Service Awards recognizes 242 faculty and staff for their years at UTC 

When Dr. Ahmed Eltom was hired at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga as an electrical engineering assistant professor in 1984, his plan was to stay for only a year. 

Forty years later, he is still at UTC, now as a distinguished professor.  

Eltom was one of 242 employees recognized for their service milestones at the UTC Service Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, Sept. 17, in the newly opened Wolford Family Athletic Center. The luncheon gives University administrators an opportunity to express their gratitude for their employees’ diligent service. 

“We have a great place,” Chancellor Steve Angle said in his welcome remarks, “but our heart and soul is people, and it is what each of you do. So, thank you so much for the passion, the dedication, going the extra mile for the extra effort that we put in to make sure that our students have every advantage possible to be successful.” 

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Ten of Eltom’s years on campus were spent as head of the Department of Electrical Engineering, during which he led efforts to revitalize a struggling program. 

“I became department head in 2009 when the department was at a low point, with only 78 undergraduate students enrolled and fewer graduate students,” Eltom said. “In 2008, the department graduated only one student.” 

Under his leadership, Eltom helped implement a six-year plan to rebuild the department and formed partnerships with Chattanooga State Community College, Tennessee Valley Authority and other local organizations. He secured a $2.4 million grant from the Department of Energy, developed state-of-the-art laboratories and founded the UTC Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers. 

By the time he stepped down as head, enrollment had grown to over 175 students. 

“The most meaningful part of this milestone is reflecting on how my work has helped others,” he said. “Whether it’s students who have gone on to build successful careers or the community that has benefited from the programs and partnerships we’ve established. 

“Personally, it has been a privilege to witness and contribute to the transformation of the electrical engineering department, seeing it grow from a challenging period of low enrollment and limited research to a thriving program with significant industry collaborations, modern laboratories and excellent research.” 

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Another 40-year awardee is Dr. Cherry Guinn, a nursing professor who began teaching at UTC as an assistant professor and level coordinator. 

In 1989, Guinn completed a doctoral degree in education with a specialty in curriculum and instruction from the University of Georgia. She said seeing students want to become nurses was always her greatest motivation. 

“I truly enjoy educating students to become nurses,” she said. “I enjoy all phases of nursing education, with their entry education as a BSN student as well as watching them grow through their graduate education. It is exciting having them as colleagues as they come back to teach at UTC, as well as seeing them as nurses practicing at the various hospitals in our area. 

“It is an honor to be a part of helping their dream come true.” 

Guinn discussed how her role has evolved, from teaching students to leading initiatives that have shaped health care at UTC.  

“I have seen a lot of changes at the University through the years and the School of Nursing has seen its share of changes,” she said. “We are going through another now as we add more programs and are starting to build a new building … We are always revising curriculum, seeking accreditation and evaluating everything.   

“This is the norm in education. I have learned to be flexible and to expect change. Over time, it always gets better.” 

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Dr. Amye Warren joined UTC as an assistant professor 40 years ago. She began by teaching four courses each semester and conducting research in her field of child development with a focus on language and cognitive development. 

Within five years, she became a tenured associate professor, a UC Foundation professor and coordinator of the graduate program in research psychology.  

Much of Warren’s research focuses on enhancing children’s language and cognitive development by training early childhood educators and ESL teachers. She recently collaborated on three federal grants to support students and teachers around the state. 

After four decades at UTC, she said her students and her research field keep her motivated in her work. 

“There is always something new to learn and there are always issues involving children to investigate and resolve or improve,” Warren said. “It is a joy to work closely with students and teachers who are eager to learn and to advocate for children and adolescents. Many of my students and colleagues have become my lifelong friends.” 

As for being recognized for her milestone, she said it hasn’t fully sunk in yet. 

“It is a bit surreal—alternately easy and difficult to believe I have been doing this for 40 years,” she said. “I love this job, but also take pride in training and handing things off to the next generation of teachers and students who will continue this work when I am gone.” 

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David King, an HVAC controls technician in UTC’s Facilities Department, is also celebrating 40 years of service to the University.  

Over the course of his career, King has played an important role in the development, maintenance and optimization of the campus’s digital control systems as UTC has grown. 

King’s expertise goes beyond day-to-day maintenance. He has been heavily involved in creating design standards for equipment and overseeing installations, ensuring that everything functions as it should. Whether reviewing designs, inspecting construction or programming software, he’s made sure projects are completed up to standard. 

