Celebrating the Spring Research and Arts Conference: One of the most inspiring days of the academic year is quickly approaching. On April 15, UTC will host the annual Spring Research and Arts Conference, bringing together students, faculty mentors and community partners to showcase the creativity, curiosity and scholarship that define our University. It is a powerful reminder that learning at UTC extends well beyond the classroom, giving students opportunities to explore big questions, contribute new knowledge and apply what they are learning.
This year’s conference displays the extraordinary scope of research and creative activity taking place across our campus, with more than 710 presenters sharing 352 unique presentations. The event brings together nearly 1,400 total participants along with hundreds of additional students attending through class visits. We are also excited to welcome presenters from seven high schools, creating opportunities for younger scholars to engage with the research community.
Conferences like this do not happen without tremendous collaboration and dedication. I want to thank the many faculty mentors, student researchers, panel participants, moderators and volunteers who help make this day possible. I am especially grateful to Dr. Lisa Piazza and the team in the Office for Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavor (URaCE) for their leadership in organizing the conference and supporting research opportunities across disciplines.
The Spring Research and Arts Conference highlights what makes UTC special: students and faculty working side by side to explore ideas, ask new questions and share their discoveries.
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Celebrating World Quantum Day: On April 14, UTC will join institutions around the world in recognizing World Quantum Day, a celebration of the science and innovation shaping the next generation of computing, communication and sensing technologies. Here at UTC, quantum research and education continue to grow through the work of our UTC Quantum Center, the College of Engineering and Computer Science, and partnerships that bring together faculty, students and industry leaders to explore what’s possible in this rapidly advancing field.
UTC is proud to be part of a collaborative ecosystem helping position Chattanooga as a national leader in quantum networking and research. Through initiatives such as Tennessee’s first undergraduate quantum certificate program and the state’s first undergraduate degree in quantum physics, our University is preparing the next generation of talent for this emerging field while contributing to discoveries that will shape the future.
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Honoring Our Military-Connected Mocs: Congratulations to our campus community on UTC being named a 2026–2027 Military Friendly® School, earning Gold status among large public universities. The designation recognizes institutions that create meaningful educational pathways for veterans, active-duty service members and military families. Approximately 1,500 military-connected students are currently part of our campus community.
This recognition reflects the dedication of faculty and staff across the University who help ensure military-connected students feel supported from enrollment through graduation and into their careers. I want to especially thank Sylvana Matthews and the Veteran and Military Affairs team for their leadership in providing guidance, resources and a strong sense of community for those who have served our country and their families.
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Recognizing Leadership Education: Congratulations to our colleagues in the Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Leadership program on receiving the 2026 Distinguished Credit Program Award from the Association for Continuing Higher Education (ACHE) South. The award recognizes innovative programs designed to support working adults balancing careers, families and other responsibilities while completing their degrees.
The recent ACHE South conference also recognized doctoral candidate Marci Reiter with the Joseph P. Goddard Scholarship Award for research focused on improving the success of adult learners returning to college. Together, these honors highlight UTC’s continued leadership in expanding educational opportunities and supporting students at every stage of their academic journey.
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New Pathways for Care in Our Community: A powerful example of UTC’s community engagement is taking shape in downtown Chattanooga, where recent graduate Natalie Clark has been hired as the city’s first full-time library social worker. This role builds on years of partnership between UTC’s Department of Social Work and the Chattanooga Public Library, where our students have served as interns supporting patrons navigating housing instability, mental health challenges and access to essential services.
Clark’s journey—from UTC student to intern to now leading this work full-time—shows the importance of hands-on learning paired with community partnership. Her position is a direct result of the advocacy and commitment demonstrated by UTC students and faculty over time. It is a reminder that when we invest in our students and our community, we create solutions that extend far beyond campus.
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Advancing Global Collaboration: I am excited to recognize UC Foundation Professor of Civil Engineering Ignatius Fomunung for being selected to the Fulbright Specialist Roster, part of the U.S. Department of State’s flagship international exchange program. The honor recognizes experts with significant professional experience who may collaborate with institutions worldwide on projects ranging from research partnerships and curriculum development to infrastructure and engineering initiatives.
Dr. Fomunung, who directs UTC’s Center for Energy, Transportation and the Environment, brings extensive expertise in transportation systems, infrastructure planning and environmental sustainability. His selection to the Fulbright Specialist Roster highlights both his international perspective and the impact of the work taking place across UTC’s College of Engineering and Computer Science.
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Turning Anthropology Into Action: Dr. Zibin Guo, UC Foundation Professor of Medical Anthropology and head of the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Geography, has received the 2025 Praxis Award from the Washington Association of Professional Anthropologists. The award recognizes outstanding achievement in translating anthropological knowledge into research that makes a difference in people’s lives.
Dr. Guo was honored for his workadapting Tai Chi Chuan for people with ambulatory challenges, a program that has expanded across the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs health care system and internationally through partnerships with organizations such as UNESCO. His work reflects how scholarship can connect cultural knowledge with practical solutions that improve lives and communities.
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Supporting Students Beyond the Classroom: I want to thank the many people across campus who helped launch the new “Mocs to Memphis (and points in between)” bus program, which gave students a safe and affordable way to travel home for spring break. The pilot trip carried more than 30 students from campus to Memphis with stops along the Interstate 40 corridor, providing an important transportation option for students who may not otherwise have an easy way to make the journey home.
This initiative reflects the kind of collaboration that makes a difference in the student experience, from the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs to the Center for Student Leadership, Engagement and Community to the staff and student leaders who helped organize and support the trip. Thank you to everyone involved in making the first run a success and for continuing to find creative ways to support our students both on campus and beyond.
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Connecting with Future Mocs at ChattState: Last week, we took UTC to the road for the Power C Tour stop at Chattanooga State Community College, meeting prospective transfer students where they are and helping them explore what their next chapter could look like as Mocs. The event, which included the announcement of an articulation agreement between our respective honors programs, gave potential future Mocs the chance to talk directly with UTC faculty, advisors, financial aid experts and current students while learning about academic programs, campus resources and the many opportunities awaiting them just a few miles down the road.
Our partnership with ChattState continues to create clear pathways for students who want to continue their education at UTC, helping ensure a seamless transition. I appreciate the teams from across our campus who spent the day answering questions, sharing their experiences and helping students envision their future here. These conversations and relationships are an important part of how we welcome the next generation of Mocs to UTC.
