September 23-29, 2025
Updates and news for the week of September 23-29, 2025
The UTC Campus Weekly newsletter is distributed every Tuesday morning. If you have news, events or announcements you would like shared with campus, please submit your information to Peyton Schultz (peyton-l-schultz@utc.edu) in the Division of Communications and Marketing by 3 p.m. on Friday for placement in the following Tuesday’s newsletter.
Highlights
Mocs Don’t Haze 2025: Encouraging UTC community to speak up and step in
UTC will spotlight community and safety during Hazing Prevention Week, taking place this week through Thursday, Sept. 25. The event-filled week, also known as “Mocs Don’t Haze,” is dedicated to sparking conversations about hazing, what it looks like and how to stop it before it starts. Click here to learn more and to view the full schedule.
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UTC lands NSF grant to strengthen STEM education in Southeast Tennessee, North Georgia
 Adjunct faculty member Wafaa Mohamedahmed, left, senior Spencer Esposito and Dr. Raga Ahmed during an Introduction to Electrical Engineering class in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. UTC has received a $500,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) award to launch a three-year project that will prepare and retain middle and high school science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teachers through research experiences in STEM settings (RESS) in microelectronics and artificial intelligence.
This project, titled “RESS in Microelectronics and Artificial Intelligence to Empower STEM Teachers,” is funded by the NSF’s Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program and is supported in part by funds from Micron Technology, Inc. The project, which aims to address the national need for highly qualified STEM teachers to meet critical shortages, is led by Dr. Raga Ahmed, UC Foundation associate professor of electrical engineering in the UTC College of Engineering and Computer Science.
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SEND IN YOUR INFORMATION FOR THE UTC PARENT AND FAMILY ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
It is again time to recruit campus partners to send in information for the UTC Parent and Family Association newsletter, a monthly roundup distributed to more than 5,400 parents and family members.
To share information with the families of UTC students—upcoming events, important deadlines, helpful suggestions and departmental news—email Hannah Turcotte by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 24. The October newsletter will be emailed to members Wednesday, Oct. 1.
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR MOCS GIVE DAY
Tuesday, Oct. 7, is Mocs Give Day—UTC’s annual day of giving—when proud alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends unite and give generously to make a difference for UTC. With challenges across campus, your gift can go further just by giving on Oct. 7.
You can also be a Mocs Give Day Advocate. You’ll receive an exclusive T-shirt when you commit to making a gift on Oct. 7 and encourage others to donate as well. Visit mocsgiveday.utc.edu to learn more.
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Andrew Sheehy named UTC interim vice chancellor for advancement and interim executive director of the UC Foundation
Chancellor Lori Mann Bruce announced the appointment of Andrew Sheehy as interim vice chancellor for advancement and interim executive director of the UC Foundation.
Sheehy, a seasoned higher-education advancement leader with more than three decades of experience, brings deep knowledge of the UT System and a proven track record of fundraising success to the role. He will succeed Kim White, who retired on Sept. 19 after leading UTC to record-breaking fundraising results.
Outstanding People of UTC
 From left: Rahul Bhosale, Venkateswara Kode, John Lee, Shahnewaz Karim Sakib, Zihao 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 or the administration in building innovative curriculum. Each Holmberg recipient will receive up to $5,000 in funding to support their proposal. The recipients of the Holmberg Grants for 2025-2026 are given below, along with their funded proposal’s title.
