As advanced degree recipients from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Graduate School crossed the McKenzie Arena stage on Friday, May 2, one in particular stood out—not because of a number, but because of her story. At 62 years of age, Lori Coletta accepted her Master of Social Work degree—a moment of “legitimacy” marking the culmination of a decades-long path rooted in advocacy, exploration and the pursuit of purpose.
Giant steps: The class of 2025 walks the walk at UTC commencement
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s 265th commencement—captured through the lens of University photographer Angela Foster and the video team of Mike Andrews, Sam Blevins, Jakey Lutsko and Will McCutcheon.
UTC announces Strategic Enrollment Plan
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has enlisted Huron Consulting Group as its partner to engage in the development of a Strategic Enrollment Plan (SEP).
UTC Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship celebrates $5 million naming gift from Max Fuller
The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga received an exceptional gift from alumnus and successful local entrepreneur Max Fuller to name the center at the Gary W. Rollins College of Business, the Max Fuller Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. This $5 million gift will further the center’s mission to inspire discovery, innovation and entrepreneurial initiatives at UTC and the entrepreneurship community in Chattanooga and beyond.
Chamyra Teasley leaves UTC with a legacy of leadership and purpose
Student body president, Chancellor’s Ambassador, orientation leader, freshman senate advisor and homecoming queen—Chamyra Teasley definitely knows what it’s like to step into the spotlight.
How a coin toss set the course for one graduating UTC senior
When UTC student Andrew Farmer graduated from East Hamilton High School in 2021, he was torn between going to East Tennessee State University or UTC. After struggling for months to choose between the two, Farmer finally decided to leave it up to fate.
‘My entire life happened here’: Chello Gardner’s path to purpose at UTC
With 36 acceptance letters and full-ride scholarships from schools across the country and beyond—including an Ivy League institution—Chello Gardner had an important decision to make. Gardner will graduate with a degree in communication on Saturday, May 3. She tacked on minors in both criminal justice and women, gender and sexuality studies—and was a Brock Scholar in the Honors College—during her time at UTC.
First-gen, second degree: Bailee Smith’s journey through UTC and beyond
Bailee Smith didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a college professor. In fact, she didn’t even start college planning to pursue cognitive science. But as she prepares to walk across the McKenzie Arena stage on May 2 to receive her master’s degree, she is already envisioning life as Dr. Smith.
Advocating for students from behind the scenes
During his senior year, Student Government Association President Jordan Fall has had the unique opportunity of serving two different chancellors and serving on the committee to find the next chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Marcelle Baez-Carlo: Serving Chattanooga on and off the court
When University of Tennessee at Chattanooga senior Marcelle Baez-Carlo first stepped on campus in 2021, the most crucial question to her was: “How can I help?” Recruited from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, to play volleyball, Baez-Carlo has spent her time at UTC committed to improving her performance on the court—but also to her new community.