. Kristi Wick (center)

Dr. Kristi Wick, the Vicky B. Gregg Chair of Gerontology and a UC Foundation associate professor in the UTC College of Nursing, received the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging’s Trusted Partner in Aging Award last week in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

The Trusted Partner in Aging Award recognizes a state, regional or local partner whose collaboration strengthens the aging network through resources, education and partnerships that expand access, enhance support and improve outcomes for older adults. The recognition reflects the work of UTC’s MobileMOC program, which provides health and wellness services to older adults in rural communities across Southeast Tennessee.

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MobileMOC team members, from left, Julie Goonetilleke, marketing and advancement specialist; Emily Clark,, project manager; Dr. Amir Alakaam, MPH program director and associate professor; Dr. Meagan Oslund, interprofessional education and practice coordinator; Lili Reynolds, MobileMOC registered nurse; and Dionne Gray, community health worker, attend the Sept. 10, 2026, Champions of Health Care awards luncheon.

UTC’s MobileMOC program continues to earn recognition for its work supporting older adults and caregivers. The program recently received the Trusted Partner in Aging Award and was also named one of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee’s 2026 Champions of Health Care, an honor recognized by the Chattanooga Times Free Press and EDGE magazine.

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Dr. Erkan Kaplanoglu

Dr. Erkan Kaplanoglu, professor and head of UTC’s Department of Engineering Management and Technology, is leading a team of UTC and Marmara University researchers that has received a U.S. design patent for a wearable device designed to help people with essential tremor.

UTC collaborators include Dr. Ahad Nasab, professor of engineering management and technology and Burkett-Miller Chair of Excellence, and Dr. Gazi Akgun, research assistant professor in the Center for Urban Informatics and Progress. The patented device is designed to reduce hand tremors during everyday activities such as eating, writing and using a computer, advancing UTC’s growing research in biomechatronics and healthcare technology.

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Check out these Mocs in the news:

• Center for Urban Informatics and Progress (CUIP) Deputy Director and Chief Technology Officer Austin Harris and research assistant professor Gazi Akgun spoke to Local 3 News about UTC’s autonomous shuttle partnership with CARTA.
• A News 12 Now story featured the “9/11: A Day of Remembrance” event hosted by UTC.
• Local 3 News covered the Chattanooga 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, where the UTC Chamber Singers performed.

Mark Your Calendar

Photo by Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

• Saturday, Sept. 19: Football vs. Wofford, Finley Stadium, 6 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 20: Women’s soccer vs. The Citadel, Finley Stadium, 1 p.m.

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Yuval Levin

Faculty, staff, students and community members are invited to the 2026 Dr. Richard Gruetzemacher Constitution Day Lecture featuring political thinker and author Yuval Levin.

Drawing from his book “American Covenant,” Levin will discuss how the U.S. Constitution was designed to help a diverse nation navigate disagreement and how its principles of debate, compromise and self-government can help address today’s political and civic divisions. Levin is director of Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies at the American Enterprise Institute, editor of National Affairs and a contributing opinion writer for The New York Times.

The lecture begins at 5 p.m. today (Sept. 15) in the University Center Auditorium. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Click here to register. For more information, contact Dr. Josh Ammons.

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The Center for Wellbeing is recognizing National Suicide Prevention Month with events and training opportunities throughout September.

• Today (Sept. 15): Reaching Those at Risk will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Derthick Hall. The event includes networking, light refreshments and a panel discussion on supporting high-risk communities. It is open to students, faculty and staff.
• Thursday, Sept. 24: QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training will be offered to help participants recognize and respond to someone in crisis.
• The Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) training is now available through K@TE. The course helps faculty and staff recognize suicide risk and respond with confidence.

For more information about these events and resources, or to get involved in suicide prevention efforts on campus, contact Amy Kyriakidis.

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Discover everything the UTC Library has to offer at the Library Open House from 1-3 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16, on the first floor of the UTC Library.

Learn about the Library’s resources and support services while enjoying free snacks, swag and activities. Attendees can also enter a giveaway for a chance to win a bag of school supplies.

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Make plans to attend the Office for Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavor (URaCE) fall welcome events.

