by Ashley Arnold, University Relations Intern
Ann Yoachim, recently named UTC Director of Community Partnerships, has been on our campus for a few months now, and is quickly adjusting to her work with the University and the surrounding area.
Yoachim came to Chattanooga before interviewing in order to get a feel for the area and community, and returned again to interact with people in the communities in and around Chattanooga before accepting the position here at UTC.
“One of the reasons I took this job was because the university is located in the heart of the city, which makes it easy to connect.” Yoachim continues, saying, “Chattanooga is a beautiful city, and while traveling through on various occasions I had commented on the fact that I would like to live here, although I would have never thought it would be this soon. “
Yoachim spent much of her time this past summer meeting with people and agencies from different communities in order to become familiar with the area. She also participated in move in day here on campus,
“It’s one of my favorite days of the school year. I’m going to try to take part every year.”
Along with interacting with the community and participating in activities here on campus, she has taken advantage of many local outdoors opportunities.
“After living in Southern Lousiana it’s so nice not to have to think about where to find hiking. A few weeks ago a friend and I were driving to a new hiking trail, and missed it, so I just got on google maps and found a new trail head,” Yoachim says.
She continues to be surprised with the multitude of hiking options around Chattanooga.
Chattanooga is full of little quirks that make our city unique, and it is these very things that Yoachim says she feels centers her work, or career path.
“I think one of the keys in my work involves understanding how unique places are. It is really important to understand the context and nuances of a certain location in order to be successful in the type of work I do, “ says Yoachim.
It is these very nuances that drew Yoachim to our University.
“I am excited to be joining the University at a pivotal time in its history,” Yoachim adds.
She considers it to be a pivotal time because of the changing climate of higher education in the U.S. and shifts in our state, such as the Tennessee Promise.
Yoachim has many visions for our campus, and is excited to share them in the future.
