UTC welcomes new faculty at annual dinner

August 13, 2026Photo gallery by Angela Foster

Three individuals in business attire engage in a cheerful conversation around a blue table with drinks.

Interim Provost Matt Matthews, center, talks with Frances Hall Hill Professor of Music Randall Coleman, the head of the Department of Music, and new Associate Professor of Practice and Director of Orchestra David Metrio during a dinner for new faculty members Tuesday, Aug. 11, at the Hunter Museum of American Art. Photo by Angela Foster.

With the fall semester about to get underway, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga welcomed its newest faculty members during the annual New Faculty Dinner on Tuesday, Aug. 11, at the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Hosted by Academic Affairs, the gathering brought together approximately 130 attendees, including new faculty and University leadership, for an evening of introductions and conversation.

Chancellor Lori Bruce and Interim Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Matt Matthews mingled with the new faculty members. They were joined by members of the Chancellor’s Executive Leadership Team, vice provosts, deans, associate and assistant deans, department heads and invited guests.

The event was part of UTC’s welcome week for faculty members joining the University this fall.

Chancellor Lori Bruce, center, greets attendees during a dinner for new faculty members Tuesday, Aug. 11, at the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Three people are engaged in a conversation in an indoor setting with a gray stone wall behind them.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Three individuals in business attire engage in a cheerful conversation around a blue table with drinks.

Interim Provost Matt Matthews, center, talks with Head of the Music Department, Director of Bands and the Frances Hall Hill Professor of Music, Randall Coleman, left, and new faculty member David Metrio, right. Metrio will be the Director of Orchestra and Associate Professor of Practice during a dinner for new faculty members Tuesday, Aug. 11 at the Hunter Museum of American Art. Photo by Angela Foster.

A speaker addresses an audience seated at tables with blue tablecloths in a bright, modern room with large windows overlooking a river and cityscape.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Three individuals engage in conversation outdoors near a body of water, with a prominent blue bridge in the background.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Two individuals engage in conversation at a formal event, seated at a table with place settings and floral arrangements.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Two individuals sit at a table during an event, with name tags identifying them as Arianna Lecoin and Ritu Sharma, surrounded by plates, glasses, and a floral centerpiece.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

A bald man with a beard, wearing a gray suit and a name tag that reads "Rick Dierentfeldt Jr.", is engaged in conversation with another person at a professional event.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

A group of people are seated at a dining table during a social gathering, smiling and engaging with one another.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Four people smile for the camera at a banquet table adorned with a blue tablecloth, white plates, water glasses, and a vibrant floral centerpiece.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Three individuals engage in conversation around a blue-clothed table at an event, each holding a glass of wine.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

A smiling individual wearing glasses and a suit sits at a dining table with plates and glasses, with a name tag reading "Keenan Dungey" and "The University of Chattanooga" visible on their lapel.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

A group of attendees at a formal event sit at tables, attentively listening to a speaker.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Three people are engaged in conversation outdoors, holding drinks and wearing name tags, in front of a modern building with large glass windows.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Four individuals engage in conversation around a blue table outdoors, with a blue bridge visible in the background.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Several attendees sit at a banquet table, attentively watching an event, with floral centerpieces and water glasses on the table.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

A person stands at a podium holding a microphone, addressing an audience seated at tables in a bright room with large windows overlooking green hills.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

A group of people seated at a dining table at an event, with one individual smiling warmly while others look on attentively.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Two individuals engage in conversation outdoors, one gesturing with her hands while the other listens attentively.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

A group of individuals engage in conversation around a blue table at an indoor event, with some holding beverages and wearing name tags.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Three individuals engage in lively conversation around a blue table at an indoor social gathering.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Four individuals engage in conversation at an outdoor event, holding drinks and smiling while wearing name tags.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

A person with gray hair and a floral dress engages in conversation at an outdoor event, wearing a name tag that reads "Vijayalakshmi."

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

A young person with glasses smiles at the camera while seated at a dining table during an event, with other attendees visible in the background.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

A person in a blue floral shirt and glasses smiles while speaking to another person wearing a straw hat, at what appears to be a professional event.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Three individuals engage in conversation at a formal event, with blue-draped tables and other attendees visible in the background.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

A group of people are seated at a table, attentively watching an event, with yellow flowers on the table and a blurred outdoor background.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Three individuals sit at a table during a formal gathering, smiling for the camera with name tags and a blue tablecloth in front of them.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

A person with glasses and a headband smiles while conversing with another individual at a social gathering.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

A person with glasses smiles while conversing with two others in a social gathering.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Two individuals engage in conversation at an event, with one gesturing animatedly while wearing a name tag.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