• Wednesday, Sept. 16: The Office for URaCE Fall Faculty and Staff Open House will be held from 1-3 p.m. in UTC Library Room 435. Stop by to meet the URaCE team, learn about programs and initiatives, enjoy refreshments and pick up free swag. RSVP here.
• Sunday, Sept. 20: Registration closes for the Fall Student Research Pitch Competitions, open to graduate and undergraduate students. The Graduate School and URaCE will host the competition on Wednesday, Oct. 21, in the University Center. Click here to learn more and register.
• Wednesday, Sept. 23; Thursday, Sept. 24; and Wednesday, Sept. 30: Office for URaCE September Student Workshops will cover getting started in undergraduate research, navigating undergraduate research positions and mentors, and identifying and applying for paid summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs). Attendees will receive complimentary URaCE swag and earn a research micro-credential badge. Click here to register.

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Learn about the “Doing Business in Germany” study abroad course for spring 2027 during one of several upcoming virtual information sessions. Open to all UTC students with no prerequisites, the course includes a two-week study trip to Berlin, Wolfsburg and Cologne in May 2027 and is led by Dr. Michael Jones, senior associate dean of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business.

• Wednesday, Sept. 16: 4 p.m., Zoom
• Wednesday, Sept. 23: 12:30 p.m., Zoom
• Wednesday, Sept. 30: 4 p.m., Zoom
• Thursday, Oct. 1: 11:30 a.m., Zoom
• Tuesday, Oct. 6: 4:15 p.m., Zoom
• Thursday, Oct. 8: 11:30 a.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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Celebrate Recovery Month this September with Mocs Recovery by attending a community event, participating in a training or showing your support online.

• Wednesday, Sept. 16: Game Night, 5:15-8 p.m., at the Mocs Recovery Lounge.
• Monday, Sept. 28: Recovery Allyship Training for faculty and staff, 12:15-1:15 p.m. Register through K@TE.

Follow @MocsRecovery on Instagram and share its posts throughout Recovery Month. Click here for more information about Mocs Recovery.

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The Gary W. Rollins College of Business will host several events throughout September for students, faculty, staff and the community.

• Thursday, Sept. 17: Shop student-made products at the Mocs Marketplace pop-up, from noon-4 p.m. on Oak Street in front of Founders Hall. Students interested in becoming vendors must apply by Thursday, Sept. 10.
• Wednesday, Sept. 23: Students are invited to pitch business or product ideas and receive feedback during the Changemaker Challenge—no business plan or prototype required—at 4 p.m. in the Max Fuller Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

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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, Business Analytics Certificate, 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.  

MBA Information Sessions

• Thursday, Sept. 17: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here
• Wednesday, Oct. 7: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here
• Friday, Oct. 30: Noon: Register Here

Business Analytics Certificate Information Sessions

• Friday, Sept. 18: Noon: Register Here
• Wednesday, Oct. 14: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MSM Information Sessions

• Tuesday, Sept. 22: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here
• Friday, Oct. 9: Noon: Register Here
• Wednesday, Oct. 28: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MAcc Information Sessions

• Tuesday, Sept. 29: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here
• Thursday, Oct. 8: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here
• Tuesday, Oct. 27: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MSDA Information Sessions

• Wednesday, Sept. 30: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here
• Tuesday, Oct. 6: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here
• Thursday, Oct. 29: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

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Jazz pianist Benny Green opens the UTC LIVE! season in a benefit concert for WUTC-FM 88.1.

The UTC LIVE! season opens Thursday, Sept. 17, with jazz pianist Benny Green performing a benefit concert for WUTC-FM 88.1 in the UTC Fine Arts Center’s Roland Hayes Concert Hall. Born in New York City and raised in Berkeley, California, Green began performing professionally as a child and later worked with Betty Carter, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Freddie Hubbard and the Ray Brown Trio. He also recorded with Oscar Peterson and Diana Krall and has continued leading his own trio and recording as a bandleader.

UTC LIVE! will move most of its 2026-27 performances to Cadek Hall, giving the series a smaller setting that better fits the artists and programs it presents.

Known for bringing noted artists to campus who are outside the mainstream, UTC LIVE! will present jazz, Danish folk music, a historically informed Beethoven program and a marimba recital, with most of the season taking place in Cadek Hall’s 217-seat recital hall—a space especially well suited for piano, jazz and other acoustic performances. The smaller setting also brings audiences closer to the stage, allowing eye contact between performers and audience members.

