September 22-28, 2026

Updates and news for the week of September 22-28, 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

Celebrating 140 years of UTC

In her first State of the University address, UTC Chancellor Lori Mann Bruce spoke to faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members about UTC’s 140-year history, recent successes and the momentum that will drive the University forward. 

The address, held in the University Center Auditorium, is a tradition that is part of Founder’s Week, an annual celebration of UTC’s anniversary. Click here to watch the 140th anniversary video.

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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.

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Highlight 3 Heading 2

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Outstanding People of UTC

From left: Joshua Hamblen, Loren Hayes, Shaogang Ren, Serkan Varol and Yingfeng Wang

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 members or the administration in building innovative curricula. Each Holmberg recipient will receive up to $5,000 in funding to support their proposal. The recipients of the Holmberg Grants for 2026-27 are:

• Dr. Joshua Hamblen, Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy
• Dr. Loren Hayes, Professor, Department of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science
• Dr. Shaogang Ren, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering
• Dr. Serkan Varol, Associate Professor, Department of Engineering Management and Technology
• Dr. Yingfeng Wang, Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering

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Dr. Ziwei Ma

UTC Associate Professor of Mathematics Ziwei Ma is bringing statistical expertise to a multi-university research project developing wearable technology and artificial intelligence tools to support rehabilitation for people with neurological motor disorders.

Supported by a U.S. National Science Foundation award through its Smart and Connected Health program, the project brings together researchers in engineering, physical therapy and statistics.

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Dr. Nagwan Zahry (left) and Dr. Feng Guo

Dr. Nagwan Zahry, of the Department of Communication, and Dr. Feng Guo, of the Department of Psychology, received a UT System Wellness Mini-Grant for their project, “From Wellness to Well-Tech: Identifying Gaps in Campus Wellness Support and Opportunities for AI-Enhanced Student Services.” The project will explore how artificial intelligence and strategic communication can improve access to campus wellness resources and strengthen student support.

UTC was also recognized in the inaugural Well-Pitched UT Wellness Mini-Grant Competition. The winning project, “Dialectical Behavior Therapy Group Intervention Program for High-Risk Students at the UT Chattanooga Counseling Center,” supports students experiencing chronic stress or suicidal thoughts. Runner-up honors went to “Cultivating Resilience in Undergraduate Nursing Students,” an initiative designed to strengthen resilience and self-care skills among nursing students.

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Check out these Mocs in the news:

• Local 3 News and News 12 Now covered Chancellor Lori Bruce’s State of the University address and UTC’s birthday celebration. The Times Free Press published a photo gallery of the event.
• The Times Free Press and News 12 Now covered Chattanooga Connect, an annual conference hosted by the UTC Research Institute.
• Anthropology student Tom Laufenberg spoke to Jed & JR Mornings about his work with UTC’s archaeology team at McCoy Farms on Signal Mountain.
• UC Foundation Professor of health and human performance Liz Hathaway joined Jed & JR Mornings to discuss best health practices.
• Assistant Professor of Practice in the College of Nursing Savannah Kelley spoke to Jed & JR Mornings about postpartum psychosis.
• A Times Free Press story about Chattanooga’s expanding traffic technology included Interim Vice Chancellor for Research Mina Sartipi.
• Senior business management student Cadden Bradford was featured by The Echo for receiving national recognition at the Fit Body World Conference in Dallas.

Mark Your Calendar

Photo credit: GoMocs.com

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

• Friday, Sept. 25: Softball vs. Chattanooga State, Frost Stadium, 4:30 p.m.
• Friday, Sept. 25: Volleyball vs. Wofford, Maclellan Gym, 6 p.m. 
• Saturday, Sept. 26: Volleyball vs. Wofford, Maclellan Gym, 5 p.m. 

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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 today (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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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.  

MSM Information Sessions

• Today (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

MBA Information Sessions

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

Business Analytics Certificate Information Sessions

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

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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:

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

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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 will host a closing reception for “Reconsidered Recollections” from 4:30-6:30 p.m. today (Sept. 22) at ICA Chattanooga in the Fine Arts Center.

The student-curated exhibition, supervised by Dr. Bart Pushaw, brings works from UTC’s permanent collection back into public view. As part of the closing reception, Natalie Wells will give a special talk on her research into Pam Reeves Macon’s 1970 batik tapestry.

The project is supported by a High-Impact Practices Grant from the Walker Center for Teaching and Learning. The reception is free and open to the public.

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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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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. 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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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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The Gary W. Rollins College of Business invites students to pitch business or product ideas and receive feedback during the Changemaker Challenge—no business plan or prototype required—at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 23, in the Max Fuller Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

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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.

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

• 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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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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Build the professional skills that help you stand out in interviews, internships and the workplace. Join Farnoosh Brock on Friday, Sept. 25, for interactive sessions focused on confidence, communication, networking and leadership.