Thanks to King’s work, UTC has experienced significant reductions in energy consumption, cost savings and improvements in building environments. His work has also helped prevent property damage and outages caused by freezing temperatures and water leaks.  

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The service awards are presented in five-year increments, beginning with five-year employees. 

One of those celebrating five years was Dr. Jerold Hale, provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs.  

What attracted him to UTC, he said, was the University’s strategic plan, which aligned with his values and vision. He said he was drawn to the faculty and the opportunities to make a difference in the student body. 

Hale said his time here has only strengthened his belief in the University’s mission and the impact of the UTC community. 

“Just being on campus for five years has reinforced for me the important work that’s being done at UTC by the entire campus community,” he said. “This really is a University that changes the trajectory of people’s lives, and that gets reinforced for me every day.  

“It’s one of the motivating factors that makes me want to come to work every day and try to do the best work that I can do in academic affairs.” 

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The luncheon’s five-year service awardees came to UTC in 2019. During their first full year on campus, the COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed most of their work lives. 

Tonya Love had just joined UTC as the coordinator of external and departmental events in the University Center. Nearly three months later, she was sent home. 

As an events planner, this was less than ideal. 

“There was a lot of online training,” Love said. “I got a certification from Florida State University dealing with events.” 

Now, Love works in the Office of the Chancellor as the director of university events. 

She became emotional when she realized how full circle it had become: After planning multiple Service Awards luncheons, she would be recognized in one. 

“There’s a joy that you get when you serve others,” she said. “It feels so good to see people smile. I will receive emails after the events and they’ll say, ‘Thank you so much. I felt so special. I felt that I was recognized and appreciated.’ That’s what we want and that’s what the Service Awards are all about.” 

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Among the luncheon attendees was UT System President Randy Boyd. 

“This is going to be the greatest decade in the history of the University of Tennessee and the history of the University of Tennessee Chattanooga,” Boyd said. “As I look across this room, I know the reason why this is going to be the greatest, and it’s because of the great teammates that we have. We’ve got such an incredible team all across this campus.” 

Jordan Fall, the Student Government Association president, also delivered remarks. He thanked those in the crowd who helped him and his peers throughout their journeys as students at UTC. 

“Your mentorship helped us to prepare for the world ahead and pushes us to go further. To go higher,” Fall said. “Dedication, passion and commitment to growth are all incredibly present in the room today.” 

Here are the 2024 Service Award recipients, courtesy of Human Resources. The list includes several employees who recently left UTC.

40-Year Service Awards

• Ahmed Eltom: Professor, Electrical Engineering
• Cherry Guinn: Professor, Nursing
• David King: HVAC Controls Technician, Repairs and Maintenance
• Amye Warren: Professor, Psychology

35-Year Service Awards

• Susan Davidson: Professor, Nursing
• Andrea James: Administrative Associate III, Mechanical Engineering
• Joseph Kizza: Professor and Department Head, Computer Science and Engineering
• Eric McIntyre: Maintenance Crew Leader, UTC Arena
• Mark Mendenhall: Professor, Management

30-Year Service Awards

• Boris Belinskiy: Professor, Mathematics
• Tom Ellis: Assistant Vice Chancellor, Administration
• Timothy Gaudin: Professor, Biology, Geology and Environmental Science
• Laura Herron: Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director, Athletics
• Paul Moon: Senior Power Plant Operator, Power Plant
• Lee Pierce: Assistant Vice Chancellor, Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
• Henry Spratt: Professor, Biology, Geology and Environmental Science

25-Year Service Awards

• David Aborn: Professor, Biology, Geology and Environmental Science
• Deanna Cameron: Academic Advisor I, Student Success Center
• Bonny Clark: Program Liaison Specialist I, Graduate School
• Marisa Colston: Professor, Health and Human Performance
• April Cox: Creative Director, Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
• Amy Davis: Director, Mocs One Center
• John Graef: Professor, Mathematics
• John Johnson: Parking Assistant, Parking Services
• Ruby Jordan: Senior Custodian, Building Services
• Anna Lane: Budget Coordinator, VC for Research and Dean, Research Institute
• Jonathan McNair: Professor, Music
• Marcus Myers: Infrastructure Applications Coordinator, Client Services
• Joseph Owino: Professor and Head, Civil Engineering
• Robbie Reel: Director, Project Management Office
• Christopher Stuart: Professor, English
• Steven Symes: Professor, Chemistry
• Malerie Thompson: Assistant Director, Mocs One Center
• Cecelia Wigal: Professor and Associate Dean, Engineering and Computer Science

