Johanna Gabriela Castillo Pineda is a Spanish teacher at East Brainerd Elementary School and the 2025 recipient of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Job-Embedded Award—an honor given to a student in UTC’s Job-Embedded licensure program who exemplifies commitment, growth and the spirit of teaching.
What they are saying about new UTC chancellor Lori Mann Bruce
On Friday, May 16, Dr. Lori Mann Bruce was named the 19th chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Here is what university leaders, elected officials and community members are saying about her appointment.
Dr. Lori Mann Bruce approved as next chancellor of UTC
Dr. Lori Mann Bruce has been named the next chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga following board approval during a special meeting of the UT Board of Trustees on May 16. Her appointment, recommended by UT System President Randy Boyd, becomes effective June 30.
Through the looking glass: UTC history student helps bring city’s past into focus
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga history major Emily Kleiner spent the spring semester curating a public exhibit for the downtown Chattanooga Public Library, “Glass from the Past,” as part of her internship with Overlooked Materials, a local glass recycling service.
Trailblazers: University High’s first graduating class shows what’s possible
Cheers and applause filled the Roland Hayes Concert Hall on Friday, May 9, as the inaugural graduating class of University High crossed the stage—celebrating both their diplomas and a pioneering partnership between UTC and Hamilton County Schools.
Building, closing and beginning again: Cindy Monroe shares commencement wisdom
Cindy Monroe, a 1998 marketing graduate of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business and a 2019 inductee to the UTC Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame, is one of UTC’s most successful alumni entrepreneurs.
UTC selected for IIE American Passport Project grant
UTC has been selected by the Institute of International Education (IIE) to receive a prestigious American Passport Project grant, which will provide funding for 25 Pell-eligible students to obtain their first U.S. passport—removing a key barrier to studying abroad and opening the door to global engagement.
Dr. Lori Mann Bruce to be recommended as next chancellor of UTC
Dr. Lori Mann Bruce has been recommended by UT System President Randy Boyd to serve as the next chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Drawing Scrappy and the art of growing into a career
Jacob Cate, who graduated with a studio art degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga on Saturday, May 3, spent the past three years drawing new life into the University’s always-feisty mascot. His bold, hand-drawn style added personality to campus campaigns, UTC homecoming themes and everything from Mocs T-shirts to mugs.
From military dependent to campus guide, UTC graduate finds her voice helping others
As a student ambassador in UTC’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, Mara Doze offered support that went beyond paperwork. She answered questions about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, explained financial aid processes, connected people to campus resources and, just as often, listened.









