Dr. Ken Grubbs (’97, ’20), Roger Smith (’73) and Lily Sanchez (’16) have been recognized by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga as the 2024 Distinguished Alumni, Outstanding Service and GOLD Excellence Award recipients, respectively.
Presented by UTC’s Division of Advancement, the Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest annual commendation presented to an alumnus or alumna and recognizes someone who demonstrates extraordinary service to their alma mater, field and community. The Outstanding Service Award recognizes community leaders who demonstrate exemplary personal service to UTC and the community. The GOLD Excellence Award recognizes an alumnus or alumna who graduated within the last decade and has exemplified early success and contributions within their profession or community.
“These three alumni exemplify the breadth of success and impact our graduates are making in their fields, on our campus, in our community and beyond,” UTC Chancellor Steve Angle said. “We are proud to recognize their talent and achievements through these awards.”
* * * * *
Dr. Ken Grubbs
Dr. Ken Grubbs is the executive vice president for accreditation and certification operations and chief nursing officer for The Joint Commission. In this role, Grubbs has executive leadership for the accreditation and certification of more than 22,000 health care organizations and programs.
Grubbs began his career in health care as an emergency department nurse and has held various leadership positions, primarily focusing on emergency and medical-surgical intensive care services. Previously, he served as vice president of regulatory and accreditation services for HCA Healthcare.
Grubbs received a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and bachelor’s in nursing from UTC in 2020 and 1997, respectively, along with an MBA from Western Kentucky University.
“The value of the education I received at UTC and how that education was foundational to my career that continues to pay dividends in many different ways is one if not the single best investments I made in myself,” Grubbs said.
* * * * *
Roger Smith
A lifelong Chattanoogan, Roger Smith was an incoming freshman at the University of Chattanooga but graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1973 with a bachelor’s in business administration. Awarded a UC Foundation scholarship, which made his education possible, Smith pursued a business career post-graduation and retired as a senior vice president at BB&T Insurance Services.
Smith now serves on the UC Foundation Board of Trustees, which awards scholarships to students just like they did for him in 1969. He also serves on the Gary W. Rollins College of Business Advisory Board and the UT Alumni Legislative Advocacy Council.
“It’s humbling to be recognized, especially as I am one of many people who give their time and resources to UTC. I feel very honored,” Smith said.
* * * * *
Lily Sanchez
A bilingual communication professional, Lily Sanchez (’16) was born in Rome, Georgia, to immigrant parents from the Dominican Republic. When Sanchez moved to the Dominican Republic at age 10, she stayed for six years before moving to Chattanooga in 2010.
Earning her bachelor’s in communication, Sanchez has worked for La Paz Chattanooga since 2017, telling stories and building relationships within Chattanooga’s Latino community. Earning a master’s in communication with a concentration in public interest communication from the University of Florida, she has always been passionate about Latinx advocacy and empowerment, particularly for Latina women.
“When I graduated, I didn’t leave a community at UTC,” Sanchez said. “The community has come with me, and I know that even though I’m years removed, many people at UTC are cheering me on and want to see me succeed.”
Grubbs, Smith and Sanchez will be recognized at various campus events over the next year to celebrate their honors and commitment to UTC.
* * * * *
About Division of Advancement:
The mission of the Division of Advancement at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and the University of Chattanooga Foundation is to build meaningful connections for all Mocs and inspire generosity for Chattanooga’s university. By fostering relationships and investment, we strategically bring together alumni, donors and friends of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for the collective betterment of our campus and city.
