First Generation Student Success
In recognition of the University’s commitment to improved experiences and outcomes for first-generation college students, UTC was selected for the inaugural cohort of U.S. universities by the Center for First-generation Student Success.
The Center for Women and Gender Equity
The Center increased attendance for their programs by 210% and achieved 91% of the intended outcomes for the 2018-2019 academic year.
Launching Smoke Free UTC
In collaboration with several other campus departments, University Health Services and The Office of the Dean of Students implemented the ‘Smoke Free UTC’ policy. In recognition of the change, the university received an award by Tobacco Free Chattanooga.
Making Connections with South Korea
The ESL Institute partnered this summer with the Sister City Association of Chattanooga to coordinate a two-week, on-campus English camp for 20 high schoolers from Gangneung, University in South Korea.
Everyone Belongs in Campus Recreation
Campus Recreation launched the Belong campaign, an initiative to assist in creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for students, ARC members and campus guests. Elements of the campaign so far include a logo, posters, photo collage and an interactive chalkboard in the Aquatic and Recreation Center lobby.
Office Name Changes
University Career Services and Leadership Development & Programs have merged and have been renamed the Center for Career and Leadership Development.
The Center for Advisement has been renamed the Center for Academic Support and Advisement.
Center for Career and Leadership Development
Rob Liddell and Marc Holcomb in the Center for Career and Leadership Development were recognized by the Tennessee Association of Colleges and Employers (TACE). Liddell won the New Member Award and Holcomb has accepted a position on TACE’s Board as the Director of Communications.
Danny Grzesik served as a small group facilitator for a session of the Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute (UIFI) this summer.
Student Support Services
Melissa Laseter and Shirl Gholston of Student Support Services received Chancellor’s Blue Ribbon Awards for the month of May. Read more about why they were nominated on the UTC Human Resources blog.
Staff Spotlight
Linda Hinkle started working at UTC less than a year ago and is already making an impact. As the Coordinator of Veteran Student Services, she’s implemented and expanded programming and events, established community partnerships and been awarded several grants. A former Army medic and founder of the Lady Vets, the first support group for women veterans at her alma mater, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, she brings a wealth of experience to her work.
For Squoia Holmes, Assistant Director of Veteran Student Services, Hinkle is unique because “she sees our veterans not just as students, but as people. For her, it’s more than making sure they graduate. It’s about supporting all of our veterans and their families with encouragement, resources and advocacy.” Hinkle also puts in the work and the miles, as she commutes to and from Knoxville every day while she and her family look for a place in Chattanooga.
Appointments, Promotions and Retirements
- Donna Cooper was promoted to Associate Director of the Center for Career and Leadership Development.
- Drew Fry was hired as the Assistant Director for the Office of New Student & Family Programs.
- Aaron Grisham was promoted to Director of the University Center.
- Marc Holcomb was promoted to Assistant Director of the Center for Career and Leadership Development.
- Rob Liddell now serves as the Executive Director of the Center for Career and Leadership Development.
- Latisha ‘Tish’ Lyne joined us as a Coordinator for Student Outreach & Support.
- Mandy McAllister accepted the role of administrative specialist in the Office of Student & Family Engagement.
- Megan McKnight has joined us as the Assistant Director for Education and Prevention in the Center for Student Wellbeing.
- Patrick Noland joins the Office of Strategic Enrollment Technology as a Support Specialist.
- Asa Porter has joined Campus Recreation as a Senior Maintenance Specialist.
- Stephanie Rowland, the university’s Title IX Coordinator, has joined our division.
- Yvonne Dunham Slobodenko recently accepted a position in the UTC Center for Global Education as an ESL student advisor.
- Mark Szydlowski accepted the position of the Coordinator for Student Conduct/Student Conduct Investigator.
- Jermaine ‘JT’ Taylor is our new Assistant Director for Guest Relations in Housing and Residence Life.
- Jessica Watts and David Ferguson started in mid-June as Assistant Directors for Residence Education in Housing and Residence Life.
- Joel Wells started as University Registrar in July.
- Kaine Wilson has joined the Center for Career and Leadership Development as an administrative assistant.
Panhellenic Recruitment: August 11 – 17
An estimated 400 students will go through the recruitment process to join one of our seven Panhellenic sororities. Recruitment week begins Sunday, August 11 and ends Saturday, August 17 with Bid Day. There are multiple volunteer positions for UTC staff. Sign up on the website.
Operation Move-In: August 15 – 17
More than 3,000 students will move into the residence halls starting in mid-August. Incoming freshmen and transfer students will move in on Thursday, August 15, and upperclassman on Friday and Saturday, August 16 – 17. Housing and Residence Life is looking for volunteers to help direct traffic and assist students with unloading and moving their items. Sign up on the website.
Convocation: August 16
As one of the biggest gatherings of students all school year, convocation kicks off the new semester with plenty of Mocs spirit. This welcoming event introduces our newest class of students to life at UTC. Festivities kick off at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 16. All UTC employees are invited.
Welcome Week: August 18 – 24
To assist our Mocs with transitioning to college life, Welcome Week is full of events and programming for students to make connections, learn about campus resources and just have fun. Long-running traditions like Oak Street Roast are returning, along with new programming like Friday Night Lights, a Campus Recreation event featuring games, food and fun at the Sports Complex. Check out the Welcome Week website for more details.
First Day of Classes: August 19
Get ready for campus to be buzzing with activity again. Classes for the Fall 2019 semester start on Monday, August 19.
Founders Week: September 9 – 14
‘The light upon a hill’ is still shining brightly after 133 years. Starting on Monday, September 9 and running through Saturday, September 14, celebrate UTC’s birthday with daily events. See the full list of activities at the Founder’s Week website.
Homecoming: September 22 – September 28
Make plans to come out to this year’s Homecoming events starting on Sunday, September 22. This annual tradition has a wide range of activities, including pep rallies, a lip sync competition, a tap party and more. Bring your best blue and gold spirit to Finley Stadium on Saturday, September 28 when the Mocs take on Western Carolina. Kick-off is at 4 p.m.
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