Updates and news for the week of September 24-30, 2024

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-l-schultz@utc.edu or chuck-wasserstrom@utc.edu in the Division of Communications and Marketing by 3 p.m. on Friday for placement in the following Tuesday’s newsletter.

UTC News  |  UTC Events Calendar  |  Campus Updates

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Highlights

Mocs Give Day is October 1

Tuesday, Oct. 1, 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 nine matches and challenges across campus supporting every college, athletics and more, your gift to UTC can go further just by giving.

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. 1 and encourage others to donate as well. Visit mocsgiveday.utc.edu to learn more.

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Share your info with UTC Parents

Send in information for the UTC Parent and Family Association newsletter, a monthly roundup distributed to more than 5,400 parents/family members.

To share information with the families of UTC students—upcoming events, important deadlines, helpful suggestions and departmental news—email hannah-turcotte@utc.edu by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25. The newsletter will be emailed to members Wednesday, Oct. 2.

• Please keep info to one paragraph of 200 (or fewer) words.
• Images or logos to accompany the paragraph may be submitted.
• Click here to see a sample of a recent PFA newsletter.

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Hazing Prevention Week

Sept. 23-27 is Hazing Prevention Week, and UTC is hosting a week of events as part of “Mocs Don’t Haze.”

Today (Sept. 24), Dr. Jamison Keller, the assistant dean and director of fraternity and sorority life at the Georgia Institute of Technology, will host a workshop (4:30-5:30 p.m. in the UC Chickamauga Room) and keynote presentation (6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Roland Hayes Auditorium) about hazing prevention.

To see the full lineup of events, visit this link.

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Hispanic Heritage Month

UTC is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.

This year’s theme is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” and UTC’s festivities will include a lineup of events, activities and educational programs designed to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the range of cultures and backgrounds within Hispanic and Latino communities. 

The Office of Multicultural Affairs, in collaboration with numerous campus and community partners, coordinates the UTC Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. Here is a list of this week’s events: 

• Thursday, Sept. 26: Latin Dance Night, 7-9 p.m., Lupton Hall first floor 
• Friday, Sept. 27: Spanish Conversation Table/Mesa de Español, noon, Lupton Hall 239 
• Friday, Sept. 27: MCLL Hispanic Heritage Month Reception with Tomás Q. Morín, 10-10:50 a.m., Lupton Hall 239 
• Friday, Sept. 27: Hispanic Heritage Month Reception with HOLA with Tomás Q. Morín, 2-3 p.m., Multicultural Center (Lupton Hall 119) 
• Friday, Sept. 27: Meacham Writers’ Workshop with Tomás Q. Morín, 5-7 p.m., UTC Library Roth Reading Room 
• All Month: Hispanic Heritage Month Timeline, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Multicultural Center (Lupton Hall 119)
• All Month: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage with UTC Library, all day

For more information, visit the Hispanic Heritage Month webpage.

Outstanding People of UTC

Dr. Tian Li, left, and Dr. Loren Hayes

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 $3,932,829 in external grant and contract awards during those two summer months and submitted proposals for the potential to generate over $3,216,257 in external funding if awarded.

Among those receiving awards in August were:

• Dr. Tian Li (Chemistry and Physics), who received $792,705 from the National Science Foundation for the project titled, “ExpandQISE: Track 1: Demonstration of distributed quantum sensing with Heisenberg scaling by creating multipartite entanglement on a metropolitan scale quantum network.”
• Dr. Loren Hayes (Biology, Geology and Environmental Science), Dr. Azad Hossain (Biology, Geology and Environmental Science), Dr. Krysta Murillo (School of Education) and Dr. Jin Wang (Mathematics), who received $749,999 from the National Science Foundation for the project titled, “IRES: Integrating biological, geospatial, and math modeling to understand how a changing climate impacts animal social systems.”

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UC Foundation Professors (from left) Karen Babine, Jared Pienkos, Chandra Ward, Prashant Srivastava, Raga Ahmed, Marissa McElrone and Noah Lasley

The UC Foundation continues its support for faculty each academic year with a new class of faculty members honored with UC Foundation Professorships. These selective awards are made to exceptionally productive junior faculty on the tenure track. This year’s recipients are:

• Dr. Karen Babine, Associate Professor, Department of English
• Dr. Jared Pienkos, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry and Physics
• Dr. Chandra Ward, Associate Professor, Department of Social, Cultural and Justice Studies
• Dr. Prashant Srivastava, Associate Professor, Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship
• Dr. Raga Ahmed, Associate Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering
• Dr. Marissa McElrone, Assistant Professor, Department of Health and Human Performance
• Professor Noah Lasley, Associate Professor University Archivist, Library

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

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Check out these Mocs in the news:

• An op-ed piece penned by Assistant Professor of Sociology Zack Simoni was published by knoxnews.
• Director of Engagement Bryant Fairley was selected to the 2024 cohort of the Inclusion by Design Executive Leadership Program.
• Dr. Chris Cunningham spoke to NewsChannel 9 about a Volkswagen recall that suspended production of the ID.4 at its Chattanooga plant.
• Dr. Bento Lobo commented on interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in a NewsChannel 9 story.
• A Times Free Press article included Dr. Keenan Dungey to discuss forever chemicals.

