Back Together for the Final Stretch: I hope everyone had an opportunity to relax over Spring Break and spend time with the people and places that matter most. As we return to campus and begin the final stretch of the semester, there is a great deal of work and opportunity ahead.
The weeks between now and finals are some of the most important of the academic year. They are a time when projects take shape, discoveries move forward, performances come to life and students prepare to cross the finish line. I want to thank all of you for the dedication you bring to UTC each day. Let’s finish the semester strong.
* * * * *
Advancing Quantum Innovation: Last week, UTC had the honor of welcoming researchers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs and policymakers to campus for Quantum in Action, part of the CO.LAB Quantum Activation Series. A central theme of the gathering was how Tennessee can move quantum innovation beyond the lab and toward real economic growth.
UTC is proud to be helping lead that momentum. Through the UTC Quantum Center, our partnerships with organizations such as EPB and IonQ, and our growing academic programs in quantum science, we have the talent, infrastructure and collaborations needed to position Chattanooga and Tennessee at the forefront of this emerging field. Events like Quantum in Action bring together the people and ideas necessary to translate research into pilots, products, companies and jobs, building on work already underway here at UTC.
That momentum continues this summer when UTC hosts the Quantum, Computing, Mathematics and Physics Camp (QCaMP), a National Science Foundation–supported professional learning program developed by scientists at Sandia National Laboratories. Chattanooga/Hamilton County is one of just 20 communities nationwide selected to host a 2026 cohort, bringing educators to UTC to explore the fundamentals of quantum science and how to introduce these concepts in K–12 classrooms. By connecting educators with emerging technologies, this initiative strengthens our region’s talent pipeline and helps ensure that the next generation of students is prepared for careers in quantum and other advanced fields.
* * * * *
Expanding UTC’s Research Momentum: I’m excited to share that UTC has launched the Nanoengineering Center, a new research center within the UTC Research Institute that will advance multidisciplinary work in nanotechnology and materials science. Led by Associate Professor of Mechancial Engineering Murat Barisik, the center brings together faculty expertise across disciplines to develop nano-enabled solutions in areas such as energy, health and advanced manufacturing.
The center’s launch shows the strong progress made through the earlier CEACSE Convergent Research Initiative, which successfully built collaborations, attracted external funding and engaged students in high-level research.
As the Nanoengineering Center expands partnerships with national laboratories, industry and federal agencies, it will strengthen UTC’s research enterprise while creating new opportunities for students to participate in cutting-edge discovery, an important step in our continued trajectory toward Carnegie R2 classification.
* * * * *
Decade of Excellence: Congratulations to the UTC SMILE Fund team for capturing its 10th consecutive CFA Institute Greater Tennessee Research Challenge title—an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects discipline, preparation and teamwork. This year’s winning team, comprised of Gary W. Rollins College of Business Brannon Smith, Rilee Ervin, Shaun Williams, Bana Sulieman and Ethan Tidwell, advanced to the Southeast Regional round of the global CFA Research Challenge, and their presentation video will be judged later this month.
Kudos to the students, faculty advisor Dr. Hunter Holzhauer and industry mentor Ray Ryan for continuing a remarkable tradition of success.
* * * * *
Making a Difference in Public Health: Congratulations to UTC graduate student Chris Walsh, who has been named the 2025-26 Outstanding Dietetic Student of the Year by the Chattanooga Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The award recognizes academic achievement, leadership and professional promise among students preparing for careers in nutrition and dietetics.
Chris’s work demonstrates the strong preparation underway in UTC’s Master of Public Health program. In addition to his coursework, he has contributed to research examining dietary changes among international college students and has served the community through nutrition screenings and counseling with MobileMOC, UTC’s mobile health clinic. Congratulations to Chris and to the faculty mentors who prepare the next generation of public health leaders.
* * * * *
National Recognition: I want to congratulate Dr. Kristi Wick, the Vicky B. Gregg Chair of Gerontology in UTC’s College of Nursing, on being selected as the 2026 recipient of the Outstanding Faculty Practice Award from the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties. The national honor recognizes nurse practitioner faculty who integrate clinical practice with teaching while advancing innovative models of care and education.
Dr. Wick’s work displays the powerful connection between classroom learning and community care. Through initiatives such as MobileMOC, she has helped expand access to care for rural and underserved populations while creating meaningful clinical learning experiences for students across multiple disciplines. We are proud to see her leadership and dedication recognized at the national level.
* * * * *
Celebrating Our Golden Feather Recipients: Congratulations to Jean Walston from the UTC Children’s Center and Melissa Laseter, director of TRIO Student Support Services, on being selected as the latest recipients of the Moc’s Golden Feather Award. This honor recognizes staff members who go above and beyond to make UTC a great place to work and learn, and both Jean and Melissa exemplify that commitment every day.
Jean was recognized for the care and dedication she brings to supporting early learning at the UTC Children’s Center, creating an environment where young learners can grow academically and socially. Melissa was honored for her leadership and steady focus on students while guiding TRIO Student Support Services during a time of transition—supporting student staff, leading major campus initiatives, and ensuring hundreds of students remained connected to the resources they needed to succeed. Please join me in thanking Jean and Melissa for the difference they make across our campus community.
* * * * *
Chamber Singers Heading to Ireland: I want to recognize our UTC Chamber Singers as they prepare for an exciting international performance tour to Ireland right after commencement. Led by UC Foundation Professor of Music Kevin Ford, the ensemble will perform in historic venues across the country—St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church in Galway, St. Mary’s Cathedral in Limerick and Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin—bringing UTC’s musical talent to audiences abroad.
Opportunities like this allow our students to share their gifts, represent UTC on an international stage and experience firsthand how music connects cultures and communities across the world.
