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.
Promises kept: Graduation means Shari Warren can say ‘I did it’
Recovering from heart surgery while working full time and keeping up with her grandkids’ sporting events, Thanksgiving and holiday shopping has made the end of Shari Warren’s year hectic. On top of it all, she has been taking her final exams and preparing for Saturday, Dec. 13, the day she graduates from the University of…
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.
UTC honors Moc’s Golden Feather recipients Christopher Brown and Andre Yates
UTC has selected Christopher Brown from the School of Education and Andre Yates from Housing and Residence Life as the Moc’s Golden Feather Award recipients for September 2025. The Moc’s Golden Feather Award, launched earlier this year by the Office of Human Resources, recognizes staff members who provide outstanding service and contributions to make UTC a great place to work and learn.
UTC’s Master’s in Engineering Management program is first in Tennessee to earn prestigious ASEM certification
UTC has made history as the first university in Tennessee to have its Master of Science in Engineering Management program certified by the American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM). The recognition places UTC among an elite group as one of only 15 programs certified—and only the second in the Southeast—to meet ASEM’s rigorous graduate program standards.
UTC recognized among nation’s best veteran-supporting universities by Military Times
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has again been recognized by Military Times as one of the nation’s top universities for veterans and military-connected students. UTC placed second among Tennessee institutions and is the only university in the state recognized for offering both traditional in-person and online programs for veterans.
UTC’s Betsy Myers and Brandalyn Shropshire named to All-Southern Conference Faculty and Staff team
Dr. Betsy Myers and Brandalyn Shropshire from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga have been named to the 2025-2026 All-Southern Conference Faculty and Staff Team. Both honorees will be formally recognized later this academic year, when Southern Conference Commissioner Michael Cross presents them with engraved plaques during the Mocs men’s basketball game on Jan. 21, 2026, vs. ETSU.
Heart healthy: UTC project expands rural heart health outreach through state partnership
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga School of Nursing is partnering with the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) to expand access to cardiovascular care for older adults in rural Southeast Tennessee. Building on the success of the University’s MobileMOC program, the new initiative—titled “Connecting Community Partners: Breaking Down Barriers to Heart Health”—is designed to connect senior centers, local providers and community resources to help older adults monitor and manage their blood pressure while learning practical ways to maintain heart health.
Dr. Elizabeth O’Brien named vice provost for faculty affairs
Dr. Elizabeth O’Brien, a UC Foundation professor and director of the School of Professional Studies in the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga College of Health, Education and Professional Studies, has been named UTC’s vice provost for faculty affairs. Her appointment is effective Jan. 2, 2026.