Jennifer Ellis is among five of the 10 honorees at 2019’s annual Women of Distinction of Greater Chattanooga awards luncheon with strong ties to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Ellis, of the UTC School of Education, is director of STEM—or science, technology, engineering and math—education which encourages students with strong STEM skills to consider teaching careers.
Ellis joined UTC in 2011 as an assistant professor, became STEM director in 2015 and received a promotion in faculty rank to associate professor in 2016. In fall 2019, she became one of three pioneering UTC faculty members who moved into campus housing for the purpose of greater engagement, accessibility and approachability for students.
“Dr. Ellis represents so much that is special about UTC,” said Valerie Rutledge, dean of the College of Health, Education and Professional Studies. “She is a highly accomplished and exceptionally talented individual whose achievements clearly demonstrate why she was selected for this prestigious honor.”
Ellis has a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Tuskegee University, a master’s degree in information from the University of Michigan and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Louisiana State University.
For more than 30 years, Women of Distinction of Greater Chattanooga has recognized women “who set themselves apart through their civic, cultural, philanthropic, human service, environmental and professional contributions” to the community.
The four other UTC-affiliated honorees of 2019 are alumnae Linda Collins, UTC professor emerita; Gina Dhanani, chief operating officer of Double Cola; Kari Hudson, optometrist with Oakmont Eyecare; and Hamilton County General Sessions Judge Lila Statom.
Since the recognition program began in 1983, more than 300 local women have been honored as Chattanooga Women of Distinction.
CONGRATULATIONS! Well deserved