September 8-14, 2026
Updates and news for the week of September 8-14, 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.
Highlights
CELEBRATE FOUNDER’S WEEK
Join the UTC community as we celebrate Founder’s Week, Sept. 14-20, 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.
On Tuesday, 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.
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UTC community invited to 9/11: A Day of Remembrance
UTC will host 9/11: A Day of Remembrance at noon on Friday, Sept. 11, in the University Center Auditorium. The program will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks by honoring those who lost their lives and recognizing the service and sacrifice of military members, first responders and their families. The event is free and open to the campus and Chattanooga communities. Click here for more information and to RSVP.
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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 Sept. 14-18.
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.
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Student Access Pass Now Available
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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ADD YOUR MOCS ID TO YOUR PHONE
Every student needs a Mocs ID. To add your ID to your phone:
- Download the GET Mobile app.
- Sign in using your UTC ID and password.
- Submit a photo by selecting Settings > Update Photo.
- Once your photo is approved by Mocs Card Services, select “Add to Apple Wallet” or “Add to Phone.” Your Mocs ID will not be active until this step is completed.
- Allow up to one hour for activation.
Purchased a new phone over the summer? Contact Mocs Card Services before setting up your ID. Your account must be reset to ensure a successful setup on your new device. Contact MocsCard@utc.edu or call 423-425-2218 for assistance.
Outstanding People of UTC
 Guerry Professors (from left) Murat Barisik, Jejal-Reddy Bathi and Kristen Jennings Black For more than 60 years, UTC has awarded Guerry Professorships to tenured faculty members who have distinguished themselves nationally through teaching, research, scholarship and other significant contributions to their fields. The professorships recognize sustained achievement and provide support for faculty members to continue and expand their work.
The 2026-27 Guerry Professors are:
- Dr. Murat Barisik, associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Dr. Jejal-Reddy Bathi, associate professor in the Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering
- Dr. Kristen Jennings Black, associate professor in the Department of Psychology
Each Guerry Professor holds the professorship for five years and receives a $10,000 annual stipend to support the continuation and expansion of their work.
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Eight UTC Doctor of Physical Therapy alumni from the Classes of 2020 through 2024 recently talked about their newly earned board certifications, adding to careers already taking shape in hospitals, rehabilitation centers and clinics across the country.
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Check out these Mocs in the news:
- The Times Free Press, NewsChannel 9, News 12 Now, and Local 3 News highlighted UTC’s partnership with CARTA on Chattanooga’s new autonomous shuttle initiative, including Chancellor Lori Bruce’s remarks about the University’s role in workforce development and the project’s live-learning lab.
- Interim Vice Chancellor for Research Mina Sartipi was interviewed by the Times Free Press about UTC landing a $3 million federal grant to turn research into real-world uses.
- The MobileMOC team was featured by the Times Free Press as part of the TFP’s Champions of Healthcare 2026 series.
- University Health Services infectious disease nurse practitioner Jordan Jacobs spoke to Healthbeat about UTC’s measles preparedness.
- Associate Professor of Political Science Jeremy Strickler talked to Jed & JR Mornings about midterm elections.
- Professor David Aborn in the Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science joined Jed & JR Mornings to discuss birds.
- UC Foundation Professor Sean Richards in the Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science talked to Jed & JR Mornings about low lake levels.
- Assistant Professor of History Mark Johnson spoke to EatingWell about early Labor Day barbecue picnics.
- Center for Regional Economic Research Director Howard Wall was interviewed by News 12 Now about Volkswagen layoffs.
- UC Foundation Associate Professor of Political Science Saeid Golkar joined RevDem for a podcast about political upheavals and the war in Iran.
Mark Your Calendar
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.
MSDA Information Sessions
MSM Information Sessions
MAcc Information Sessions
MBA Information Sessions
Business Analytics Certificate Information Sessions
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The Center for Wellbeing is recognizing National Suicide Prevention Month with events and training opportunities throughout September.
- Wednesday, Sept. 9: Hope Lives at UTC will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Chamberlain Field. The event is open to students, faculty and staff and will feature on- and off-campus mental health resources, therapy dogs, walking tacos, games and activities.
- Tuesday, 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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The Gary W. Rollins College of Business will host several events throughout September for students, faculty, staff and the community.
- Wednesday, Sept. 9: UTC alum Hannes de Wet will share the story behind building and selling Chattanooga-based TreeWorx during the Founder’s Table Lunch and Learn, at noon in the Max Fuller Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
- Thursday, Sept. 10: The Probasco Chair will host Kenneth G. Elzinga for “1776 and Socialism,” at 6 p.m. in Fletcher Hall Room 201.