20-Year Service Awards

• Kay Cowan: Professor, School of Education
• April Green: Senior Lecturer, English
• Matthew Guy: Associate Professor, English
• Bryan Hampton: Professor and Associate Head, English
• Andrew Horton: Senior Associate Athletics Director, Athletics
• Tracy Hughes: Senior Lecturer, Mathematics
• Theresa Liedtka: Director of Space Management, Academic Affairs
• Jason Lyon: Director, Undergraduate Admissions
• Matt Matthews: Vice Provost, Academic Affairs
• Heather Palmer: Professor, English
• Dennis Plaisted: Associate Professor, Philosophy
• Michelle Prince: Director, Auxiliary Services
• Bradley Reynolds: Senior Lecturer, Biology, Geology and Environmental Science
• Brian Ribeiro: Professor, Philosophy
• Michelle Rigler: Executive Director, Disability Resource Center
• Julie Russ: Enrollment Counselor, Mocs One Center
• Bud Sisler: Senior Locksmith, Repairs and Maintenance
• Christopher Stokes: Assistant Director, Multicultural Affairs

15-Year Service Awards

• Laurie Allen: Professor of Practice and Lyndhurst Chair, Arts-Based Collaborative
• Emily Blackman: Assistant Vice Chancellor and Senior Associate Athletics Director, Athlete Academic Enhancement Center
• Pam Blevins: Administrative Coordinator, Dean of Students
• Michael Bonnal: Associate Professor, Economics
• Frank Butler: Professor, Management
• Merrium Carver: Administrative Support Specialist, Housing Administration
• Janice Cosey: Bursar, Bursar’s Office
• Jennifer Ellis: Professor, School of Education
• Randy Evans: Professor, Management
• John Freeze: Director, Center for Professional Education
• Aaron Grisham: Director of University Center and Lupton Hall, University Center
• Stacie Grisham: Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Success, Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
• James Guilfoyle: Senior Lecturer, History
• Hadley Holcomb: Senior Lecturer, Mathematics
• David Lee: General Maintenance Technician, Housing Facilities
• Amanda Matthews: Senior Lecturer, Mathematics
• Brandon McDonough: Power Plant Foreman, Power Plant
• Krista McKay: Senior Lecturer, English
• Robert Millan: Assistant Director for IT Banner, Financial Aid and Scholarships
• Virginia Moore: Director, Accounting Services
• Stephon Ramsey: Senior Custodian, Building Services
• David Rausch: Professor and Associate Dean, Learning and Leadership
• Michelle Rosano: Simulation Coordinator, Nursing
• Dagbir Seke: Building Services Assistant, Building Services
• Michael Thompson: Associate Professor, History
• Kimberly Whiteside: Associate Director, Financial Aid and Scholarships
• Lane Wilkinson: Professor, Library

10-Year Service Awards

• Shellie Acocello: Associate Professor, Health and Human Performance
• Sarah Alsobrooks: Academic Advising Coordinator, Office of the Dean
• Paul Baggett: Associate Lecturer, Engineering Management and Technology
• Steven Banks: Lecturer, LEAD
• Leah Barrett: Administrative Coordinator, Nursing
• Amy Beal: Advisor I, Academic Support and Advisement
• Andy Browne: Assistant Professor, LEAD
• Amy Campbell: Administrative Specialist III, Graduate School
• Karen Casebier: Associate Professor, Modern and Classical Languages and Literature
• Ardarryl Clay: Assistant Custodial Supervisor, Building Services
• Kelly Drake: Director, Counseling Center
• Susan Eckelmann: Associate Professor and Associate Head, History
• Allison Evans: Executive Director, Budget and Finance Office
• Dutch Fayard: Associate Professor, Accounting
• Stuart French: Device Management Technician, Client Services
• Faith Garner: Administrative Specialist II, Environmental Health and Safety
• Carson Grey: Banner Database Administrator, Client Services
• Danny Grzesik: Director of Leadership and Programs, Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
• Natalie Haber: Associate Professor, Library
• Katie Hargrave: Associate Professor, Art
• Chandler Harriss: Associate Professor, Communication
• Megs Hazare: IT Technologist II, Telecommunications
• Jordan Hicks: Coordinator First Year Experience, Music
• Hunter Holzhauer: Associate Professor, Finance
• Orie Hubbard: Associate Director, Residence Life
• Sara Jackson: Chief of Staff, Engineering and Computer Science
• Kenneth Jones: Director of Athletic Compliance, Athletics
• Barry Kamrath: Associate Professor, School of Education
• Abdel Karrar: Professor, Electrical Engineering
• Roy Keith: Senior Custodian, Building Services
• Pat Kelley: Administrative Secretary, Art
• Farron Kilburn: Project Manager, Nursing
• Nai Lamb: Associate Professor, Management
• Mary Marr: Senior Instructional Designer, Walker Center for Teaching and Learning
• Emily Martin: Advisor I, Nursing
• Joseph McCauley: Academic Advising Coordinator, Student Success Center
• Michael McCluskey: Professor and Associate Head, Communication
• Catherine Meeks Quinlan: Associate Lecturer, English
• Ethan Mills: Associate Professor, Philosophy
• Ahad Nasab: Professor and Interim Dean, Engineering and Computer Science
• Han J. Park: Associate Professor, Chemistry
• Marcy Porter: Program Accreditation and Assessment Director, Office of the Dean
• Donald Reising: Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering
• Kira Robison: Associate Professor and Department Head, History
• Philip Roundy: Associate Professor, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
• LaDonna Spruill: Assistant to the Dean, Business
• Emily Thompson: Associate Professor, Library
• Nishani Vincent: Associate Professor, Accounting
• Juanita Wade: Police Dispatcher I, UTC Police Department
• Jin Wang: Professor, Mathematics
• Shawn Winters: Early Childhood Specialist, UTC Children’s Center
• Dalei Wu: Associate Professor, Computer Science