- Dr. Rahul Bhosale, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering; Proposal Title: Involving UTC Undergraduate Students in the Solar-to Hydrogen Energy Conversion Efficiency Analysis of the Metal Oxide Metal Sulphate Water Splitting Cycle
- Dr. Venkateswara Kode, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering; Proposal Title: Enhancing Algae-derived Biofuel Combustion Efficiency and Emission Reduction Using Boron Nitride Quantum Dots
- Dr. John Lee, Professor, Department of Chemistry; Proposal Title: The synthesis of organometallic cobalt complexes to combat antimicrobial resistance
- Dr. Shahnewaz Karim Sakib, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering; Proposal Title: Empowering the Next Generation of AI Security Leaders through Hands-on Research, Outreach, and Scalable Educational Models
- Dr. Zihao Wang, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering; Proposal Title: Develop a Cross-modal AI Agent for Medical Image Computing
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 From left: Dr. Gary McDonald, retired UC Foundation associate professor of mechanical engineering; Chancellor Lori Bruce; and Dr. Jocelyn Sanders, professor of music. As part of this year’s Founder’s Week festivities, UTC honored 194 employees during its Service Awards Luncheon last week. The event celebrated milestone anniversaries ranging from five to 55 years of service. Click here to see the full list of honorees.
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 Dr. Linda Frost Dr. Linda Frost, the founding dean of the UTC Honors College, will transition to a faculty role after the 2025-26 academic year.
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Check out these Mocs in the news:
- Anthropology lecturer Andrew J. Van Slyke was featured in a Local 3 News story about his work with students to learn about Tennessee’s underwater history.
- Chief Canine Officer Gunny O’Brien and his handler, UTC Police Chief Sean O’Brien, were featured in a Times Free Press story and a NewsChannel 9 story.
- Robert Lake Wilson Professor of Geology Amy Brock-Hon was mentioned in a Ruby Falls press release.
- Clinical Associate Professor Kristen Singletary discussed infectious diseases such as malaria on Jed & JR Mornings.
- Center for Regional Economic Research Director Howard Wall joined Jed & JR Mornings to discuss workforce reduction in Chattanooga.
Mark Your Calendar
 Photo credit: Laura O’Dell/GoMocs.com This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:
- Saturday, Sept. 27: Football vs. The Citadel, Finley Stadium, 6 p.m.
- Monday, Sept. 29: Chat With the Mocs, Miller’s Ale House (Hixson), 96.1 FM, 7 p.m.
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Walgreens will be on campus to offer flu vaccine clinics from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in 120 Lupton Hall Commons today (Sept. 23). The flu vaccine clinic will return Oct. 22-24.
No appointment is needed. Just bring your current insurance and pharmacy benefits card. If you don’t have insurance, free vouchers will be available.
Please click here to visit our website for more information and to complete and print your vaccine consent form.
COVID-19 boosters will not be available at the clinics. They will be available at the Walgreens at the 110 N. Market St. location in the pharmacy for those who are eligible. Click here to schedule an appointment online for your COVID-19 booster.
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The Gary W. Rollins College of Business will hold virtual information sessions for the Master of Business Administration, MS Management, MS Data Analytics, and Master of Accountancy graduate programs. The Rollins College of Business graduate programs provide flexible course options and exclusive career support resources to elevate your education and advance your career.
MAcc Information Sessions
Business Analytics Certificate Information Sessions
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Information sessions are taking place for the spring 2026 study abroad course, “Doing Business in The Balkans,” which is open to all UTC students. The course has no prerequisites and includes a two-week international study trip to the Balkans, visiting Italy, Croatia and Albania (tentatively scheduled for May 11-24, 2026). The Balkans course is led by Dr. Beni Asllani, head of data analytics and native of Albania.
Information sessions:
- Wednesday, Sept. 24, 1:30 p.m., Zoom
- Thursday, Oct. 2, 2 p.m., Zoom
- Thursday, Oct. 9, 12:30 p.m., Zoom
- Thursday, Oct. 16, 2 p.m., Zoom
- Tuesday, Oct. 21, 12:30 p.m., Zoom
- Tuesday, Oct. 28, 12:30 p.m., Zoom
- Wednesday, Nov. 5, 1:30 p.m., Zoom
- Tuesday, Nov. 11, 12:30 p.m., Zoom
- Thursday, Nov. 20, 2 p.m., Zoom
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UTC will host the Meacham Writers’ Workshop from Sept. 24-27, a four-day series of free readings, discussions and literary events that connect nationally recognized authors, local voices, students and the community.
