Together We Give: This Tuesday, Oct. 7, is Mocs Give Day—our annual celebration of the generosity that fuels UTC. It’s the day when alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends come together to give and make an immediate difference for our University. With campuswide challenges, your gift on Mocs Give Day can go even further, multiplying its impact.
This year, in celebration of my first Mocs Give Day, I’m especially encouraging gifts to the Chancellor’s Initiative Fund. Your support will provide funds to allow us to quickly address strategic University priorities, including increasing need-based scholarships, experiential learning and student support programs.
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Elevating Geospatial Research: One of the highlights of my early days at UTC has been learning about the impact of our geospatial research, and now we’re taking that work to the next level with the launch of the Center for Applied Geospatial Data Science.
Almost immediately after I arrived, community partners shared how the GIS lab helped them move critical projects forward with timely, practical solutions. We have world-class researchers whose expertise is already making a difference across our region, and elevating that work from a lab to a center ensures their impact will grow even further, bringing new opportunities for our students and new solutions for our community.
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Strengthening STEM Education: UTC has been awarded a $500,000 National Science Foundation grant to support middle and high school STEM teachers in Southeast Tennessee and North Georgia. Led by UC Foundation Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering Raga Ahmed and a talented faculty team, this three-year project will provide teachers with hands-on research experiences in microelectronics and artificial intelligence.
By equipping teachers with new skills and tools, we’re helping them inspire the next generation of problem-solvers and innovators. This work highlights UTC’s commitment to serving our region and preparing students for the challenges and possibilities ahead.
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Exploring History Beneath the Waves: UTC faculty are leading research with global significance, literally diving into history. UC Foundation Associate Professor Morgan Smith and visiting lecturer A.J. Van Slyke are part of an international team searching for the last ships of Christopher Columbus off the coast of Jamaica. Their work combines deep historical research with cutting-edge technology, offering our students opportunities to learn from discoveries that connect past and present. It’s work that puts UTC on the global stage.
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Thank You, Dean Frost: I want to extend my gratitude to Dr. Linda Frost, who has announced she will transition from her role as dean of the UTC Honors College to the faculty at the end of this academic year. As the founding dean, Dr. Frost has spent more than a decade shaping honors education at UTC, expanding access, strengthening opportunities for research and scholarships, and building a nationally recognized program that has elevated our University’s reputation.
While I am just beginning to know her personally, it’s clear that her leadership and vision have left an extraordinary mark on UTC. I hope you’ll join me in thanking Dr. Frost and congratulating her for her years of service to our students, our faculty and this community.
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Campus’ Four-Legged Friend: One of the first friends I met at UTC is also one of the most popular members of our community—Gunny, our first chief canine officer.
Gunny has traded his law enforcement duties for a new role here at UTC, bringing comfort, connection and joy to students, faculty and staff. Whether he’s accompanying Chief O’Brien in greeting students around campus or making appearances at events, Gunny embodies the spirit of care and community that defines the Moc experience. I’m thrilled to have him as part of our pack.
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A Production With Bite: A big “break a leg” to the students, faculty, and staff bringing “Dracula: Mina’s Quest” to life on stage this week. This UTC Theatre Co. production reimagines Bram Stoker’s classic with Mina at the center of the story, not as a victim, but as the driving force of the mystery. The show runs through Saturday at the Fine Arts Center, and I encourage you to see the creativity, talent and collaboration of our theater team in action.
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Fall Break Ahead: It seems like I just got here, but we’re already nearing the midpoint of the semester. The pace of my first fall at UTC has been full with classes, events and everything that comes with being part of this community. Fall Break (Oct. 13-14) is your chance to step back, relax and take care of yourself. Come back ready to finish the semester strong!