Mark Your Calendar

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

• Thursday, Sept. 26: Softball vs. Snead State (DH), Frost Stadium, 4 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 28: Football vs. Portland State, Finley Stadium, 7 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 29: Soccer vs. UNC Greensboro, UTC Sports Complex, 1 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 29: Volleyball vs. Samford, Maclellan Gym, 2 p.m.

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Unlock your potential and elevate your professional growth by attending Graduate School professional development workshops. Each workshop will be held in the UTC Library room 435. Snacks, refreshments and giveaways will be available for attendees.

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Actors From The London Stage Present Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” Oct. 25-26 on the Roland Hayes Concert Hall stage.

The UTC Fine Arts Center, a premier venue for outstanding music and theatre, has announced its much-anticipated UTC LIVE! 2024-2025 Performing Arts Series.

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Explore amazing opportunities from employers seeking talented students just like you. The fall 2024 Job and Internship fair—from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25, in the University Center—is a chance to show your skills, talk about your talents and take in the possibilities.

• Interested in an internship? Employers will be ready to tell you about great opportunities to give you valuable experiences in a field you are interested in.
• Looking for a job? There are organizations in our region that are eager to meet you and discuss current and future ways you can work with them.
• Just looking to browse? Not only are these employers excited to meet you, they are excited to share with you about their impact in the community and how you can be a part of it.

For assistance, contact Career Connections at 423-425-4184 or via email at career@utc.edu. Career Connections is located in the University Center, Chattanooga Room C.

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From left: Christian J. Collier (photo credit: Ian Riley), Tomás Q. Morín (photo credit: Jeff Fitlow) and Ira Sukrungruang (photo courtesy of buddhistboy.com) will be participating in the upcoming 2024 Meacham Writers’ Workshop.

The 2024 Meacham Writers’ Workshop, a free event open to the public, takes place from Sept. 26-28 at the UTC Library, the University Center and at Stove Works (1250 E. 13th St.). The workshop’s mission is to provide UTC students and underserved community members with greater access to the literary arts.

To learn more about the Meacham Writers’ Workshop, including full event details and signup links, visit utc.edu/arts-and-sciences/english/meachamwriters. Books are available for purchase at most of the events.

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Freshman Prince Jackson, left, and senior Caton Taylor are two of the UTC students performing in Federico García Lorca’s “Blood Wedding.”

Cycles of violence and revenge churn in a mythic tale coming to the UTC Fine Arts Center’s Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre stage.  

The UTC Theatre Co. begins its 2024-2025 season with its production of legendary poet and playwright Federico García Lorca’s “Blood Wedding.” Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 1-5, with a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday, Oct. 5. 

Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here and through the UTC Box Office—in person or by phone (423-425-4369). Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for students (with proof of student ID) and seniors. 

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Interested in advancing your career and elevating education?

Attend the UTC Grad Fair from 3-5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 2, in the University Center Tennessee Room to chart your own path and unlock your potential.

• Explore programs: Discover your path with UTC’s advanced degrees.
• Meet experts: Connect with faculty, staff and program representatives.
• Get answers: Gain insight on career paths and admissions processes.

The event is open to anyone interested in transforming their future with a graduate degree from UTC.

Free application fee waivers and giveaways will be available for attendees.

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Mark your calendars for the 2024 Study Abroad Fair. If you’re interested in studying abroad during your time at UTC, don’t miss the biggest study abroad event of the year. Stop by the University Center Tennessee Room from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 2, to talk to our partners from across the globe, chat with study abroad alumni, eat food from around the world and grab some swag T-shirts, magnets, stickers and more.

If you’re interested in studying abroad and haven’t joined the Study Abroad 101 Canvas course, you can sign up here.

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The Department of Political Science and Public Service invites the entire UTC community to our Sweet Research Series, where we will share exciting research and enjoy dessert together. These sessions offer an excellent opportunity to engage with new ideas and connect with peers. All events are from noon-12:50 p.m. on Wednesdays in 540 McCallie Building room 268 (PSPS Suite Conference Room).