The workshop schedule includes:
- Wednesday, Sept. 24: Sequoya Review Reading, 5:30-7 p.m., Guerry Center Reading Room.
- Thursday, Sept. 25: Reception and book launch, 5-7 p.m., Roth Reading Room (fourth floor, UTC Library), featuring Karen Babine, Andrea Jurjević and Andrew Najberg.
- Friday, Sept. 26: Reading, noon-1:30 p.m., Lupton Hall lobby, with Justin Wymer, Alex Quinlan and Kris Whorton.
- Friday, Sept. 26: Reading and reception, 5-7 p.m., Stove Works (1250 E. 13th St.), with Edwin Murillo, Gwen Mullins and UTC alum Jared Steiman.
- Saturday, Sept. 27: Lupton Hall first floor, 9-10 a.m. individual conferences; 10-11 a.m. Walnut Street Publishing panel; 11 a.m.-noon Narrative 4 Story Exchange facilitated by Gwen Mullins.
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The Center for Wellbeing offers a monthly lineup of trainings for faculty and staff. If interested, please sign up here. Trainings counting toward completion of the Mental Health Ally Program are noted with an asterisk (*).
The Center is happy to schedule trainings for specific teams or departments at other times throughout the year. Reach out to Megan McKnight with questions or to request a training.
- *Wednesday, Sept. 24: Suicide Prevention Using Question, Persuade, Refer and the C-SSRS, Library Room 209, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- *Tuesday, Sept. 30: Psychological First Aid (Zoom), noon-1 p.m.
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Celebrate Sandy Dodd’s 30 years of outstanding service and dedication to the UTC Bursar’s office from 2-4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, in the University Center Chickamauga Room.
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UTC Athletics is excited to offer discounted tickets to UTC faculty and staff on Educator’s Night for the UTC v. The Citadel game at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27. Use code “FACSTAFF” here to purchase your tickets. Discounted tickets start at $10 each (plus applicable fees).
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Support UTC’s Arts and Sciences Residential College on Sunday, Sept. 28, by volunteering at the Chattanooga Ironman. We will be handing out drinks and food at run aid station No. 1 on Riverfront Parkway between Lindsay and Houston Streets (near McKenzie arena).
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Hosted in partnership with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, UTC will host a campus-wide symposium on the rule of law on Tuesday, Sept. 30, in the Guerry Reading Room.
This all-day event invites members of the campus community to engage with federal district judges, Ochs Professor of Government Michelle Deardorff and Assistant Professor of History Michael Samuel, to explore the role and relevance of the rule of law in a democratic republic.
Attendees may join individual sessions or participate in all five public sessions to earn a certificate and be eligible for prizes demonstrating mastery of the topic.
- Importance and Meaning of Rule of Law: 8-9:15 a.m.
- A Day in the Life with Federal Judges: 9:30-10:45 a.m.
- Invitation-only lunch with students and judges: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Panel of Federal Judges: 12:30-1:45 p.m.
- Media and the Judiciary: 2-3:15 p.m.
- Contemporary Challenges to the Rule of Law: 3:30-4:45 p.m.
For questions or to register for the certificate, contact Michelle Deardorff.
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 Dracula is played by sophomore theatre minor Liam Phillips. The UTC Theatre Co. will open its 2025-2026 season with “Dracula: Mina’s Quest,” Steven Dietz’s reimagining of Bram Stoker’s novel. Performances will take place nightly at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 30-Oct. 4, with a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday, Oct. 4.
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Stop by Mocs Marketplace on Wednesday, Oct. 1, in front of Founders Hall to shop student businesses. From handmade goods to services, you’ll find one-of-a-kind items and fresh ideas right from your campus community.
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Scrappy’s Cupboard Food Pantry is open from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday despite the construction in the UC. UTC community members can use the food pantry once a month, no questions asked. Volunteers and donations are needed to help the pantry thrive.
