Ted and Kelly Alling, both longtime supporters of education and philanthropy, have committed a significant gift to name the Alling Family Student-Athlete Academic Center at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
The Allings are deeply committed to education, with a strong focus on supporting initiatives that foster academic success, especially for student-athletes. Their commitment to the Student-Athlete Academic Center aligns with their interests in supporting UTC’s mission to help student-athletes succeed academically while competing at the highest level.
The Allings’ generous gift will help enhance academic support services, including advising, tutoring and life skills programs.
“With supporters like Ted and Kelly Alling, we are able to provide our student-athletes with the tools they need to achieve both on and off the field,” said UTC Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Mark Wharton. “This gift will help our student-athletes reach new heights of excellence.”
The Allings’ decision to support UTC Athletics stems from their belief in creating a lasting impact through philanthropic contributions. They are passionate about growing educational opportunities in the region, as evidenced by their founding of Chattanooga Preparatory School in 2018 and Knoxville Prep in 2024. Kelly Alling has also served as a trustee of the University of Chattanooga Foundation.
“We are excited about the future of UTC and are thrilled to help student-athletes succeed in the classroom as they succeed on the playing field,” the Allings shared. “We are honored to be able to support the Mocs in academic victories.”
The Allings’ gift to UTC Athletics strengthens the foundation for continued academic success among Mocs student-athletes. In May 2025, the program set records with its highest-ever GPA—3.4339—with 71.9% of student-athletes named to the Dean’s List and 81.49% earning a spot on the Athletics Director’s Honor Roll.
To learn more, please visit gomocs.com.
