A heartwarming surprise awaited UTC alum Lauren Cardenas when she walked into her DuPont Elementary School music room on Friday, Feb. 28. Members of UTC’s Music Educators Social Society student organization, accompanied by the group’s faculty advisor—Associate Professor Ali Allerton—had come to DuPont to present her with more than $1,000 raised to support her classroom. The visit, staged under the pretense of observing her in the school, left Cardenas both shocked and overjoyed as she accepted the generous gift.
UTC alum Emily Patton announced as Schorr Internship recipient
WaterWays, a Chattanooga-area nonprofit, announced May 2024 UTC graduate Emily Patton as the first recipient of the Schorr Internship in honor of the late Dr. Mark Schorr, a professor in the Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science.
Inspiring students to inspire others: Urban Vision Initiative providing community impact
Providing aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed, UTC’s Urban Vision Initiative gives students the chance to work with, help and learn from local entrepreneurs self-identified as low-income. Launched in 2022, the initiative connects entrepreneurs from underserved communities with UTC student consultants to support their journey toward economic success.
Practicing what you preach: How Mark Horlu followed his own advice
Mark Horlu, a graduate student at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga studying applied mathematics, has always been passionate about the subject.
UTC hosts “State of Our Youth” event for Hamilton County students
More than 400 middle school and high school students from Hamilton County visited the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga on Thursday, Feb. 6, for “State of Our Youth.” The event was a collaborative effort between the UTC Division of Access and Engagement, UTC Admissions, the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County Schools.
Window to the world: Gage Keeble cleaning up in school and business
Gage Keeble’s journey through college isn’t your typical path of lectures, exams and weekend downtime. The UTC junior is double majoring in marketing: professional sales and finance while juggling roles as a chief analyst for the SMILE Fund, a member of the initial cohort of Phillips Scholars in Free Enterprise, and owning his own business.
Peak performance: UTC criminal justice professor honored for innovation in teaching
UTC Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Katelyn Hancock has been named the recipient of the Ken Peak Innovations in Teaching Award by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS). The Ken Peak Innovations in Teaching Award recognizes faculty members for innovative and effective teaching methods that enhance learning experiences and have the potential to be replicated by other educators.
UTC, SETAAAD partner to bring vital health programs to Southeast Tennessee seniors
UTC is expanding its reach in Southeast Tennessee by partnering with the Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability (SETAAAD) to bring evidence-based programs to senior centers across a 10-county region—Bledsoe, Bradley, Grundy, Hamilton, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Polk, Rhea and Sequatchie. The UTC interprofessional initiative is being spearheaded by Dr. Kristi Wick (Nursing), Dr. Erin Melhorn (Occupational Therapy) and Dr. Cathy Scott (Social Work).
Introducing the Violence Reduction Initiative: How research is reshaping criminal justice in Chattanooga
Dr. Rick Dierenfeldt has spearheaded the creation of the Violence Reduction Initiative, a UTC research center designed to address violent crime in Chattanooga and beyond. Housed within UTC’s Criminal Justice department, the VRI represents a bold commitment to bridging the gap between academic research and real-world solutions.
UTC announces launch of the Violence Reduction Initiative
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has officially announced the creation of the Violence Reduction Initiative (VRI), a research center housed within the Department of Criminal Justice dedicated to bridging the gap between academic research and real-world solutions to violent crime in Chattanooga and beyond.