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Explore a career in healthcare at the Medical Programs Open House from 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, on the first floor of the James R. Mapp Building. Learn about training opportunities in Certified Nursing Assistant, Clinical Medical Assistant, Medical Billing and Coding, Phlebotomy Technician and Pharmacy Technician through hands-on demonstrations and conversations with instructors, staff, employers and community partners. Representatives from the Center for Professional Education and the American Job Center will also be available to discuss potential funding opportunities. Click here to RSVP.

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Help support Scrappy’s Cupboard during the annual Founders Week Food Drive, held through Friday, Sept. 18. Donation bins will be located in Lupton Hall Room 118, the University Center Room 302 and near the information desk in the UTC Library.

Most-needed items include pasta, cereal, toilet paper, sports drinks, canned fruit and cleaning wipes. Donations can also be made through the Amazon Wishlist. Every donation helps ensure UTC students have access to food and essential supplies.

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The Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science will host its fall 2026 seminar series every Monday from 12:40-1:35 p.m. in Holt Hall Room 229. Events are open to all.

Fall 2026 speakers include:

• Sept. 21: Dr. Yingfeng Wang, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, UTC
• Sept. 28: Dr. Hope Klug, Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science, UTC
• Oct. 5: Nyssa Hunt, Interdisciplinary Geospatial Technology Lab, UTC
• Oct. 19: Dr. Ryan Fritts, Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science, UTC
• Oct. 26: Dr. Erin McKenney, Applied Ecology, NC State University
• Nov. 2: Dr. Jae Park, Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• Nov. 9: Prof. John Tucker, Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science, UTC
• Nov. 16: Ryan Davenport, University of New Hampshire
• Nov. 23: Dr. Jane Kenney-Hunt, Department of Biology, Valparaiso University
• Nov. 30: Speaker to be announced

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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at UTC during the Spanish Film Festival, featuring five free film screenings in the University Center Auditorium. The festival begins Monday, Sept. 21, with a screening of “From the Land to Your Table” (¿Qué culpa tiene el tomate?) at 3 p.m., followed by a performance by Mariachi Aventurero at 5 p.m. on Chamberlain Field. The first 100 attendees will receive free nachos.

• Monday, Sept. 21: From the Land to Your Table (¿Qué culpa tiene el tomate?), 3 p.m., University Center Auditorium
• Wednesday, Sept. 23: Spider Thieves (Niñas Araña), 6 p.m., University Center Auditorium
• Thursday, Oct. 1: In the Heights (En un barrio), 6 p.m., University Center Auditorium
• Wednesday, Oct. 7: La Suprema, 6 p.m., University Center Auditorium
• Thursday, Oct. 15: Chinese Take-Away (Un cuento chino), 6 p.m., University Center Auditorium

The Spanish Film Festival is presented by the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures and co-sponsored by Latin American Studies, A Moc’s First Year, Life Out Loud, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Film and Television minor, the Department of Communication and the Spanish Club.

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Discover how computer science and engineering connect to careers across every field at Computer Science and Engineering Discovery Day from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22, in the University Center Tennessee Room.

Open to all UTC students, faculty and staff, the event will feature hands-on activities, research demonstrations and innovation showcases highlighting topics such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity and digital technologies. No technical experience is required. Participants can also win prizes. Click here to save the date.

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Scrappy’s Market returns, offering free fresh produce to students from 2-4 p.m. on Vine Street near Derthick Hall or in the University Center second-floor lobby, depending on weather. Check MocSync for location updates. Fall market dates include:

• Tuesday, Sept. 22
• Tuesday, Oct. 6
• Wednesday, Oct. 21
• Wednesday, Nov. 4
• Tuesday, Nov. 17

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Meet with 48 employers from across the region at the Career Connections Fall Career Fair from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 23, in the University Center Tennessee Room. Employers will be recruiting for current full-time jobs and internship opportunities.

Bring copies of your resume and dress in business professional attire to make a strong impression. Need help preparing? Career Connections can assist with resume reviews, mock interviews and career fair preparation. Students can also schedule an appointment with the Career Closet to receive one free professional outfit.

Click here for more information or to schedule an appointment, or call 423-425-4184.

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Walgreens will offer on-campus flu vaccine clinics for students, faculty and staff during September and October. No appointment is necessary, but appointments are available to streamline the process.

