Dr. Kim Wingate’s journey from star softball player to director of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s School of Education is a testament to her unwavering resilience, adaptability and commitment to students and colleagues. She has not only faced personal and professional challenges head-on but has also inspired those around her to do the same.
UTC has historic fundraising year of $60 million raised
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga raised $60,056,026 from 6,762 donors during the fiscal year 2024. This is the single largest fundraising year in UTC’s history. This fundraising total represents a 325% increase from the previous fiscal year in dollars raised to support students, faculty and staff.
Graduate School goals? Use TN HOPE Scholarship
Getting your graduate degree at UTC just got more affordable with the expansion of the state’s lottery-funded scholarship program. Qualified students can now use their remaining Tennessee HOPE Scholarship funds to pursue a master’s degree at UTC immediately after or while completing their undergraduate degrees.
A gripping story: Juan Pena finds calling in mechatronics
With gloves cased in wiring on both hands, Juan Pena made a grasping motion with his right. He demonstrated how the device could make his left hand mimic the movement as it slowly gripped a cup.
UTC’s top alumni honors announced for 2024
Dr. Ken Grubbs (’97, ’20), Roger Smith (’73) and Lily Sanchez (’16) have been recognized by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga as the 2024 Distinguished Alumni, Outstanding Service and GOLD Excellence Award recipients, respectively.
Tiny helmet, big hope: Engineering compassion for a Chihuahua in need
When the call came from the Humane Educational Society seeking assistance for a puppy requiring special care, UTC mechanical engineering faculty member Trevor Elliott and recent graduate Connor Mackey were “all in.” Niblet, a 2.5-pound Chihuahua puppy, had arrived at the shelter with a soft spot on the top of his head—about one and a half centimeters in diameter—indicating that his skull had not fully fused.
From small town roots to national recognition: UTC’s Cathy Scott honored as GSA Fellow
Dr. Cathy Scott, an associate professor of social work and the Bachelor of Social Work program director, has been selected as a Gerontological Society of America Fellow—an honor bestowed upon those who demonstrate exceptional commitment to aging issues through research, teaching and service.
Secure and empower: PlayCore trains, employs UTC cybersecurity students in Chattanooga
Mischka Scott’s journey and success are a testament to the valuable partnership between UTC and PlayCore, one of several local companies that employ students in the 12-month BAS-IT accelerated cybersecurity degree program.
From UTC to Italy: Journeying through literary heritage
The George C. Connor Professorship of American Literature and the UTC Department of English were co-sponsors of the fourth biennial John Dos Passos Conference, held May 23-25 in Bassano del Grappa, Italy.
UTC mourns passing of former UTC First Lady Ruth Obear
Ruth Sandra Crowley Obear, former first lady of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, died Thursday, June 27, at the age of 89.









