The search for our new provost is fully underway. We have completed preliminary interviews with nine candidates, and four finalists will be visiting campus the week of March 4th. A schedule for the visits of the finalists is available at: https://www.utc.edu/chancellor/executive-searches/index.php. Information on each of the candidates will be posted on February 27th. There will be an open forum for the campus community, and I encourage everyone to attend and provide feedback to the committee. We hope to announce the new provost in early April with a start date of July 1, 2019. I also want to take this opportunity to thank George Hynd for the excellent work he has done as interim provost.
In its third year, our Masters of Social Work program has achieved two major milestones. It has received full accreditation by the Commission on Social Work Education (CSWE) and was selected as one of the best MSW programs in the country. The notice of accreditation will be officially posted to the CSWE’s website on March 11. Out of 261 MSW programs nationwide, the program was selected as one of the 53 best in the United States—and the only one in Tennessee—by HumanServiceEdu, a website that provides information and resources for students and professionals who want to begin or advance a career in human services. Bravo to the team of faculty, staff, students, and administrators who worked so hard to make the MSW program a success.
Congratulations to our wrestling team for securing a share of the Southern Conference regular season title. On February 10 they beat the Campbell University Camels, one of only four undefeated schools in NCAA Division I. Congratulations also to first year head wrestling coach Kyle Ruschell and his staff who guided the UTC team victory. The wrestling Mocs are headed to the Southern Conference Tournament on March 10 in Boone, N.C., where they will try to qualify up to 10 individuals for the NCAA Tournament on March 21-24 in Pittsburgh, Pa. Good luck to all!
In other exciting athletic news, two student-athletes on our women’s softball team, junior outfielder Aly Walker and junior pitcher Celie Hudson, recently were chosen as the Southern Conference Player and Pitcher of the Week for their stellar efforts over the season-opening weekend. It is the first time Aly has earned the Player of the Week; she is the first Moc since 2016 to be earn the honor. Celie picked up the pitching prize for the second time in her career after claiming the award on April 16 of last season. The Softball Mocs are off to an 8 and 1 start.