Welcome back: UTC students’ first day of fall semester

August 24, 2026Photo gallery by Angela Foster

On Monday, Aug. 24, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga students returned to campus for the first day of the fall 2026 semester. Campus was abuzz with smiling faces as students started this next chapter of their UTC careers.

WGOW’s Jed & JR Mornings show broadcast live on campus from 6-10 a.m. to kick off the new academic year. Jed Mescon and Jim “JR” Reynolds spoke with students, faculty and University leaders, including Chancellor Lori Bruce, about the 2026-27 school year.

Two women, one in a yellow shirt and one in a grey shirt, walk on campus smiling.

Students return to campus for the first day of class on Aug. 24.

Two men, both wearing white t shirts with designs on them, smiling while walking on campus.

Students return to campus for the first day of class on Aug. 24.

A group of students stands in a circle talking while one is on a bike.

Students return to campus for the first day of class on Aug. 24.

Two students stand in front of a sign that says "First day of 13th grade."

Students return to campus for the first day of class on Aug. 24.

Students looking at UTC mechatronics “Robot Dogs.”

Students return to campus for the first day of class on Aug. 24.

A woman in a grey UTC shirt smiles at another student.

Students return to campus for the first day of class on Aug. 24.

Chancellor Lori Bruce and Brent Goldberg sit in a golf cart.

Chancellor Lori Bruce and Brent Goldberg drove around campus after her segment on the talkshow hosted on campus “Jed and JR.”

Two students stand in front of a sign that says "First day of 13th grade."

Students return to campus for the first day of class on Aug. 24.

Dr. Bruce takes a selfie with students.

Chancellor Lori Bruce and Brent Goldberg drove around campus after her segment on the talkshow hosted on campus “Jed and JR.”

Two students walking on the UTC campus.

Students return to campus for the first day of class on Aug. 24.

A man rides his bike by Chamberlain Field.

Students return to campus for the first day of class on Aug. 24.

A student sits outside looking at her computer.

Students return to campus for the first day of class on Aug. 24.

Dr. Bruce holds a dog in a golf cart.

Chancellor Lori Bruce and Brent Goldberg drive students to class Monday, Aug. 24, 2026

Students smiling looking at the distance on campus.

Students return to campus for the first day of class on Aug. 24.

Two girls, one in a green dress and the other in red shorts, walk on campus.

Students return to campus for the first day of class on Aug. 24.

Dr. Bruce on her morning Jed and JR appearance.

Chancellor Lori Bruce talks with Jed Mescon and Jim Reynolds on the first day of class Monday, Aug. 24, 2026 in front of the library.

Two girls, one in a white t shirt and one in a grey t shirt, walking on campus.

Students return to campus for the first day of class on Aug. 24.

A student appears on Jed and JR.

Students return to campus for the first day of class on Aug. 24.

A girl sits on the back of Dr. Bruce's golf cart.

Students return to campus for the first day of class on Aug. 24. Monday, Aug. 24, 2026

A woman holds a dog, while a different pets the dog.

Students return to campus for the first day of class on Aug. 24.

A student walks by two bikes chained to a post.

Students return to campus for the first day of class on Aug. 24.

Brent Goldberg does the “power C” symbol with his hands while Dr. Bruce smiles, and both sit in a golf cart.

Chancellor Lori Bruce and Brent Goldberg drive students to class Monday, Aug. 24, 2026

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