Come for one session or stay for them all:

• 11 a.m. – Confidence and the Power of Voice
• Noon – Conversation Strategies
• 1 p.m. – Free lunch
• 1:30 p.m. – Networking and Relationship Building
• 2:30 p.m. – Entrepreneurship and Innovative Thinking
• Following sessions – One-on-one coaching and mentoring

The event is open to all students, and free lunch will be provided. Click here to reserve your spot on MocSync.

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Your UTC Music Faculty are taking the stage. Enjoy an hour of live music featuring a variety of works performed by members of the UTC Music faculty from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25, in the Roland Hayes Concert Hall in the Fine Arts Center. The recital is free and open to all.

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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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Help support the College of Arts and Sciences Residential College (A&SRC) by volunteering at IRONMAN Chattanooga on Sunday, Sept. 27, at Run Aid Station 1 on Riverfront Parkway between Lindsay and Houston streets, one block from McKenzie Arena.

Click here to register. Select “Run Aid Station 1” and list UTC A&SRC as your group when prompted. For questions, contact Dr. Nikolasa Tejero.

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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.

• 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 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. 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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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 Obear family invites the UTC community to come together to celebrate the life and legacy of Chancellor Emeritus Fred Obear. A Celebration of Life Reception will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9, in the Wolford Family Athletic Center. Those unable to attend who would like to share a remembrance of Dr. Obear with the family can do so through this link.

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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

Welcome to UTC

The following employees joined UTC in May:

• Brittany Fatoma – Community School Coordinator, School of Education
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Campus Updates

The 1886 Challenge is now up to 5,937 volunteer hours, thanks in part to Students in the HEALTH Residential Learning Community, who volunteered with First-Centenary United Methodist Church’s ABIDE Respite Ministry. The group spent time playing games with program participants on Sept. 9.

The 1886 Challenge calls on faculty, staff and students to collectively contribute 18,860 hours of community service during the 2026-27 academic year. The initiative highlights service already taking place across the University through volunteer work, mentoring, service-learning and outreach.

Help us keep the momentum going. If you’ve volunteered in the community, submit your hours through the 1886 Challenge form and help us move closer to our goal of 18,860 hours. You can also view all submitted photos in the photo gallery at the bottom of the 1886 Challenge page.

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

• 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.
• Paid summer research opportunities: Encourage undergraduate students to apply for paid Research Experiences for Undergraduates programs. Funded by the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health and other organizations, REUs typically offer eight to 10 weeks of hands-on summer research along with a stipend, housing and travel allowances, and professional development. Click here to learn more.
• Summer research and study abroad: Undergraduate students can explore summer research opportunities in the United Kingdom, Thailand, Croatia, Hungary and other locations. Funding is available to help offset program costs. Click here to learn more and apply.
• Summer Business Research Internship in Vietnam: Undergraduate students can complete research internships in Ho Chi Minh City through a program presented by the Gary W. Rollins College of Business, Office for URaCE and Center for Global Education. Click here to learn more.
• Spring Research and Arts Conference volunteers: The Office for URaCE is recruiting volunteers for the 2027 UTC Spring Research and Arts Conference on Wednesday, April 14, 2027. Click here to express your interest.

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Enjoy half-price admission to the Tennessee Aquarium and 45-minute documentary films during College Days, through Sept. 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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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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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

Carole Geter (right) holds up a “Power C” with Chancellor Lori Bruce.

UTC recognized 183 faculty and staff members for their years of service during the annual Service Awards Luncheon as part of Founder’s Week. The event celebrated employees marking service anniversaries ranging from five to 40 years.

“Thank you for what you do to make our University special and to make the student experience special, to serve our students and to serve each other,” Chancellor Lori Bruce told the honorees.

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A newly unveiled portrait of Dr. Tommie F. Brown is displayed near the academy’s front entrance, where students, families and visitors will encounter the legacy of the educator, social worker, civil rights leader and former state representative.

Students and families recently gathered with UTC representatives and community partners for an open house at Tommie F. Brown Academy that brought together a resource fair, a back-to-school celebration and a tribute to the school’s namesake.

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Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:

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WUTC

Karen Shostak (left), Jonathan Susman and Brian Smith

On WUTC’s “The Parkside Podcast,” hosts Brian Smith of the City of Chattanooga’s Parks and Outdoors and Karen Shostak of Hamilton County Parks and Recreation talk with Jonathan Susman, executive director of McKenzie Arena, about where Chattanooga’s parks and music meet. The podcast is produced in collaboration with Ray Bassett of WUTC’s “Scenic Roots.”

IN Memoriam

Dr. Leila Johnston Pratt, longtime Hart professor of economics and professor emeritus, died Wednesday, Sept. 9, at age 77. Pratt devoted 43 years to UTC before retiring in 2017, teaching and influencing an estimated 12,000 students. An accomplished researcher, she published extensively in economics journals and taught courses ranging from econometrics to environmental and sports economics. Pratt earned her Ph.D. from Virginia Tech and remained Professor Emeritus until her passing. Her 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.