UTC is gearing up for another exciting Welcome Week, an annual tradition that introduces new students to campus life. This year’s festivities, which take place from Sunday, Aug. 18, through Saturday, Aug. 24, are set to kick off with the Oak Street Roast—marking the beginning of a week chockful of opportunities for students to connect, explore and immerse themselves in the UTC community.
An accelerated year to remember: UTC’s first ABSN cohort celebrates graduation and new beginnings
Having conquered a rigorous three-semester, 59-credit-hour curriculum in just one year, the inaugural cohort of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program has officially crossed the finish line.
Dr. Allen Pratt appointed interim director of UTC Center for Excellence and Innovation in Education
Dr. Allen Pratt has been named the interim director of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Center for Excellence and Innovation in Education. Pratt, who joined the UTC faculty in 2016, had most recently been the UTC School of Education’s director of strategic partnerships. He moved into that role in March 2024 after serving as interim co-director of the School of Education since 2022. In addition, he has served as executive director of the National Rural Education Association (NREA) since 2016.
A champion’s resolve: How Kim Wingate’s athletic spirit fuels her educational vision
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.