“When a faculty member is actively practicing their discipline through research, the classroom benefits. Students benefit,” Chancellor Lori Bruce said. “When a student is getting to participate in the research and be at the cutting edge of their discipline, it’s even more powerful.”
UTC Vice Chancellor for Research Reinhold Mann announces retirement
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Vice Chancellor for Research Reinhold Mann has announced his retirement, effective at the end of December. Since joining UTC in 2015, Mann has helped shape a new era for the University’s research enterprise, building faculty capacity, deepening community partnerships, and advancing major strategic initiatives that have elevated UTC’s role in regional innovation and discovery.
A decade, four sisters and one University at fall 2025 commencement
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s fall commencement ceremonies were a time for families to celebrate their students’ hard work and accomplishments. Natale Mertens graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the fall 2025 commencement, joining her three sisters as UTC alumni.
Firsts and finish lines: UTC celebrates fall 2025 commencement
The Graduate School commencement took place Friday, Dec. 12, recognizing students who earned advanced degrees across UTC’s academic programs.
“Sometimes, the right place finds you”: A student writer shares his UTC story
Matt McAllister spent the fall 2025 semester as a student writer in the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Division of Communications and Marketing, completing his bachelor’s degree in communication. He is a 2021 graduate of Pope John Paul II High School in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
“I will forever be grateful”: Psychology student Kristopher Ware finds opportunity and mentorship at UTC
Kristopher Ware can trace much of his growth at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to the conversations that happened after class. When he earns his bachelor’s degree in psychology, Ware will carry with him the confidence built through his accomplishments, the power of mentorship and a deep appreciation for his field.
Durand Henderson’s journey to community and opportunity at UTC
Durand Henderson has spent the last three years at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga balancing life, work and school. He is now ready to walk across the McKenzie Arena stage on Saturday, Dec. 13, to receive a degree in business administration with a concentration in economics, along with minors in personal finance and political science.
Charles in charge: Storyteller turns his UTC student experience into a career
When Charles Kemp walks across the McKenzie Arena stage at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga undergraduate commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 13, he’ll be thinking about how far he’s come—both as a student and as a storyteller.
Crossing the finish line: UTC to celebrate fall 2025 commencement
On Dec. 12-13, UTC will celebrate fall commencement at McKenzie Arena, honoring the accomplishments of approximately 670 undergraduates and 160 graduate students earning their degrees. Many of the 198 undergraduate and 95 graduate students who completed their degrees in August are also expected to return to campus to join in the celebration.
If these walls could talk: Patten House
Uniquely situated in a place where campus and the Fort Wood Historic District overlap, the Patten House entered UTC history in 1948, when it was bequeathed to the University through the estate of its owner, Zeboim “Bome” Charles Patten. Shortly thereafter, the Music and Art departments were the first University occupants to utilize—and marvel at—the spacious interior of Patten’s former residence, known for many years as “Z. C. Patten Hall.”









