Durand Henderson has spent the last three years at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga balancing life, work and school. He is now ready to walk across the McKenzie Arena stage on Saturday, Dec. 13, to receive a degree in business administration with a concentration in economics, along with minors in personal finance and political science.
Charles in charge: Storyteller turns his UTC student experience into a career
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.
From student to innovator: How Daniel Duggin transformed AI at UTC
Graduate student Daniel Duggin has made his mark at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga by helping develop campus policies on artificial intelligence. Pursuing a Master of Computer Science and graduating on Friday, Dec. 12, the Medina, Tennessee, native knew he was seeking something different in his college experience.
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.
Let’s make a deal: UTC business students simulate sales meetings
Students in the Gary W. Rollins College of Business at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga recently practiced real-world sales pitches to build confidence and develop professional skills. Lecturer Libby Fakier organized the week-long exercise to practice pitches through a simulated meeting.
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.
Zine scene: UTC students share research and creativity through handmade pages
Students from five University of Tennessee at Chattanooga classes filled the UTC Library’s Roth Reading Room on a recent Thursday evening for a collaborative zine fest, an event showcasing projects from courses taught by UC Foundation Professor and Associate Department Head of English Sybil Baker, Assistant Professor of Sociology Natalie Blanton, Associate Professor of History Susan Eckelmann and Assistant Professor of Anthropology Emma McDonell.
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.
Robots invade the UTC Challenger STEM Learning Center
On Tuesday, Nov. 25, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga hosted students from Sale Creek Middle High School at the Challenger STEM Learning Center to showcase a new fleet of robots. Tennessee Valley Robotics donated 15 robots—supported by the Tennessee Valley Authority and Volkswagen—to the center. Hamilton County Schools also donated laptops for students to code their robots.