5-Year Service Awards

• Amir Alakaam: Associate Professor, Health and Human Performance
• Karen Babine: Assistant Professor, English
• Damitha Bandara: Clinical Associate Professor, Management
• Ray Bassett: Editorial Director, WUTC Radio
• Terri Bearden: Administrative Associate, Social, Cultural and Justice Studies
• Erical Beasley: Director of Business Affairs, Housing Administration
• Rob Beckett: WUTC Assistant Manager, WUTC Radio
• Corey Belonzi: Assistant Director of Strategic Communications, Athletics
• Ashley Rene Berg: Assistant Professor, Biology, Geology and Environmental Science
• Stephanie Blaine: Project Manager, Nursing
• Ross Brenza: Police Corporal, UTC Police Department
• Julie Brown: Employee Wellness Consultant, Office of Human Resources
• Edward Brudney: Assistant Professor, History
• Karen Campbell: Accounting Coordinator, Accounting Services
• Sarah Canatsey: Coordinator Instructional Dev and 1st Year Seminar, Business
• Lynette Carlson: Assistant Professor, Health and Human Performance
• Carmela Castro: Advisor I, Office of the Dean
• Abigail Chiaravalle: Assistant Director of Stewardship, UC Foundation
• Jayda Coons: Assistant Professor, Honors College
• Roger Costner: Senior Locksmith, Repairs and Maintenance
• Christopher Cox: Professor and Department Head, Mathematics
• Terry Dallas: General Maintenance Tech, Housing Facilities
• Charlene Davenport: Administrative Specialist III, Office of the Provost
• Christi Denton: Assistant Professor, Nursing
• Cheryl Dickens: Administrative Services Assistant, Center for Wellbeing
• Yvonne Dunham Slobodenko: Coordinator ESL Institute, Center for Global Education
• Crystal Edenfield: Director, Student Support Services
• Samuel Elder: Assistant Director, Undergraduate Admissions
• Katherine Elverd: Music Therapy Program Director, Music
• Rebekah Epperson: Clery Act Compliance Officer Coordinator, UTC Police Department
• Trey Forsti: Client Services Technician, Client Services
• Alycia Fogle Franklin: Clinical Associate Professor, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
• Randy Golson: Lecturer, Communications
• Anita Greenwell: Senior Library Associate I, Library
• Karlie Grey: LDA IT Security Analyst, Client Services
• Rita Groh: Associate Lecturer, Political Science and Public Service
• Kenneth Guthrie: Director of Procurement and Contract Administration, Procurement and Contract Services
• Jerold Hale: Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor, Office of the Provost
• Austin Harris: Director of Operations and Chief Engineer, Research Institute
• Nicholle Harrison: Learning and Development Consultant, Office of Human Resources
• Brendan Harvey: Network Engineer, Client Services
• Danielle Hawkins: Senior Coordinator, Gear Up
• Amy Hitchcock: Coordinator of Projects and Administrative Services, Access and Engagement
• Erica Holmes Trujillo: Director of the Hub, Student Success Center
• Ashley Howell: Assistant Professor, Psychology
• Tish Hubbard: Associate Director Of SOS, Student Outreach and Support
• Alexis Hurley: Coordinator Administrative Projects and Services, Office of the Provost
• Mark Johnson: Assistant Professor, History
• Tate Johnson: Production Director Creative and Live Events, Digital Media Services
• Max Jordon: Assistant Professor, Physical Therapy
• Sarah Kantor: Assistant Professor Studio L, Library
• Erkan Kaplanoglu: Associate Professor and Interim Department Head, Engineering Management and Technology
• Shari Kappel: Administrative Specialist I, Management
• Francine King: Senior Custodian, Building Services
• Ashley Ledford: Director of Pre-Award Services, Research and Sponsored Programs