A person in a beige blazer and white shirt stands smiling at a formal event with attendees seated at blue tables, applauding in the background.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Four individuals engage in cheerful conversation at a social gathering, holding drinks and wearing name tags.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

A person with blonde hair speaks into a microphone while standing at a clear podium in front of large windows.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Two individuals shake hands at a formal event, with a table set for dining in the foreground.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

A group of people are seated at a table during an event, with one individual smiling warmly while others are engaged in conversation.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Three people are engaged in a lively conversation at an event, with one holding a drink and another holding a can.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Two individuals are engaged in a cheerful conversation at a dining table during an event, with one wearing a name tag.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

A group of people socializing at an indoor event, with two individuals in the foreground engaged in conversation.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

A group of people smile and pose for the camera at a formal dinner event, seated around a table with blue tablecloths and floral centerpieces.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Two individuals engage in conversation while holding drinks, standing in front of a glass wall with illuminated lettering.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Several attendees sit at a banquet table, attentively watching an event, with floral centerpieces and water glasses on the table.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Two individuals engage in conversation at a social gathering, one wearing a vibrant red turban and the other in a velvet jacket, both holding drinks.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Three people smile for the camera while holding drinks at a social gathering.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Six individuals pose together outdoors near a body of water with a blue bridge in the background, all wearing name tags and making hand gestures.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

A person in a floral dress smiles warmly while placing a hand on the shoulder of another person in a dark plaid suit, both standing near a railing outdoors.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Six individuals pose together outdoors near a body of water with a blue bridge in the background, all wearing name tags and making hand gestures.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

A person extends their hand toward the camera, showcasing painted fingernails with a blue base and one accent nail featuring a yellow gift bow design, while their face remains softly blurred in the background.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Two individuals engage in conversation at an outdoor event, surrounded by other attendees in a modern setting with trees and concrete architecture.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

A person in a suit and tie stands at a clear podium, speaking into a microphone while gesturing with their finger.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Four people socialize outdoors at a gathering, holding drinks and conversing near a blue tablecloth-covered table.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

A group of people are seated at a table, attentively watching an event, with yellow flowers on the table and a blurred outdoor background.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Three individuals are seated at a blue-clothed table during a social gathering, with one wearing a red turban and smiling toward the camera.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Two individuals smile at the camera while seated at a dining table during an outdoor event, with other guests and white chairs visible in the background.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Two individuals engage in conversation at a social gathering, holding drinks and smiling, while others converse in the background.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Three individuals are seated at a blue table during a formal event, engaged in conversation with floral centerpieces and name tags visible.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Two individuals engage in conversation outdoors, holding glasses, with modern buildings and greenery in the background.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Four individuals engage in conversation around a blue-clothed table, each holding a glass, with one person wearing glasses and a light green shirt.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

A person with gray hair and blue glasses, wearing a light green shirt and a name tag reading "Joe Alegre," sits at a table during a social gathering.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Three individuals engage in conversation at an event, with one person holding a name tag and another holding a beverage can.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

A person in a suit stands among a crowd seated at tables, applauding as others clap in response.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

A person laughs heartily at a social gathering, seated at a table with others in the background.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Two individuals shake hands at a social gathering, with one wearing a name tag and the other holding a beer bottle, while others mingle in the background.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Two individuals in business attire smile while holding drinks at a blue table during an event.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Several individuals engage in conversation at a dining table during what appears to be a professional gathering or event.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Three individuals engage in conversation at an event, with one person holding a name tag and another holding a beverage can.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

A group of people are seated at a blue table with white plates and yellow flowers, engaged in conversation during an event at a museum.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

A group of people are gathered around a blue tablecloth-covered table at a formal event, laughing and engaging in conversation.

Chancellor Lori Bruce, center, greets attendees during a dinner for new faculty members during a dinner for new faculty members Tuesday, Aug. 11 at the Hunter Museum of American Art.

A person with short dark hair and glasses laughs heartily while engaging in conversation at an event, wearing a black-and-white checkered top and a name tag.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

A group of people in business attire engage in conversation at a social gathering, with one individual gesturing animatedly while holding a beverage can.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Three individuals in business attire engage in conversation at an indoor event, with one person wearing a name tag.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Two individuals engage in conversation at an event, one with glasses and a beard smiling while the other, bald and also wearing glasses, gestures as he speaks.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.

A group of four individuals smiles for the camera at a formal dinner event, seated around a blue table with floral centerpieces and beverages.

New faculty welcome dinner, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 the Hunter Museum of American Art.