Fall 2024 Sweet Research Series Schedule:

• Wednesday, Oct. 2: Dr. Sarah Heise, “Gender and Party Issue Ownership: Gained Electoral Advantages Based on Candidate Gender”
• Wednesday, Oct. 9 (Student Edition): Brylee Downing, “The Effect of Work Stress on a Person’s Sleep Habits” … Alice Hall, “Perceptions of Immigrants in America” … Jacqueline Alvarado, “Self-perception of Immigrants Towards Their Mental Health” … Parker Simons, “Retirement Divided on Class Lines” … Bella Craig, “The Effect of Media Confidence on Partisans’ Decisions to Vote”
• Wednesday, Nov. 13: Dr. Hassan Afzal, “Pocketbook and Sociotropic Economic Voting: How Does Inflation Affect Voting Decisions?”
• Wednesday, Nov. 20: Dr. Michelle D. Deardorff, “The Art of Authoring Textbook”

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Join the Gary W. Rollins College of Business for an exploration of U.S. tax policy with Dr. Arthur B. Laffer, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3, in the University Center Tennessee Room.

Laffer’s groundbreaking influence on public policy in the 1980s earned him the title, “The Father of Supply-Side Economics.” He served on President Ronald Reagan’s Economic Policy Advisory Board from 1981-1989, was a key member of the Reagan/Bush Finance Committee in 1984 and advised Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher on fiscal policy in the 1980s. In 2019, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Donald Trump.

This event is free, but registration is requested.

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Join Donuts with the Dean, a meet and greet with the Graduate School, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, and Monday, Nov. 11, in the first floor lobby of Lupton Hall. Guests will have the opportunity to:

• Connect with the Graduate School dean and staff
• Learn more about advanced degrees at UTC
• Discover valuable resources for graduate students
• Enjoy light refreshments and donuts

The event is open to all students and faculty interested in graduate studies at UTC.

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The Tennessee Legislative Internship Program provides juniors and seniors an outstanding opportunity to learn about law, state government and the legislative process. Interns live in Nashville for the spring 2025 semester and do very “real” work, helping to manage committees, conducting bill research and assisting with constituent relations. Interns are paid $500 a week plus a $500 relocation stipend. To learn more, first read the information provided by the program here. For those interested in applying, instructions and forms are available here.

Application materials are due by noon on Friday, Oct. 4. Please contact Dr. Jeremy Strickler for more information.

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The Challenger STEM Learning Center is hosting “STEAMagination”—an exciting and educational event designed for K-8 students and their families—from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12. Admission and parking for the event are free.

For more information, visit this link.

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Once upon a time at UTC…Get ready to have your Scrappy Ever After Homecoming as students, alumni, faculty, staff and community showcase UTC spirit. Join us for Homecoming Week Saturday, Oct. 19-Saturday, Oct. 26. Learn how to get involved as an individual, student organization or campus office/department below. Follow us @utchomecoming and visit utc.edu/homecoming to see our full schedule (coming soon).

• Organization Banner Painting: Registration now open through 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11. Click here to register your student organization. Limited spots available.
• Office/Residence Hall Decorating: Registration is now open through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11. Click here to register as an individual office space, campus department or residence hall.
• UTC Day of Service: Registration opens soon. You can register as an individual or student organization on MocSync. Limited spots available.

For questions, email kidron-bullock@utc.edu.

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Join the Gary W. Rollins College of Business from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, in the University Center Auditorium as Dr. Corey DeAngelis, author of “The Parent Revolution” and leading expert in education policy, explores ways empowered families can exercise educational freedom.

DeAngelis has been recognized for his influential work on shaping the future of education and has made significant contributions to the national conversation on education reform. He will review national education policy and then be joined by a panel of education specialists––Dr. Olivia Bagby, Dr. Eric Wearne and Ms. Pam Fields––for a Q&A on policy impacts moderated by Dr. Claudia Williamson Kramer.

This is a free event, but registration is requested.

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The UTC Graduate School announced that the following student will be presenting final works of research as an advanced degree candidate. Everyone is invited to attend.

• Thursday (Oct. 3): James Cummins, Lupton Hall 389, 4:30 p.m., Calendar

Campus Updates

Over 180 students residing in Decosimo Apartments at UTC are gearing up for a year of living and learning among their peers with the Arts and Sciences Residential College (A&SRC). 

The highlight of this year’s service initiative is the inaugural A&SRC Food Drive, running through Thursday, Sept. 26. Partnering with Scrappy’s Cupboard, the drive will be led by A&SRC student volunteers. 

Volunteers from each residential learning community will decorate collection boxes, which will be placed in the main offices of academic departments across campus to encourage donations.

Learn more about A&SRC community service initiatives here.

