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.
Two UTC mechanical engineering professors honored by national organization
Two members of the Department of Mechanical Engineering in the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga College of Engineering and Computer Science, UC Foundation Associate Professor Trevor Elliott and Associate Professor Reetesh Ranjan, have earned national recognition from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)—the world’s largest aerospace technical society.
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.
UTC physics alum lands prestigious Department of Energy award
Rebecca Godri, a 2021 graduate of UTC, is making waves in the physics world after being selected for the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program. The SCGSR award, considered one of the most esteemed honors for graduate research in physics, supports promising graduate students by providing funding for research projects that align with the DOE’s scientific priorities.
Launch point: Rocket Mocs aim high in NASA competition
The Rocket Mocs have plans to ascend to new heights. The team, comprised of junior and senior mechanical engineering students in the UTC College of Engineering and Computer Science, has been accepted into the 2025 Student Launch Challenge—an annual competition sponsored by NASA—for the seventh consecutive year.
Power C Tour makes its last stop at UTC
The third annual UTC Power C Tour returned home on Wednesday, Nov. 13, making its last stop at the UTC Aquatics and Recreation Center, where prospective students got the chance to learn about academic programs, admissions, housing, financial aid and campus life at UTC.
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.
$3.5 million federal grant awarded to fully establish UTC Quantum Center
Advancing quantum science is a national priority of the federal government, and a proposal to establish the UTC Quantum Center has been awarded $3.5 million from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The funding from NIST, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, will be awarded over a four-year period in support of four distinct focus areas.
Honoring service and sacrifice: Veterans Day Luncheon recognizes UTC’s military community
At 21 years of age, John Harbison was leading a team of 20 soldiers and was responsible for $2 million in equipment—a responsibility he hadn’t fully anticipated.
“I had to grow up quick,” he said. “Luckily being in the military, having other officers and (non-commissioned officers) to help me, I rose to the challenge.” Harbison, now a professor of practice for the Learning and Leadership programs at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, shared his journey from U.S. Army officer to educator as a keynote speaker on Monday, Nov. 11, at the Chancellor’s Annual Veterans Day Luncheon.
From Coast Guard to classroom: UTC student recognized for meritorious service
Andrew Gaddis, a criminal justice major at UTC, received the Secretary’s Meritorious Service Silver Medal at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary’s Award Ceremony.