Scrappy’s Markets are back this semester and will continue through the fall. The next market will be from 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1, on Vine Street.
Here is the upcoming Scrappy’s Market schedule:
- Tuesday, Oct. 21: 2-4 p.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 5: 2-4 p.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 18: 2-4 p.m.
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Interested in learning more about the Graduate Athletic Training Program? Join us for one of our virtual information sessions during the fall 2025 semester. Each session will be similar in format, featuring a 30-minute program overview followed by a Q&A panel with two to four current students. Sessions will not exceed one hour total. If you’d like to attend, please fill out this form.
Upcoming sessions are 9 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 6; 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28; and 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19.
A Zoom link will be sent to you within 24 hours of the session you sign up for. If you are unable to make one of these sessions but would like more information, please email program director Shellie Acocello.
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Chattanooga Connect 2025, hosted by the UTC Research Institute, will take place Oct. 6-8 at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Following its successful debut last year, Chattanooga Connect will again convene industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers to explore the future of urban transportation and cutting-edge advancements in quantum computing, digital infrastructure, AI, connected and automated vehicles (CAV), and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technologies.
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The Changemaker Challenge is a business concept pitch competition for UTC students—all majors welcome. If you have an idea for a new venture, sign up to compete. No business plan required. Bring your creativity, passion and vision to solve a real-world problem.
The winner will receive a set of four Totem Compasses, including a rare collector’s edition crystal-faced compass. The event will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 8, in the Max Fuller Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Mapp Building).
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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.
- Tuesday (Sept. 30): Stacie Grisham, Zoom, 10 a.m., Calendar
- Friday (Oct. 3): Julia Jones, Holt Hall 211, 2 p.m., Calendar
- Friday (Oct. 3): Major Schwartz, ECS 313-G, 5 p.m., Calendar
- Monday (Oct. 6): Jason Harville, Zoom, 9:30 a.m., Calendar
Campus Updates
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to remind our campus community that support is available. It is OK to ask for help.
Here4TN Emotional Wellbeing Solutions (EWS) offers free resources for benefits-eligible employees, their spouses and dependents:
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Counseling services: Up to five no-cost, short-term counseling visits per individual, per issue, per year, with telephone, in-person and virtual options.
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Virtual Behavioral Coaching (AbleTo): Personalized, self-paced support for depression, stress and anxiety with access to a dedicated coach and 24/7 resources.
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Calm and Calm Health apps: Tools to reduce stress, improve sleep and build resiliency through self-paced audio and video resources.
Call Here4TN EWS at 855-Here4TN (855-437-3486) or visit Here4TN.com to learn more. Click here to learn more about upcoming events and community resources.
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Homecoming 2025: Calling All the MOCsters is right around the corner (Oct. 25-Nov. 1). Check out these opportunities to get involved as an individual, student organization or office this year.
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Lip Sync applications: Closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, MocSync
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Homecoming Court applications: Closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 28, MocSync
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Student Organization Banner Painting: Closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, MocSync
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Office and Residence Hall Decorating Competition: Closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, MocSync
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Day of Service registration: Closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, MocSync
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The R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) Program is a national self-defense course that focuses on awareness, prevention, risk reduction and realistic hands-on training. Classes are taught by certified UTC Police and Public Safety instructors.
- Free for students, faculty and staff
- No experience necessary
- Emphasis on safety and empowerment
- Offered multiple times throughout the year
Click here or email Marion Perkins to register or learn more.
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The Bursar’s Office has moved to the University Center Room 112, next door to the Mocs One Center.
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The Center for Professional Education is launching a new course this fall to help working professionals learn how to use artificial intelligence effectively, responsibly and with confidence. “AI Essentials for Business Applications” is a six-part, 24-hour virtual course running from Tuesday, Oct. 7, to Tuesday, Nov. 11. The instructor-led sessions will take place from 1-5 p.m. on Tuesday afternoons.
