I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable Spring Break.
As you know, Information Technology is a vital part of day-to-day operations at UTC. IT impacts everything we do.
Recent budget discussions, a state audit, and operational issues have led me, Executive Vice Chancellor Richard Brown, and Provost Jerald Ainsworth to call for an in-depth analysis of our IT organization and operation. We have engaged the services of Ellucian, with whom we already have a contract, to give us a comprehensive analysis of our current state of information technology and to provide recommendations for future development.
On the topic of technology, as many of you know, our Technology Advisory Council has been working diligently on updating the Computer Refresh Program with the goal of creating an annual cycle of computer replacement so that all faculty and staff receive a new primary computing device every four years. I am pleased to share an update on this initiative. Each area of the university has provided the information needed to move forward. Thank you to everyone for providing your input. Purchase orders are being submitted, and we expect to have a delivery, configuration, and installation timeline soon. This is a critical piece of our ongoing investment in the tools needed to support our faculty and staff as we continue pursuing our mission.
Our campus continues to reach great goals and achievements. Some of you may know Katelyn Baker, a 2010 graduate of our School of Education. She is a third-grade teacher at Battle Academy and was recently awarded a Milken Educator Award. She is the only teacher in Tennessee to receive the honor, which includes a $25,000 award. We are proud of her achievement.
Please join me in congratulating our Women’s Basketball Mocs and three of our Wrestling Mocs—Jared Johnson, Chris DeBien, and Bryce Carr—for earning the opportunity to compete in their NCAA National Championships. We are proud of all our students and their accomplishments.
And finally, I hope all of you are watching your health. I can attest from personal experience that you definitely want to avoid the flu that is going around. Doctors recommend some simple tips to prevent the flu: wash your hands often, eat healthy, and get plenty of sleep.