Jordan King is the director of the Innovations in Honors program in the Honors College. Photo by Angela Foster.
Dr. Jordan King arrived at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in July. As the director of the Innovations in Honors program in the Honors College, he is already working to help students make meaningful connections in the community.
He is also a professor of practice in the Honors College, where he brings his expertise in sustainability to help students understand how it can be applied across disciplines.
King answered some questions about his role and how students can get involved in the program.
What is the Innovations in Honors program?
“The Innovations in Honors program is part of our Honors College. It is for transfer students and currently enrolled students to join the Honors program. It really is about getting students out into the community to have an impact on all sorts of things in Chattanooga.
“We partner with people from the city to have students work in the Innovation Lab. This is a two-semester course where they use a design thinking process to work with a specific partner to identify a problem, come up with ideas of how to address it, and then actually test it out and implement the project.
“For example, this year, we’re working with CARTA, Chattanooga’s public transportation system, on improving shuttle usage and bus stop accessibility. We’re also partnering with the Office of Sustainability to raise awareness about electric vehicles and ensure equitable access to charging stations.”
Who is eligible for Innovations in Honors?
“Typically, sophomores and juniors are eligible because our curriculum is designed for a two to three-year time period. Students who complete the program earn a minor in Innovations in Honors. They take the Innovation Lab course, a few additional credits in the Honors College and then complete a thesis, building on their work from the Innovation Lab. They leverage some of those partnerships they might have or the topic they were working on.”
What’s the process to apply to the program?
“Applications will open early in the spring semester. Students will be asked how they want to impact their community, along with a few other questions. There are some basic requirements, like a 3.2 GPA and completion of foundational general education courses, but we aim to make the program accessible to as many students as possible.”
What attracted you to this role?
“One of the reasons was the ability to work with the community, which has really had an impact on students. The small class sizes allow for a lot of interaction and I get to support students as they take on creative projects that really make an impact.
“I also like the chance to think broadly about the ways that higher education can be connected to the community and have an impact on our world. I hold a Ph.D. in sustainability from Arizona State University and my work is all about how we learn to become more sustainable and promote well-being.
“Chattanooga itself was also a big draw. It’s a city with a rich history, a balance of beautiful natural areas and a growing urban environment. It’s a fascinating place to explore how urban development can be socially, environmentally and economically beneficial.”
What’s your favorite thing about UTC?
“I like the greenway path. It’s helpful to get to the community. It’s also nice to step outside and contemplate for a little bit. I appreciate how it links to so many other areas around campus.”
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