With more than 370 stories published in the UTC Newsroom during the 2024 calendar year, it’s easy to say that a lot of good things happened for UTC students, faculty and staff this year. Picking out the top highlights—not so easy. Here are some of our favorites.
Exploring the depths: How an underground UTC research experience shaped an academic journey
Michael Schoonover, who received a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2016, performed grant-funded research at Raccoon Mountain Caverns during the 2015-2016 academic year with UTC microbiologist David Giles. Schoonover, who received a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Wingate University in North Carolina, is now a physician assistant based in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Deep discoveries: How UTC’s acquisition of Raccoon Mountain Caverns will shape (under)groundbreaking research
Approximately 15 minutes southwest of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga campus sits Raccoon Mountain Caverns, a complex cave system known for its extensive underground formations, diverse ecosystem and educational caving tours that showcase the geological wonders of the region. It is also UTC’s newest classroom and research laboratory.
Cave dwellers: UTC alums share their Raccoon Mountain Caverns tales
UTC’s recent gift acquisition of Raccoon Mountain Caverns marks a new chapter in research opportunities for both faculty and students, but it’s not a new story for UTC students and researchers who have already delved into the wonders of the cave. Over the years, numerous students have conducted research or taken up roles in managing and exploring the caverns.
Raccoon Mountain Caverns gifted to UTC
Donated to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Raccoon Mountain Caverns is UTC’s newest classroom and research laboratory. Located approximately 15 minutes southwest of campus, it is a complex cave system known for its extensive underground formations and diverse ecosystem.
Let’s go Mocs! UTC’s DeAnna Beasley and Terrence Banks named to All-SoCon Faculty and Staff team
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Dr. DeAnna Beasley and Terrence Banks have been selected to the prestigious 2024-2025 All-Southern Conference Faculty and Staff Team. Beasley, a UC Foundation associate professor in the Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science, and Banks, associate director of recruitment in Undergraduate Admissions, were chosen to represent UTC alongside faculty and staff members from each of the 10 SoCon institutions.
UTC announces spring 2025 dual enrollment options
High school juniors and seniors can now experience college-level learning through UTC’s newly announced spring 2025 dual-enrollment courses. Ten general education courses—chosen for their strong transferability to most four-year institutions—will be available in various formats: on the UTC campus after the high school day, online with set schedules, and online with flexible options.
Blue and Gold Preview: Future Mocs get a glimpse of UTC
Hundreds of prospective students and their families explored UTC during Blue and Gold Preview Day. In addition to campus tours, information sessions and an application workshop, UTC faculty, advisors and current students set up booths in the Aquatic and Recreation Center. Representatives from each academic department shared insights and answered questions from prospective students and their families.
UTC’s Dorothy and Jim Kennedy Health Sciences Building breaks ground
The future home of UTC’s School of Nursing, the Dorothy and Jim Kennedy Health Sciences Building, broke ground on Monday, Nov. 4. Located at the corner of Palmetto and East 3rd streets, this new building will be approximately 90,000 square feet with state-of-the-art classrooms and a cutting-edge simulation lab. The new facility will also allow for a 152% enrollment increase in the School of Nursing, which currently accepts approximately 50% of applicants and turns down eligible students due to space and class size limitations.
UTC students receive Ruby Falls’ Steiner Scholarship
Ruby Falls has awarded three graduate student employees—two who attend the UTC—with the annual John Thomas Steiner, Sr. Memorial Scholarship. UTC environmental science students Amy Johnson and Ryan Davenport were honored with the award for their “commitment to academic achievement and dedicated service to the community.”