Celebrating Every Graduate’s Journey: As we prepare for next week’s Commencement ceremonies, I’ve been thinking about what makes this moment so meaningful. Commencement is a celebration of our graduates—their talent, their perseverance and the support systems that helped them reach this milestone. It’s also a moment to honor the families, faculty, staff and friends who walked alongside them.
What makes Commencement especially powerful at UTC is the wide range of life experiences represented on that stage. Our graduates include students completing degrees at a young age and others returning later in life—and they come to us from communities across Tennessee, across the country and around the world. Their stories remind us that opportunity at UTC is open to everyone, no matter where their journey began.
I hope that every future Moc, every family member and every guest who joins us will see what’s possible when determination meets opportunity. I can’t wait to celebrate the Class of 2025 and all they’ve accomplished.
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Closing the Semester with Gratitude: As we move through finals week, I want to offer a word of encouragement to all of our students. You’ve worked hard this semester, and I’m proud of the focus and determination you’ve shown. Take things one step at a time and stay confident in what you know.
For those wrapping up the semester, I hope the coming weeks offer moments of connection, renewal and joy. Enjoy time with family and friends and return in January ready for a new semester of learning and discovery. I look forward to welcoming everyone back to campus when classes resume on Monday, Jan. 12.
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Engineering Excellence: Our Master of Science in Engineering Management program has earned national certification from the American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM), establishing UTC as the first university in Tennessee to achieve this distinction.
This honor places us among a select group of programs nationwide recognized for the highest standards in curriculum, faculty expertise and industry relevance. It also underscores something we know to be true: UTC is a state leader in engineering education. Our strength comes not only from the quality of our programs but from the deep partnerships we have with employers across our region, partnerships that give our students hands-on experience, applied learning and direct pathways into engineering and technology careers.
Congratulations to Dr. SeongDae Kim, Dr. Erkan Kaplanoglu and the entire Engineering Management and Technology team for their leadership. This certification is another powerful reminder that our graduates are ready to lead and make an impact in the industries that drive our state forward.
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Feathers of Excellence: Congratulations to Christopher Brown from the School of Education and Andre Yates from Housing and Residence Life, our most recent recipients of the Moc’s Golden Feather Award.
Christopher was nominated by more than 20 colleagues, community members and alumni for the way he builds strong statewide partnerships and supports teacher candidates with guidance that has shaped countless careers. Andre, who leads the Housing grounds team, is known for his can-do spirit—preparing the campus for Operation Move In, supporting major events and making sure students feel at home the moment they arrive.
Both of these honorees exemplify what it means to go above and beyond for our community, and I’m grateful for the pride and care they bring to UTC every day.
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All-Conference Performers: Congratulations to Dr. Betsy Myers and Brandalyn Shropshire on being named to the 2025-2026 All-Southern Conference Faculty and Staff Team. Each SoCon institution selects one faculty and one staff member whose work has made a meaningful impact on their campus, and Betsy and Brandalyn exemplify that standard of excellence.
Dr. Myers, professor of physical therapy, leads UTC’s Pro Bono Physical Therapy Clinic and creates hands-on learning opportunities that connect students with the community. Brandalyn, associate director of engagement in Undergraduate Admissions, has spent nearly two decades welcoming future Mocs and helping families see all that UTC has to offer.
Both will be recognized by SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross during the Mocs men’s basketball game on Jan. 21. Please join me in applauding their well-deserved recognition.
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Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders: Leadership matters, and the UT System’s Executive Leadership Institute is one of the most impactful ways we invest in that commitment, bringing together a select cohort of emerging and established leaders for a 10-month experience focused on growth, collaboration and service.
I’m delighted to share that four members of our UTC community have been chosen for the 2026 Executive Leadership Institute cohort: Vice Chancellor for Communications and Marketing JAy Blackman, Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate School Ethan Carver, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Success Stacie Grisham and Assistant Vice Chancellor for Facilities Planning and Management Anthony McClellan.
Being chosen through a competitive nomination process speaks to the dedication, vision and service JAy, Ethan, Stacie and Anthony bring to our campus every day. Please join me in congratulating them on this well-deserved honor.
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Expanding Heart Health Support: Our commitment to community well-being continues to grow. The School of Nursing, in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Health, is launching an important new initiative to support cardiovascular health for older adults in rural Southeast Tennessee. Building on the success of MobileMOC, this project will connect senior centers, local providers and community resources to help residents monitor their blood pressure and access timely, preventive care.
Congratulations to Dr. Kristi Wick, Dr. Meagan Oslund and their entire MobileMOC team for leading this work. Their commitment to improving health outcomes across our region reflects the very best of UTC—innovative, collaborative and deeply focused on serving our communities.
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A Moment Made Possible by You: I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who made the Investiture Ceremony such a meaningful and memorable celebration. It was an incredible honor to be installed as chancellor, and even more special to share the day with the people who make this University extraordinary.
UTC’s story is remarkable because of the people who have shaped it. For 139 years, this University has opened doors, lifted communities and transformed lives. That legacy continues today because of your creativity, your care and your belief in what UTC can accomplish and in the potential we’re unlocking together.
Our strength as a University comes from collaboration—from faculty who inspire, staff who support, students who rise to challenges, and alumni and community partners who invest deeply in our success. The Investiture was a celebration of that shared purpose and of the bright future ahead.