• Julie Ann Legg: Assistant Clinical Professor, School of Education
• Derek Liuzzo: Assistant Professor, Physical Therapy
• Tonya Love: Director of University Events, Office of the Chancellor
• Thomas Lyons: Professor, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
• Julie Madden: Associate Lecturer, Psychology
• Keith Mayes: Regional Admissions Counselor, Undergraduate Admissions
• Mandy McAllister: Administrative Specialist I, Student and Family Engagement
• Shaquanda McCallie: Associate Director Of Business Affairs, Housing Administration
• Anthony McClellan: Executive Director Facilities Operations, Administration
• Emma McDonell: Assistant Professor, Social, Cultural and Justice Studies
• Megan McKnight: Director, Center for Wellbeing
• Mandy McWeeney: Administrative Associate III, Electrical Engineering
• George Merriman: Security Officer, UTC Police Department
• Monica Miles: Associate Lecturer, Biology, Geology and Environmental Science
• Harlee Milligan: Clinical Assistant Professor, Social Work
• Leslie Moro: Assistant Professor, Nursing
• Annette Morrison: Assistant Bursar Fees, Bursar’s Office
• Michael Myers: Surplus Manager, Procurement and Contract Services
• Patrick Noland: SET Web Development Specialist, Strategic Enrollment Technology
• Carolyn Padalino: Assistant Professor, Physical Therapy
• Dennis Parker: Underwriting Manager, WUTC Radio
• Brooke Persons: Assistant Professor, Social, Cultural and Justice Studies
• Jason Peter: Assistant Professor and Jackson Chair, Nursing
• Stephanie Philipp: Assistant Professor, School of Education
• Chang Phuong: Associate Lecturer, Computer Science
• Joseph Pizzo: Assistant Head Coach, Football
• David Pleins: Assistant Director, Walker Center for Teaching and Learning
• Brandon Pratt: Project Support Specialist Logistics, Administration
• Thomas Quillin: Strategic Enrollment Technology Specialist, Strategic Enrollment Technology
• Alex Quinlan: Lecturer, English
• Ruth Rachal: Student Services and Building Assistant, South Campus Residence Life
• Reetesh Ranjan: Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering
• Regis Richard: Coordinator II, UTC Children’s Center
• Rachel Riehle: Senior Employment Specialist, Office of Human Resources
• Clair Roth: Housing Security Officer, UTC Police Department
• Nilesh Sah: Associate Professor, Finance
• Wendy Salazar: Administrative Support Assistant III, Biology, Geology and Environmental Science
• Lucy Schultz: Associate Lecturer, Philosophy
• Leslie Sheppard: Academic Advisor, Administration and Support Staff
• Zachary Simoni: Assistant Professor, Social, Cultural and Justice Studies
• Stormy Sims: Senior Academic Advisor, Academic Support and Advisement
• Morgan Smith: Associate Professor, Social, Cultural and Justice Studies
• Richard Spradling: Assistant Coach, Football
• Patrice Stargell: Custodian Lead Tech, Housing Facilities
• Cindy Strine: Director, Campus Recreation
• James Tanner: Lecturer, Communication
• Khalid Tantawi: Assistant Professor, Engineering Management and Technology
• Latisha Toney: Assistant Professor, Nursing
• Hannah Turcotte: Assistant Director, Student and Family Engagement
• Christy Waldrep: Assistant to the Provost, Office of the Provost
• Chuck Wasserstrom: Director of Communications, Communications and Marketing
• Juliet Watkins: Custodian, Housing Facilities
• Monica Watson: Administrative Associate III, Counseling Center
• Joel Wells: Registrar, Registrar’s Office
• Marcus Williams: Assistant Dotbairector of Housing Facilities Maintenance, Housing Administration
• Mike Yeager: Assistant Coach, Football

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