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.
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.
Hard work, late nights and an unshakable dream: Julio Gonzalez’s road to commencement
Julio Gonzalez will cross the McKenzie Arena stage on Saturday, Dec. 13, earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga College of Engineering and Computer Science. At 32 years old, it’s a walk that has been years in the making—driven by sheer determination.
From student to innovator: How Daniel Duggin transformed AI at UTC
Graduate student Daniel Duggin has made his mark at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga by helping develop campus policies on artificial intelligence. Pursuing a Master of Computer Science and graduating on Friday, Dec. 12, the Medina, Tennessee, native knew he was seeking something different in his college experience.
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.
Jermaine Freeman named executive director of economic and workforce development
Jermaine Freeman has been appointed executive director of economic and workforce development, a new leadership position created to strengthen UTC’s role in regional talent development and economic progress.
Let’s make a deal: UTC business students simulate sales meetings
Students in the Gary W. Rollins College of Business at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga recently practiced real-world sales pitches to build confidence and develop professional skills. Lecturer Libby Fakier organized the week-long exercise to practice pitches through a simulated meeting.
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.”
Zine scene: UTC students share research and creativity through handmade pages
Students from five University of Tennessee at Chattanooga classes filled the UTC Library’s Roth Reading Room on a recent Thursday evening for a collaborative zine fest, an event showcasing projects from courses taught by UC Foundation Professor and Associate Department Head of English Sybil Baker, Assistant Professor of Sociology Natalie Blanton, Associate Professor of History Susan Eckelmann and Assistant Professor of Anthropology Emma McDonell.
Mocs to the moon: The story of UTC student Noah Dillon and his NASA internship
When Noah Dillon walked out of a University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s spring job fair in January 2024, he immediately called his dad. He had just finished speaking with the NASA Office of Inspector General at its pop-up booth, and something about the conversation clicked.