- 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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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:
- Wednesday, Sept. 9
- Tuesday, Sept. 22
- Tuesday, Oct. 6
- Wednesday, Oct. 21
- Wednesday, Nov. 4
- Tuesday, Nov. 17
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The UTC Graduate School is offering several professional development opportunities this fall:
- Thursday, Sept. 10: Research 101 – Tips, Tricks & Tools for Grad Students will be held from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in UTC Library Room 205. Learn advanced search strategies, how to find credible sources, citation tools and free library resources. Free snacks and giveaways will be provided.
- Wednesday, Oct. 7: Accessibility in Action – A Practical Toolkit will be offered virtually at noon. Learn foundational accessibility skills that can be applied across a variety of professional settings.
- Wednesday, Oct. 21: The 3MT Thesis Pitch Competition begins at 10 a.m. in the University Center Auditorium. Graduate and undergraduate students will present their research in three-minute presentations while competing for prizes. The event is open to all, and free giveaways will be available. Student registration closes Sunday, Sept. 20. Click here for more information.
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UTC students from all majors are invited to participate in the Chancellor’s Tartan Challenge, a collaborative design competition to create a tartan inspired by UTC’s history, people and future. Participants will work in teams through a series of hands-on workshops to research, design and pitch original tartan concepts. No textile or design experience is required.
The challenge begins with a launch and mixer on Friday, Sept. 11, followed by a studio work day on Friday, Sept. 25, and a final pitch day on Friday, Oct. 2. Meetings will take place from 12:30-2:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center Lobby. Lunch will be provided at the kickoff event, and each member of the winning team will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
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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. 14: Mocs Recovery Open House, noon-2 p.m., featuring free hot coffee.
- 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 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. 14: Dr. Azad Hossain, Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science, UTC
- 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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 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. on Tuesday, 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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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.
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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 & 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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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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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 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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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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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.
Campus Updates
The 1886 Challenge took a big jump this week—and we’re now up to 5,438 volunteer hours.
A big part of that boost came from more than 80 UTC students and faculty who volunteered with Camp Horizon, an overnight summer camp that gives local children with physical disabilities the opportunity to enjoy the same summer camp experiences as their peers.
Founded 21 years ago by UTC Doctor of Physical Therapy alumna Dr. Lindsey Sharpe, Camp Horizon continues to have strong UTC connections. Approximately 80 DPT, OTD and nursing students served as counselors this year, working in interdisciplinary teams to help campers participate independently in activities such as canoeing, swimming, archery, crafts, fishing, low ropes and a campfire talent show. DPT and OTD faculty also served on the camp planning board and volunteered at camp.
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.
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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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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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A seat on the Mocs Express, UTC’s shuttle system, is always free.
This fall, students returning to campus will find a streamlined Mocs Express route designed to get them around UTC more quickly and provide convenient access to available parking.
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. Click here for more information.
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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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The Office for Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavor (URaCE) has several opportunities for students and faculty this fall.
- Students participating in URaCE programs and instructional training will have the opportunity to earn micro-credentials as they learn about and prepare for success in research and research-adjacent activities. Program participants will earn badges and certificates to showcase research and career readiness skills. The competency-based model is built around the eight career readiness skills outlined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Read the Council for Undergraduate Research document guiding this work.
- Faculty are invited to partner with URaCE by scheduling a classroom visit. URaCE staff will introduce students to undergraduate research opportunities at UTC and beyond. Click here to schedule a visit.
- URaCE’s Fall Student Workshop Series returns with sessions on topics including getting started in research, finding a research mentor, applying for summer REU programs, developing your academic brand, Python and more. Click here to register for a workshop.
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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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Registration is now open for Chattanooga Connect 2026, the UTC Research Institute’s (UTCRI) third annual conference that brings together leaders from government, industry, academia and entrepreneurship to explore the future of transportation, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and connected mobility.
Hosted Sept. 14-16 in Chattanooga, Chattanooga Connect will convene national experts, researchers, policymakers and industry leaders to share how emerging technologies are moving beyond research and pilot projects into real-world deployment. The three-day event will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, networking opportunities, technology demonstrations and collaborative discussions focused on advancing practical, scalable solutions to some of today’s most pressing infrastructure and mobility challenges.
Michael Halem, principal deputy assistant secretary for research and technology at the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT), will deliver a keynote address. For registration, conference information and sponsorship opportunities, visit go.utc.edu/cc or email utcri@utc.edu.
