Ellie Yates does not take learning opportunities for granted. In fact, when the UTC graduate student started her summer internship at the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Chattanooga office, she made it her mission to take part in as many experiences as possible.
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.
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 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.
Introducing the Violence Reduction Initiative: How research is reshaping criminal justice in Chattanooga
Dr. Rick Dierenfeldt has spearheaded the creation of the Violence Reduction Initiative, a UTC research center designed to address violent crime in Chattanooga and beyond. Housed within UTC’s Criminal Justice department, the VRI represents a bold commitment to bridging the gap between academic research and real-world solutions.
UTC announces launch of the Violence Reduction Initiative
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has officially announced the creation of the Violence Reduction Initiative (VRI), a research center housed within the Department of Criminal Justice dedicated to bridging the gap between academic research and real-world solutions to violent crime in Chattanooga and beyond.
City of Chattanooga and UTC receive $2 million federal grant for CURV initiative
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Department of Criminal Justice is partnering with the City of Chattanooga on the Chattanooga United to Reduce Violence (CURV) initiative, funded by a $1,999,187 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance.
Leaders in the making: UTC students take top honors and win best delegation at TISL
In the same room where Tennessee’s laws are debated and passed, the UTC student delegation to the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL) recently won Best Overall Delegation for the third time in five years.