• Wednesday, Sept. 23: 3-7 p.m., Lupton Hall Commons
• Thursday, Sept. 24: 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Lupton Hall Commons
• Tuesday, Oct. 6: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., University Center Tennessee Room
• Wednesday, Oct. 7: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Chamberlain Field during the Be Well Health Fair (rain location: University Center Tennessee Room)

Bring your current insurance and pharmacy benefits cards. Free vouchers will be available for those without insurance. Click here to schedule an appointment.

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Mesha Maren

The 2026 Meacham Writers’ Workshop will take place Wednesday, Sept. 23, through Saturday, Sept. 26, bringing writers, readers and students together for four days of readings, conversations and workshops celebrating Appalachian and Southern literature.

This year’s featured visiting writer and Stove Works Fellow is novelist Mesha Maren, author of “Sugar Run,” “Perpetual West” and “Shae.” Maren will participate in an Appalachian writers panel, visit local public schools and lead a writing workshop at Stove Works on Saturday, Sept. 26.

All Meacham Writers’ Workshop events are free and open to the public. Click here to view the full schedule, including event times and locations.

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Learn about UTC’s graduate programs at the Graduate School Fair from noon-2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, in the University Center Tennessee Room.

Explore more than 30 graduate programs, connect with faculty and staff, learn about admissions and career opportunities, and enjoy free food, giveaways and application fee waivers. The event is open to anyone interested in advancing their education and career through UTC graduate programs.

Click here for more information and to register. Application fee waivers apply to completed domestic applications submitted through Oct. 11.

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Join the Outdoor Recreation Mapathon from noon-6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, at Outdoor Chattanooga in Coolidge Park and help create the best outdoor recreation map in America. Hosted through a partnership between the UTC Center for Applied Geospatial Data Science, the City of Chattanooga, CARTA, Outdoor Chattanooga and Chattanooga National Park City, the event will feature mapping activities, a Learn to Map station and opportunities to support Chattanooga’s National Park City efforts. No mapping experience is required, and all are welcome.

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The Department of Communication will launch “Common Ground,” a new civic communication series exploring the intersection of trust and community, with events scheduled this fall in the Roland Hayes Concert Hall.

The series will feature nationally recognized scholars whose work has shaped conversations around civic engagement and social infrastructure:

• Thursday, Sept. 24: Eric Klinenberg will present “The Power of Social Infrastructure,” examining how shared public spaces—from libraries to parks—can strengthen communities, 6 p.m.
• Wednesday, Oct. 21: Robert D. Putnam will present “Rebuilding Social Capital in America,” focusing on the decline and potential renewal of civic life in the United States, 6 p.m.

Both events are free and open to the public. Faculty, students and community members are encouraged to attend. Faculty interested in hosting guest visits or small group discussions with the speakers can contact Brandon Bouchillon for more information.

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The Department of Chemistry will host its fall 2026 seminar series from 3-4 p.m. on Fridays in Grote Hall Room 411. Events are open to all.

Fall 2026 speakers include:

• Sept. 25: Dr. Adam Offenbacher, East Carolina University
• Oct. 2: Dr. Cathy Murphy, University of Illinois
• Oct. 16: Bud Lamonica, Cymer LLC
• Oct. 23: Dr. Brian Long, UT Knoxville
• Oct. 30: Undergraduate Research Program Poster Session and Reception

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Celebrate the life and legacy of Dolly Parton with the Department of Political Science and Public Service at 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25, in Derthick Hall Room 201.

The free event will feature a screening of “9 to 5,” Dolly-themed trivia, a costume contest, music and snacks. Guests are also invited to honor Dolly’s legacy of philanthropy through optional donations. Organizers hope to raise $740—$9.25 for each year of Dolly’s life—with Dr. Michelle Evans matching the first $250 donated. New children’s books, canned goods and other nonperishable food items will also be collected to support Scrappy’s Cupboard and Dolly-related charitable causes. The event is free and open to all.

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An eight-week summer 2027 business research internship opportunity in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is available for up to five UTC students.

• Thursday, Oct. 1: 1 p.m., Fletcher Hall Room 109
• Friday, Oct. 9: Noon, Fletcher Hall Room 109

Dr. Robert Dooley, dean of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business, will lead the information sessions. Lunch will be provided. RSVP to COBInternational@utc.edu. The application deadline is Sunday, Nov. 1. Click here for more information and to apply.

