Shi Mae Bowling has known for years that she wanted to become a costume designer. What she didn’t know was that a high school initiative located on a college campus would turn that dream into a real, reachable goal—and connect her with a mentor who could help make it possible. But thanks to her time at University High, a collaboration between UTC and Hamilton County Schools, Bowling—a graduating senior from the program’s first cohort—has found guidance and a sense of belonging while earning college credit.
UTC’s Arts-Based Collaborative uses teaching artists to inspire, educate and engage
With spring in full swing, the Arts-Based Collaborative (ABC) at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has been bringing the arts to life in classrooms and communities across the area.
From holistic healer to social worker, Lori Coletta’s path to purpose
As advanced degree recipients from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Graduate School crossed the McKenzie Arena stage on Friday, May 2, one in particular stood out—not because of a number, but because of her story. At 62 years of age, Lori Coletta accepted her Master of Social Work degree—a moment of “legitimacy” marking the culmination of a decades-long path rooted in advocacy, exploration and the pursuit of purpose.
First-gen, second degree: Bailee Smith’s journey through UTC and beyond
Bailee Smith didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a college professor. In fact, she didn’t even start college planning to pursue cognitive science. But as she prepares to walk across the McKenzie Arena stage on May 2 to receive her master’s degree, she is already envisioning life as Dr. Smith.
Ready to soar: UTC’s Class of 2025 prepares to take flight
This week, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga will celebrate its 265th commencement—with three McKenzie Arena ceremonies recognizing the Class of 2025. Commencement ceremonies will recognize approximately 1,300 undergraduates and 300 graduate students earning their degrees this semester.
UTC sophomore heading to Taiwan after landing prestigious Critical Language Scholarship
UTC sophomore Vinny Nguyen is taking his passion for language, diplomacy and international engagement across the world. Nguyen, a double major in political science international/comparative studies and economics international public policy with a minor in Asian studies, has been selected for the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) to study Mandarin in Taiwan this summer. He will spend two months at Tamkang University in New Taipei City—from June 17-Aug. 15—as part of the prestigious U.S. Department of State initiative.
Not retiring, just ‘repurposing’: Dr. Jamie Harvey ready to jump into her next exercise
Dr. Jamie Harvey, an associate professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance, is stepping down at the end of the semester after 35 years as a full-time faculty member—not to retire, but to “repurpose” her time and energy. “I still have more to give, just in a different way,” she said.
UTC senior’s journey sparks opportunity with CLS Korean scholarship
UTC senior Durand Henderson, a United States Air Force veteran and nontraditional student majoring in business administration with a concentration in economics—to go with minors in personal finance and political science—has been selected for the prestigious Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Spark program for Korean.
Social work students take advocacy to heart during State Capitol visit
For social work students at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, the 2025 Social Work Day on the Hill was more than a visit to the Capitol—it was an opportunity to bring real-world advocacy to life. Day on the Hill, organized by the Tennessee chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, gives social work students the chance to see the legislative process in action while learning how advocacy can shape their professional paths.
UTC engineering students turn guitar picks and back braces into prize-winning designs
Two teams of students from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga College of Engineering and Computer Science’s ENME 1850 introductory design course recently brought home top honors from the 2025 American Society for Engineering Education Southeastern Section (ASEE SE) Conference at Mississippi State University.