MOCS2K Celebrates UTC Spirit: From Oct. 31 through Nov. 7, MOCS2K will bring our campus together for Homecoming, a week of familiar traditions, spirited events and a little Y2K-inspired fun. It is a chance for students to celebrate with the UTC community and for alumni to return to the place where so many of their own stories began.
I always enjoy seeing generations of Mocs reconnect with friends, meet today’s students and share their pride in this University. Homecoming reminds us that UTC is a community that stays with students long after graduation.
The celebration concludes Saturday, Nov. 7, when the Mocs take on Mercer at 1 p.m. at Finley Stadium. I hope you will join us in blue and gold as we welcome alums home and celebrate all that connects us as Mocs.
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Bringing MOCS2K to Life: UTC senior graphic design major Caleb Connery has created the visual identity for this year’s MOCS2K Homecoming, putting his own creative stamp on one of our University’s most spirited traditions. From the bold Y2K-inspired graphics to a playful new take on Scrappy, Caleb’s work brings the theme to life across campus.
His design reflects the thought, skill and personal perspective students bring to their work at UTC. Caleb has shown how creativity can help shape the experiences we share at UTC, and I look forward to seeing his designs throughout Homecoming week.
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Designing a Lasting UTC Tradition: Congratulations to students Kaila Bui, Sierra Brown, Ryleigh Simmons and Emma Tuttle on winning the Chancellor’s Tartan Challenge. Their interdisciplinary design will now move toward becoming UTC’s official tartan, a lasting emblem inspired by the University’s history, Chattanooga and the people who have shaped both.
The tartan’s colors, patterns and thread counts each carry meaning, connecting UTC spirit with local history and important moments in the University’s story. I am grateful to UC Foundation Professor Katie Hargrave, head of the Department of Art; Assistant Professor of Costume Design Ash Ludwig in the Department of Theatre; Associate Professor Jessica Etheredge, program director for Interior Architecture and Design; and everyone who helped create a competition that brought students from different disciplines together to develop something uniquely UTC.
The winning students were giddy with excitement, and I was equally excited for them. They told me they had chill bumps, and so did I as I thought about the history they were making. It is not every day I get to see students create a design that may become the official emblem of the University, knowing their tartan could represent UTC for the next 140 years.
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Mocs Give Day Shows the Power of Our Community: Thank you to everyone who supported Mocs Give Day. The generosity of alums, faculty, staff, families and friends shows a shared belief in our UTC students and the future of this University.
Each gift helps provide the scholarships, programs and experiences that allow students to succeed, explore their interests and prepare for what comes next. I also want to thank the Advancement and Alumni Affairs teams, along with the many campus advocates who made the day possible. Your efforts brought the UTC community together in support of our students.
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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 Nov. 6. This is your chance to tell us what’s working, what’s not and how we can make UTC even better. The survey takes only a few minutes, is 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 of the UTC experience.
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Recognizing the Transfer Journey: National Transfer Student Week, taking place next week (Oct. 19-23), is an opportunity to celebrate the students who arrived at UTC with experiences, accomplishments and goals already taking shape. Transfer students bring new perspectives to our classrooms and campus community, and we are proud to support them as they continue their educational journeys here.
Choosing to transfer is an important decision. UTC is committed to making that transition as clear and welcoming as possible, helping students build on the work they have already completed and connect with the support they need to succeed. To our transfer students: We are glad you chose UTC, and we are proud to have you as Mocs.
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Sharing Big Ideas: Next Wednesday (Oct. 21), 35 UTC undergraduate and graduate students will participate in the Office for Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavor (URaCE) Student Pitch Competition, presenting their research and creative work before a panel of judges. I look forward to learning more about the questions they are pursuing and the ideas they are developing.
As a student, I learned that research is about learning how to ask questions, work through uncertainty and discover where your own interests can lead. Those experiences helped shape my path as an engineer and researcher, and I know they can be equally transformative for UTC students.
Thank you to URaCE for making experiences like this possible. I wish every participant the very best and encourage our campus community to support them at the pitch competition.
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Putting Data to Work for Chattanooga: Through the Driving Action Through Analytics and Analysis internship program, UTC students are helping local nonprofits organize and use data that can strengthen their work. This semester, 15 students are partnering with organizations across Chattanooga to better utilize information about the services they provide.
This work gives students the chance to apply what they are learning while gaining a deeper understanding of the needs facing our community. I am grateful to the Journey Health Foundation Research Center, housed in the Gary W. Rollins College of Business, and URaCE for creating this program, and I applaud the students using their skills to support organizations making a difference across our region.
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Developing Leaders for UTC’s Future: Congratulations to Dr. Victoria Bryan, Brittney (Holder) Burks, Julia Bursch, Dr. Brooke Epperson, Lindsey Felix, Brett Fuchs, Dr. Max Jordon, Dr. Jordan King, Dr. Christina Policastro, Michelle Prince and Lucy White on being selected for the University of Tennessee System’s 2027 Leadership Institute.
Since 1981, the Leadership Institute has brought colleagues from across the UT System together to strengthen their leadership skills and build relationships across campuses. This year’s cohort will gather in Chattanooga in March for a week of learning focused on ethical decision-making, team engagement and collaboration.
I am grateful to these colleagues for their willingness to invest in their growth and serve UTC in new ways. Their selection reflects the expertise, commitment and leadership potential already making a difference across our campus.
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Celebrating the People of UTC: Deborah Barr of the Department of Mathematics and Ted Ross of the Department of Art are the newest recipients of the Moc’s Golden Feather Award. This recognition honors staff members who go above and beyond in supporting students, colleagues and the work of the University.
Deborah is a steady source of support and connection for mathematics faculty, staff and students, while Ted’s problem-solving and care help keep the Department of Art’s studios welcoming and functional. Their work often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt every day. I am delighted that Deborah and Ted have received this well-earned recognition, and I thank them for the difference they make at UTC.
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A New Resource for Our Campus Community: I am pleased to welcome Caitlan Hendrickson as UTC’s new ombudsperson. With more than 20 years of experience in conflict resolution, higher education and organizational ombuds work, Caitlan will serve as a confidential, impartial resource for faculty and staff seeking to better understand concerns, explore available options and identify constructive paths forward.
A strong campus culture depends on communication, trust and opportunities to work through difficult situations with care. I encourage you to welcome Caitlan to UTC and learn more about her role and the services offered through the Office of the Ombudsperson.
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Answering the 1886 Challenge: I am proud of the UTC students, faculty, staff, alumni and retirees who have been volunteering around Chattanooga as part of the 1886 Challenge. Just one quarter into our anniversary-year effort, Mocs have reached nearly 39% of our goal to contribute 18,860 hours in honor of UTC’s founding year.
Those hours have supported older adults and people with disabilities, strengthened local schools, addressed food insecurity, and served community events throughout Chattanooga. From Camp Horizon and Camp HOPE America to IRONMAN Chattanooga, Mocs are giving their time and talents where they are needed. Thank you for showing what it means to be a community-engaged University.