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Show off your Mocs spirit on game days and help cheer on your students to victory. For being a UTC Faculty and Staff member, you get discounts on season tickets.

• Football:

General Admission Tickets = $45 (Discount available only to faculty/staff becoming a first time season ticket buyer.)

•  Men’s Basketball:

100/200 level reserved seat = $130

200 level baseline reserved seat = $105

•  Women’s Basketball:

General admission seat = $80 general admission

Use promo code: MOCSFS online

Click here to purchase or call the UTC Ticket Office at 423-266-6627 Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Please note, football chairback seats and basketball padded reserved require a $100 Mocs Club donation.

Discounts are only available in advance of game day and only on a season ticket basis. No faculty/staff discounts will be offered on the day of the game.

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Are you a first-generation college graduate?

Student Success Programs is updating its list of faculty and staff who are first-generation graduates. A first-generation graduate is an individual who earned a bachelor’s degree and whose parents did not earn a bachelor’s degree. If this is you, please complete this form.

Mark your calendars for First Gen Week, which takes place Nov. 4-8.

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Mocs Recovery is a peer-led program open to those who are in recovery, curious about recovery, or have loved ones impacted by substance use and/or mental health. All recovery pathways are respected here.

Due to the start of construction in the University Center, Mocs Recovery has moved to South Campus. The new space is attached to Stacy Town Center (815 University St.). The entrance is through the double doors right off the street in between the picnic tables. 

Fall groups include:

• Healing Through Harmony: Mondays 2-3 p.m.
• All Recovery: Tuesdays 2-3 p.m.
• SMART Recovery: Wednesdays 4-5 p.m.

For more information, including scholarship opportunities and recovery areas, visit this link.

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The Read to Achieve Steering Committee is seeking volunteers for its Selection Committee for 2025-2026 text.

The selected text has a variety of criteria to meet, chief among those are:

• Readability and potential for engaging students
• Accurate and respectful portrayals of diverse cultures and identities
• Relevance to first-year students, current society, and/or local community
• Possibilities for additional programming, especially inclusion in first-year courses or other areas of the curriculum
• Reasonable Cost (less than $20)
• Manageable Length (around 200-300 pages)

The Selection Committee reviews and selects from suggestions submitted to this link.

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Preparations for the University Center renovation are well underway. The Chattanooga Rooms have been converted into surge space; the Foundation Room has been emptied and is offline permanently; and the Game Room has been moved to its temporary location in the Blue and Gold section of the Commons. There have also been some temporary departmental moves that you should be aware of:

• Mocs One Center – Chattanooga A
• Career Connections – Chattanooga C
• Mocs Recovery Program – Stacy Town Center
• Veteran and Military Affairs – Hooper 102
• Office of the University Registrar – Library 4th Floor

Reservations for spring 2025 events and meetings will open on Monday, Sept. 30.

UTC Newsroom

Fletcher Hall is the home of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business.

UTC announced a transformative $3.5 million gift and research grant from the Journey Health Foundation to establish a Research Center for Health and Economic Analytics within the Gary W. Rollins College of Business. The new center, which will be named in honor of the foundation, marks a major step in the use of data-driven research to combat long-standing health care disparities in the region and will serve as a role model across the United States.

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Dr. Derek Liuzzo, pictured in the Department of Physical Therapy’s Functional Mobility Lab in the Mapp Building.

Dr. Derek Liuzzo, assistant professor and assistant program director of the Department of Physical Therapy at UTC, has been named the 2024 recipient of the Emerging Educator Award by the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy.

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Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Executive Director of the UC Foundation Kim White

UTC Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Executive Director of the UC Foundation Kim White will transition into a new role of executive advisor to the UC Foundation, effective Jan. 1, 2025.

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

• Groups of UTC students, faculty and staff volunteered at six Hamilton County locations—including Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Red Bank Middle School, YMCA, CHATT Foundation, Normal Park Trail and UTC’s campus—as part of United Way of Greater Chattanooga’s Day of Caring.
• Dr. Zack Simoni’s recent research paper, “Social class and informal caregiving for family members with Alzheimer’s disease: the role of economic capital, cultural health capital, and social capital,” has been accepted for publication in Sociological Spectrum—the official journal of the Mid-South Sociological Association.
• Last Tuesday, 242 members of the UTC family were recognized for reaching important service milestones during the UTC Service Awards Annual Luncheon at the Wolford Family Athletic Center. Honorees included 34 individuals who have reached at least 25 years of service.

WUTC

Roger Payne, music director at Whitwell Middle School, discussed the opening of a state-of-the-art piano lab at the school in an episode of WUTC-FM 88.1’s “Scenic Roots.”