Staff from the Office of Communications and Marketing asked members of the campus community what they’re looking forward to in 2022. Whether it’s a personal goal, professional endeavor or an academic pursuit, aspirations for 2022 abound among UTC students, staff and faculty members.
Mitchell Ricketts
Junior, computer science
“Oh man, just getting on with my classes; and maybe attending some more events.”
Stuart Benkert
Head of the Department of Music
“That we can work to build off our similarities and shared values instead of focusing on the differences. That when we have differences we can learn to embrace them instead of forcing change. I hope for a year that brings more accessibility and engagement for those with intellectual, emotional and social challenges.”
Olivia Morris, junior
Junior, computer science
“A break from my major classes and working on my minor. Hopefully, there will be more events next semester. I need to get out of my dorm.”
Amber Roache
Coordinator of the Nurse Practitioner program in the School of Nursing
“Hopefully less of Covid! To be able to travel more and to continue to share holidays/birthdays with friends and family together.”
Kushi Zaver
Sophomore, finance
“I’m starting my internship (at Mutual of Omaha), so fulfilling my career goals
Zhaykirae Stark
Sophomore, middle school English
“Being more involved on campus in general. I have problems connecting, so I’m really going to try to do that next semester
Chris Smith
Director of the School of Nursing
“For next year, I would really like to have a campus without restrictions so we could get back to the way things were. Will that happen? Probably not. I do hope that whatever restrictions we do have will be minimal and that COVID will not be the focus of our efforts–educating students will be.”
Trey Coats
Freshman, finance
“I am looking forward to starting my first major class.”
Irina Khmelko
UC Foundation professor in the Department of Political Science and Public Service
“I am looking forward to teaching my classes next year and, most of all, meeting students in my classes—new students and many whom I taught in the past. All classes have different dynamics, and I cannot wait to start exploring international issues with my students next year.”
Hunter Stonebreaker
Senior, business management graduate, fall 2021
“I look forward to working. Not taking classes will be nice for a change.”
Jaden Frazier
Junior, communication
“I’m looking forward to new classes and new experiences, and conference play with basketball.”
Carolyn Runyon
Assistant head of Collection Services and director of Special Collections, UTC Library
“I’m looking forward to a new semester, new projects and new travels.”
Dakorbian Bellefant
Sophomore, psychology
“I want to get around Chattanooga a little more and explore.”
Ezza Zahid
Junior, biology
“I’m going to be a supplemental instructor in the spring semester, which means I’ll have a little less of a course load, so I’m looking forward to that.”
Chris Johnson
Senior instructional developer in the Walker Center for Teaching and Learning
“I’m looking forward to watching my kids grow and spending more time with my mom and in-laws.”
Albab Aaquib
Sophomore, hospitality management
“I’d say more activities as far as non-school-related stuff. I transferred here from (Chattanooga State Community College) this fall, so I’m also looking forward to getting into more major-specific classes.”