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Another great Gold Fridays submission comes from Dr. Valerie Rutledge, dean of the College of Health, Education and Professional Studies. She is pictured with Learning and Leadership faculty members Dr. Jessica Taylor and Dr. David Rausch, along with Dr. Chris Smith, dean of the College of Nursing. Be sure to submit your Gold Fridays photos through this link.
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As part of the University’s yearlong celebration of its 140th anniversary, the campus community is invited to participate in two anniversary initiatives:
- 1886 Challenge: Faculty, staff and students will work together to complete 18,860 hours of community service during the anniversary year.
- 140 Community Events for 140 Years: UTC will recognize and support 140 community-focused events led by faculty, staff and students that strengthen connections with the Chattanooga community.
Additional information about Founder’s Week events, the anniversary initiatives and ways to participate will be shared in the coming weeks.
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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. 15 and 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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Love to read? The UTC Book Club invites faculty, staff and students to connect through monthly book discussions and shared reading. Building on the success of the campus group, a new community initiative—Chatty Book Club—will launch in August with the goal of bringing readers across Chattanooga together through a shared monthly book selection, discussion questions and local meetups. Follow the UTC Book Club and Chatty Book Club on Instagram for updates.
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The National Science Foundation Noyce Track 2 fellowship project is accepting applications from STEM-degreed professionals to prepare to teach secondary mathematics and science through the Master of Education degree program. Please contact Deborah McAllister or click this link for project details.
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The Counseling Center has partnered with Parkridge Mental Health Therapy Center to offer extended services on the UTC campus. Parkridge at UTC is open from 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and offers individual therapy, group therapy and intensive outpatient services for students, faculty and staff.
The Parkridge Mental Health Therapy Center is located off the UC Foundation Apartments courtyard (Suite 5217). To schedule an initial appointment, call 423-468-5213. Students who are already receiving services through the UTC Counseling Center are encouraged to speak with their provider about whether Parkridge at UTC is a good fit for their needs.
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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
 Chancellor Lori Bruce speaks at a CARTA press conference. A $25 million federal grant awarded to Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) will help bring a new generation of transportation technology to downtown Chattanooga. UTC will play a central role in research, education and workforce development.
The project will also create an autonomous vehicle command center and the Live-Learning Lab at CARTA’s Shuttle Park South, where UTC students and faculty will be able to study the technology as it operates on Chattanooga streets.
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 Randall Williams For some students, the title “Dean of Students” may sound intimidating. Randall Williams hopes they’ll see it differently.
Less than a year into the role at UTC, Williams oversees everything from student engagement and campus organizations to Student Outreach and Support and student conduct. His goal is to help students make the most of their time at UTC and overcome any challenges that may come up along the way. Click here to read the Q&A.
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With its distinctive Queen Anne Revival design and connections to Chattanooga’s late-19th-century growth, the structure at 551 Oak St. is unlike any other on UTC’s campus. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 as the Isbester House, it was completed in 1896 as the residence of Caleb B. Isbester (1828-1899), his wife Virginia (1833-1901), and their two children.
In his role as University archivist, UC Foundation Associate Professor Noah Lasley works to acquire, arrange and describe official UTC records and other valuable materials that document the University’s history and functions.
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 Officials from UTC and the Japan-America Society of Tennessee tour UTC’s Research Institute and learn about research conducted on campus. UTC leadership recently welcomed the Japan-America Society of Tennessee to campus to highlight and strengthen relationships among Japan, the state of Tennessee and UTC.
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Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:
- Congressman Chuck Fleischmann has successfully secured $3 million in federal funding to advance the UTC Translational Research Program. This significant investment underscores UTC’s commitment to pioneering research and innovation that directly benefits the community and the region.
- Michael Halem, principal deputy assistant secretary for research and technology at the United States Department of Transportation, will deliver a keynote address at Chattanooga Connect 2026, joining transportation, technology, government, research and industry leaders in Chattanooga Sept. 14-16.
- For some UTC students, an on-campus job is more than a way to gain experience while earning a degree—it is the first step toward a career. From recreation and information technology to marketing and communications, former student employees are turning the skills, relationships and confidence they developed at the University into full-time roles after graduation.
WUTC
 Shane Morrow WUTC’s “Scenic Roots” honors the life and legacy of Shane Morrow, founder and executive director of RISE Chattanooga, with a one-hour special hosted by Ray Bassett. The program features an audio scrapbook of Morrow’s own words from past appearances on the station, celebrating the lasting impact he made through music, community and the arts.
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