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Mocs Give Day returns on Tuesday, Oct. 6, bringing the UTC community together for a 24-hour online giving challenge in support of current and future Mocs. Alumni, students, faculty, staff, families and friends can make an impact through gifts that strengthen scholarships, programs and opportunities across campus. Every gift tells a story, and every gift helps shape the future of UTC. Learn more at mocsgiveday.utc.edu.

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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.

• Thursday, Sept. 24: Kaitlin Brown, UTC Library Room 326, 1 p.m., Calendar

Campus Updates

Getting to class can be one of the most routine parts of a student’s day, but the hassle of parking, navigating Chattanooga’s heat and long walks across campus can throw that routine off. For students looking to ease these burdens, UTC offers the Mocs Express shuttle as a convenient, safe way to get around campus free of charge.

The shuttle system, run in partnership with the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA), has been serving UTC for more than a decade and is free to all students, faculty and staff with a Mocs ID. All Mocs Express buses are ADA accessible.

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UTC Athletics has introduced the new Student Access Pass for the 2026-27 academic year. The digital pass gives full-time UTC students admission to all ticketed home football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, wrestling and softball games without claiming a ticket for each event.

The pass can be downloaded through your account at GoMocs.com/Tickets and added to your Apple or Google Wallet for easy entry throughout the season. Click here for more information and FAQs.

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Enjoy half-price admission to the Tennessee Aquarium and 45-minute documentary films during College Days, Sept. 10-30. The discount is available to UTC students, faculty and staff, as well as their friends and family.

Tickets must be purchased onsite. To receive the discount, present a UTC ID, transcript or pay stub at the Aquarium ticketing center. Timed entry is in effect, and wait times may apply. Visit the Tennessee Aquarium’s College Days webpage for pricing, membership discounts and additional information.

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Installation view of “Reconsidered Recollections,” featuring works displayed in the UTC gallery, including Pam Reeves Macon’s Untitled Batik Tapestry at right.

The Institute of Contemporary Art Chattanooga is showcasing works from the UTC Permanent Collection of Art in “Reconsidered Recollections,” a student-curated exhibition featuring pieces that have been out of public view for years, and in some cases decades.

The exhibition, co-curated by 24 UTC students, is on display through Tuesday, Sept. 22. A closing reception will be held from 4:30-6:30 p.m. that day at ICA Chattanooga in the Fine Arts Center. Click here to learn more.

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Faculty and staff are invited to participate in the UT Wellness: Know How, Know Now Challenge through Saturday, Oct. 10. Complete three self-paced K@TE trainings on mental health warning signs, opioid overdose response and suicide prevention while helping UTC compete for the highest employee participation rate across the UT System.

Employees who complete all three trainings will receive a digital certificate and be entered into a drawing for one of 10 $50 gift cards and UT Wellness blankets. The opioid overdose response training was created with the help of UTC’s Kat James, and the suicide prevention training was developed with input from Amy Kyriakidis, both from the Center for Wellbeing. Click here to join the challenge.

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Student Outreach and Support (SOS) and Scrappy’s Cupboard have moved to University Center Room 302. SOS is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and Scrappy’s Cupboard is open from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. to support students throughout the semester.

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Thinking about earning an advanced degree? UTC employees can take advantage of the University’s education benefit to pursue programs like UTC’s M.S. in Computer Science, a program specifically designed to welcome students from a wide range of backgrounds, including healthcare, psychology, linguistics, and other non-technical fields. The program provides a pathway for career changers and lifelong learners looking to build new skills and expand future opportunities

Read how three students found their unexpected path into tech in The Unexpected Road to a Master’s in Computer Science and explore what your UTC education benefit could make possible.

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A new DASH TDX Training Hub is now available, providing a centralized resource designed to support the campus community.

The Training Hub brings together knowledge and expertise from multiple departments to create a single location for training and support resources. Whether you’re new to DASH or looking for guidance on specific processes, the hub provides easy access to:

• Step-by-step instructions
• Job aids and reference guides
• Helpful links and resources
• Frequently used documentation

The Training Hub will continue to evolve as new information, enhancements and training materials become available. Faculty and staff are encouraged to bookmark the site, refer to it whenever assistance is needed and share it with colleagues across campus. Feedback is also welcome as the Training Hub continues to grow and improve.

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Have a rock, mineral or fossil you’d like identified? The UTC Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science is hosting free identification nights on Mondays every four weeks from 5-7 p.m. on the first floor of Grote Hall (701 Vine St.).

