Photo by Angela Foster
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga brought back the early 2000s for Homecoming 2026.
The week of Y2K festivities wrapped up Saturday, Nov. 7, when the Mocs faced Mercer University at Finley Stadium. Although UTC lost to the Bears 14-7 in overtime, the clear fall weather and Homecoming activities kept spirits high.
Jayda Turner and Mason Lowe took the crowns as UTC’s 2026 Homecoming queen and king.
Turner is the founder and president of Her Wellness, a women’s health awareness organization. She is also a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and serves as media director for the Hamilton County Democratic Party.
Lowe is a Gary W. Rollins College of Business Scholar and serves as an ambassador for the Hamilton County Youth Court. He also volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House.
The excitement of Homecoming for Turner and Lowe came before they knew they had won.
“Honestly, the campaign was the best part,” said Lowe, a senior business management major from Chattanooga. “I’ve met so many amazing Mocs who I would’ve never met otherwise without this program. I’m just really grateful.”
Turner, a senior human resource management major from Knoxville, Tennessee, agreed.
“It’s an honor to be up here with everybody,” Turner said. “There are a lot of close personal friends and new people I got to meet.”
Homecoming King Mason Lowe (left) and Homecoming Queen Jayda Turner pose with Chancellor Lori Bruce.
The awards announcement, held during halftime of the football game, included the presentation of Public Service awards to Samantha Hite and Rachel Smalley.
The awards, presented by the UTC Alumni Board and the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, recognize students for their commitment to service.
Smalley, a sophomore business administration major from Lilburn, Georgia, is a Brock Scholar in the Honors College with a minor in nonprofit administration/public administration.
She serves as community service specialist and director of philanthropy for Alpha Delta Pi sorority, where she has helped organize events supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities. She also serves on the Greek Cru executive board and as a Young Life leader. Her volunteer work includes Hurricane Helene relief efforts, IRONMAN Chattanooga and Scrappy’s Cupboard, among other organizations.
Hite, a senior pre-professional exercise and health science major from Mount Juliet, Tennessee, serves as a resident assistant, physiology supplemental instruction leader and campus ambassador. She is also involved in Sigma Kappa sorority, the Pre-Occupational and Physical Therapy Society, and Students Providing Aid.
Hite had already spent three and a half hours volunteering at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s that morning before heading to the Homecoming game.
She said receiving the Public Service Award came as a surprise.
“When I got that email, I was just shocked and so happy,” Hite said.
“Rachel and Samantha show how much of a difference students can make when they give their time and talents to others,” said Molly Cooper, executive director of alumni affairs and annual giving. “Through their leadership on campus and service throughout the community, they are meeting real needs and encouraging others to get involved. We are proud to recognize them as our 2026 Public Service Award recipients.”
Rachel Smalley (plaid dress) and Samantha Hite were recognized with Public Service awards. The awards were presented by UTC Alumni Board of Directors President Claire Smith (left) and Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Artanya Wesley.
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Millennium magic: A MOCS2K photo gallery
Homecoming photo gallery by Angela Foster
