Homecoming on the Horizon: My very first UTC Homecoming as chancellor is just around the corner and I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate with you. From Oct. 25 through Nov. 1, campus will come alive with traditions, reunions and plenty of school spirit—all wrapped in this year’s theme, “Calling All the MOCsters.”
Homecoming is about connection—welcoming alumni back to campus, participating in events alongside students, faculty and staff, and showing our pride in being part of the UTC family. And what better way to cap it all off than on Saturday, Nov. 1, when our Mocs take on Western Carolina. Kickoff is at 4 p.m., and I hope to see the Finley Stadium stands packed with blue and gold.
Whether you’re dressing up for Halloween or just looking forward to a Saturday at Finley, this Homecoming promises to be a spirited celebration for every Moc.
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Supporting Mental Health at UTC: One of the most important messages I want every Moc to hear is this: You are never alone. College is exciting, but it can also bring moments of stress and challenge. When those moments arise, please remember that support is here for you.
UTC offers a wide range of mental health resources—from the Counseling Center and Center for Wellbeing to 24/7 crisis lines and peer support programs. If you need to talk with a professional, connect with a peer mentor or learn more about managing stress, there are people ready to listen and help.
I encourage you to read Get Help When You Need It, where you can learn more about UTC’s mental health resources. Reaching out is a sign of strength, and your well-being matters to us.
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Celebrating Our Transfer Students: Next week (Oct. 20-24), we celebrate Transfer Student Week—a chance to recognize the nearly 3,000 transfer students who enrich our campus with their experiences, perspectives and talents. Ensuring that your transition to UTC is seamless and your time here is fulfilling is one of my top priorities as chancellor.
One of the best examples of that spirit is Amy Brown, a graduate student who serves as UTC’s first transfer student peer mentor. Amy turned her own challenges into an opportunity to help others feel seen, supported and connected. Her work is a powerful reminder of how much peer mentorship matters.
To all our transfer students: Thank you for being part of our community. Your presence makes UTC stronger, and I hope you take full advantage of the resources, friendships and opportunities to build your story here. We are so happy to have you.
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Your Voice, Your UTC: Mocs, we need to hear your voice. I want to remind students that the UT Student Experience Survey is open through Oct. 31. This is your chance to tell us what’s working, what’s not and how we can make your UTC experience even better. The survey only takes a few minutes, it’s anonymous, and your feedback helps guide the programs, resources and opportunities that directly affect you. Please take a moment to share your thoughts and help shape the future Moc experience together.
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Mocs Give Day Success: Thank you to everyone who came together for this year’s Mocs Give Day. Alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends united to support UTC, showing the incredible power of our community. Because of you, thousands of gifts poured in—each one fueling scholarships, programs and opportunities that make a difference for our students.
I also want to recognize and thank our Advancement and Alumni Affairs team, whose hard work and dedication made this day such a success. From organizing challenges to rallying advocates, they brought our community together in remarkable ways. Their efforts ensure that the generosity of our donors has the greatest possible impact on UTC.
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Pedal Power and Partnerships: I would like to celebrate Assistant Professor Ryan Zwart, UC Foundation Professor Drew Bailey and junior Chloe Wesson from our Sport, Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management program for their work with SORBA Chattanooga on a community-funded grant to measure the economic and social impact of mountain biking in Hamilton County.
This project is an excellent example of how UTC research directly connects to the needs of our region, supporting outdoor recreation, tourism and the natural beauty that makes Chattanooga such a special place. I’m especially proud to see students like Chloe involved in hands-on research that brings classroom learning to life. Collaborations like this remind us that UTC’s work makes a real difference across our community.