Visitors should enter through the double doors on the exterior of the building. Free parking is available in Lot 10 after 5 p.m.

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Measles is highly contagious—even more so than COVID-19. To ensure campus is healthy, it is vital that you know your immune status by verifying your vaccination records or laboratory proof of immunity.

Take action today:

• Check your status: Log in to the UTC Medicat Patient Portal to review your records.
• Need a blood titer? If you do not have documentation of immunity through vaccination, call UTC Health Services at 423-425-2266 to schedule a blood test.
  • Titers can be billed through insurance or paid out of pocket for $11
•  Feeling sick? Do not walk into the clinic. Call first to help protect others.

UTC reports that 98% of students on campus have immunity, which serves as a strong shield for the community. Having immunity significantly reduces the chances of getting measles and keeps you from needing to be quarantined for up to 21 days if you are exposed.

Click here for more information.

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Want to learn more about the Mosaic Program? The Mosaic team is visiting departments across campus to share program updates, introduce new staff members and answer questions about supporting UTC’s neurodiverse community—all while bringing cookies.

Departments interested in hosting a Cookies and Conversation session can scan the QR code on the flyer to schedule a visit.

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Adobe Stock Image

As artificial intelligence becomes a bigger part of day-to-day work across industries, the UTC Center for Professional Education will offer two online programs in September to help working professionals build practical AI skills for different needs and experience levels.

The two offerings are AI Essentials with Prompting, a live online workshop scheduled for Sept. 17, and CompTIA Security AI+ Certification Prep, an eight-week live online course that begins Sept. 19. Together, the programs give learners two entry points into AI-related professional development: one focused on broad workplace fluency, productivity and responsible use, and one designed for cybersecurity professionals working in a threat environment increasingly shaped by AI. Click here for more information or to register.

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The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Athletics Department announced in April a multi-year extension of its successful apparel partnership with Adidas through BSN SPORTS. An exciting benefit of this renewed partnership is that all University departments and campus organizations can now purchase adidas apparel directly through BSN SPORTS at discounted pricing.

Whether you are outfitting your department, student organization or campus event, BSN SPORTS can help with customized adidas apparel and promotional products. This partnership with Adidas is an option for campus organizations to use, but it is not required. Items purchased through BSN help the athletics program reach benchmarks that unlock additional benefits as part of the agreement. 

For assistance with orders or to learn more about available products and pricing, please contact our BSN SPORTS representative, Garrett Ferrel, at 765-652-4052. The athletics department looks forward to expanding the benefits of this partnership across campus while continuing to strengthen the Mocs brand through adidas and BSN SPORTS.

UTC Newsroom

On Friday, Sept. 11, UTC hosted 9/11: A Day of Remembrance in the University Center Auditorium to honor those killed on the 25th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks. The program recognized the courage, service and sacrifice of military members, first responders and their families over the past 25 years.

Andrew Smith, a U.S. Army veteran who served with the 82nd Airborne Division and co-founder of the Honoring the Sacrifice Foundation, delivered the keynote address.

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Riley Rutherford (left) and Kate Rutherford

Originally from the two-stoplight town of Erin, Tennessee, twin sisters and UTC students Kate and Riley Rutherford spent the summer in Washington, D.C. Both juniors and Brock Scholars in the UTC Honors College, they followed different paths to the same city.

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Dr. Karen Babine

In 2014, Dr. Karen Babine packed up her tiny camper, loaded her two cats in the car and left Minneapolis for Nova Scotia. More than a decade later, that trip inspired “The Allure of Elsewhere: A Memoir of Going Solo,” published by Milkweed Editions in 2025.

WUTC

Benny Green

On WUTC’s “Scenic Roots,” Ray Bassett spoke with acclaimed jazz pianist Benny Green and WUTC host Ken Dryden ahead of Green’s benefit concert for WUTC at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, in the Roland Hayes Concert Hall at the UTC Fine Arts Center. The concert is made possible through a gift from Ken and Nancy Dryden, with all proceeds benefiting WUTC.

IN Memoriam

William Wright “Bill” Prince, a longtime member of the UTC Library community, died Aug. 28. Prince retired from UTC in 2009 after 27 years as a reference and instruction librarian at Lupton Library. During his career, he earned the rank of professor and received the Lupton Library Dean’s Award and University of Tennessee Service Award. He was remembered for his dedication to students, faculty and colleagues. A full obituary is available here.

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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.