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The Clarence E. Harris Chair of Excellence in Entrepreneurship in UTC’s Gary W. Rollins College of Business is excited to announce the third year of Mocs Innovate: The Harris Chair Seed Fund for Innovation. This mini-grant program is designed to foster inventive research and entrepreneurial initiatives on campus. UTC faculty and staff are encouraged to apply for grants of up to $4,000 to support new ideas with commercialization potential.
The Mocs Innovate mini-grant program aims to inspire and support creative projects at all stages of development and is open to any UTC faculty or staff member with innovative ideas that demonstrate clear pathways for licensing or entrepreneurial ventures. By providing up to $4,000 in funding, the Mocs Innovate initiative seeks to accelerate the development of ideas that can have a meaningful impact both within and beyond the University.
Click here to learn more. The deadline to apply for this cycle of grant funding is Dec. 15.
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The Center for Academic Support and Advisement offers peer-to-peer academic support at no cost to currently enrolled UTC students. All programs are internationally certified by CRLA and/or ICSI.
- Peer academic coaching: Students can schedule an appointment with a peer academic coach to improve skills such as study habits, motivation, goal setting, time management, organization, navigating Canvas and using campus resources.
- Supplemental instruction: The SI Program provides group study sessions twice a week for selected courses. SI leaders review challenging course content in interactive ways that build understanding through games, practice materials, discussions, simulations and study skill activities.
- Tutoring: Free tutoring is available for a variety of courses, with NetTutor and walk-in options offered. Tutoring provides a personalized learning experience, encourages better study habits and enhances critical thinking skills.
For more information, email Academic Support or stop by Library Room 335.
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Are you in need of physical therapy services? The Department of Physical Therapy offers short-term care for students, faculty and staff for free. The on-campus clinic is led by PT faculty and doctoral students during the fall and spring semesters. If you are experiencing functional limitations, pain, lingering injuries, recent injuries, or would like guidance to improve overall fitness, they are happy to evaluate you.
The clinic is located in University Health Services in Maclellan Gym (545 Terrell Owens Way). Hours of operation are 8 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and 1-3 p.m. on Thursdays.
To schedule an appointment, call University Health Services at 423-425-2266. For additional information, email ptclinic@utc.edu.
UTC Newsroom
 1917 vs. 2025: Founders Hall and Old Main from McCallie Avenue. Since its inception, the UTC campus has undergone dramatic transformations in its almost 140-year legacy. After many renovations across the decades, much of its grounds remain unrecognizable from its humble founding.
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 Dr. Nagwan Zahry Would you pay for ChatGPT if it were $100 a month? One student quickly shook his head no. Another nodded proudly. This mixed reaction from her students is exactly what Dr. Nagwan Zahry hoped for in the “AI for Everyone” class at UTC.
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UTC’s new chancellor, Dr. Lori Bruce, hosted her first Coffee with the Chancellor last week at the Wolford Family Athletic Center.
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With the help of hands-on demonstrations, one-on-one conversations and surprise scholarships, high school students got a closer look at campus life at UTC. Last week, UTC kicked off its annual Power C Tour with a visit to the Nashville area, giving local students the opportunity to discover if UTC is their next home.
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Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:
- UTC’s Eta Kappa Chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha didn’t appear overnight. It took more than a year of meetings, fundraising and paperwork for the eight founding members to officially bring the sorority to campus. During the spring 2025 semester, they were formally recognized as UTC’s first Latin sorority.
- After eating breakfast, changing into their green volunteer shirts and watching a performance by the Sugar Mocs, members of the UTC community loaded into buses to go out into the Chattanooga community for United Way of Greater Chattanooga’s Day of Caring.
- The UTC Advisory Board will meet today (Sept. 23), in Room 102 of the James R. Mapp Building (410 E. 8th St.). The meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m.
WUTC
 Chancellor Lori Bruce Chancellor Lori Bruce sat down with Ray Bassett for an episode of “Chatting with the Chancellor” on WUTC’s “Scenic Roots.”
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