Students in the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Ethics in Criminal Justice course are learning about ethical decision-making the way their instructor prefers—by putting it into practice. Instead of discussing policing, courts or corrections dilemmas solely in writing, the students turned those scenarios into pour-painted canvases. Their work was then displayed publicly to raise money for a local service organization.
Keeping campus safe: Criminal justice students meet with UTC Public Safety
Students in Dr. Katelyn Hancock’s criminology class recently spent their class time going on a “crime walk.” Though UTC has its own police force and safety experts, Hancock wanted her students to ask: What areas can be improved?
Students share big ideas in graduate and undergraduate research pitch competitions
The Graduate Student Three Minute Thesis and Undergraduate Research Elevator Pitch competitions invited students to present their research in brief, accessible talks for a panel of judges from UTC and the Chattanooga community.
Partnership takes center stage as UTC hosts CPD academy graduation
For the first time, the Chattanooga Police Department celebrated its academy graduation on the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga campus. The UTC Department of Criminal Justice hosted the Sept. 4 ceremony in the Fine Arts Center’s Roland Hayes Concert Hall, where 14 graduates—including one fire investigator—received recognition for completing 22 weeks of training.
UTC criminal justice duo helping to bring hope to Chattanooga youth
Operated by Partnership for Families, Children and Adults, Camp HOPE typically serves children and teens ages 7 to 17, though exceptions are made for younger children and returning teens in leadership roles. The 2025 summer camp included some helping hands from UTC.
UTC Veteran and Military Affairs office receives MOAA grant to support student needs
A grant from the Chattanooga Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs will help make a difference for student veterans.
UTC’s Rick Dierenfeldt and Erica Holmes Trujillo honored with 2025 UT System President’s Awards
Two University of Tennessee at Chattanooga standouts, UC Foundation Associate Professor Rick Dierenfeldt and College of Arts and Sciences Student Success Center Director Erica Holmes Trujillo, have been named recipients of the 2025 UT System President’s Awards—the highest honor a faculty or staff member can receive from the UT System.
‘My entire life happened here’: Chello Gardner’s path to purpose at UTC
With 36 acceptance letters and full-ride scholarships from schools across the country and beyond—including an Ivy League institution—Chello Gardner had an important decision to make. Gardner will graduate with a degree in communication on Saturday, May 3. She tacked on minors in both criminal justice and women, gender and sexuality studies—and was a Brock Scholar in the Honors College—during her time at UTC.
UTC bringing realistic police training simulation to the classroom
A high-tech simulation, VirTra, will be introduced to the classroom in the fall. The program trainees to participate in realistic, scenario-based training where their decisions, verbal commands and reactions directly influence the outcome.
Peak performance: UTC criminal justice professor honored for innovation in teaching
UTC Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Katelyn Hancock has been named the recipient of the Ken Peak Innovations in Teaching Award by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS). The Ken Peak Innovations in Teaching Award recognizes faculty members for innovative and effective teaching methods that enhance learning experiences and have the potential to be replicated by other educators.