Dr. Lisa Piazza came to UTC in 2018 with a goal to help more students see themselves as researchers. As a first-generation college student, Piazza learned much of higher education as she went, often with the help of mentors who took the time to guide her. That perspective carries over into her work at UTC, where she aims to make research feel approachable rather than intimidating.
The people of UTC: Get to know Tish Hubbard
Associate Director for Student Outreach and Support (SOS) Tish Hubbard has been working with college students since her own undergraduate days as a resident assistant. Her background is in clinical mental health counseling and higher education, where she helps students navigate whatever concerns they’re facing—whether that’s a crisis, a major life transition or a basic needs challenge. Currently located in Room 278 of the University Center, Hubbard wants students to know that office doors are always open.
The people of UTC: Get to know Tiffany Malapanes and Heather Dayton
You may have seen them around UTC’s campus—usually outdoors and accompanied by their John Deere utility vehicle named “Gail.” Grounds foreman Tiffany Malapanes and landscaping assistant Heather Dayton both arrived at UTC as full-time employees in the spring.
The people of UTC: Get to know Megan McKnight
The UTC Center for Wellbeing Director Megan McKnight answered questions about the center’s programs, resources and peer support that address the many dimensions of student well-being, including mental health, physical health, recovery and stress management.
The people of UTC: Get to know Laura Snyder (and I Love UTC Week)
Laura Snyder is the director of Stewardship and Donor Events in the UTC Division of Advancement. In her current role, Snyder helps plan I Love UTC Week—an annual week-long event filled with fun activities. This year’s I Love UTC Week takes place Monday through Friday (March 31-April 4).
The people of UTC: Get to know Kim Holder
Understanding economics and personal finance is essential to navigating life’s biggest decisions, according to Kim Holder, managing director of the Center for Economic Education (CEE) at UTC.
The people of UTC: Get to know Nyssa Hunt
Nyssa Hunt answered questions about her role and how the IGTLab can be a helpful resource for students and the Chattanooga community as a whole.
The people of UTC: Get to know Jana Cox
Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships Jana Cox joined UTC in August 2024 after working at UT Martin. A recent transplant to Tennessee, Cox moved from California in 2021, bringing over two decades of experience in financial aid across multiple universities.
The people of UTC: Get to know Kidron Bullock
During his undergraduate and graduate years at the University of North Georgia, Kidron Bullock spent a lot of his time in the Office of Student Involvement. He used his experience as a student to help plan countless events that would be fun and engaging for other students on campus. In 2022, Bullock joined the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga as a coordinator for student engagement, playing a key role in some of UTC’s most beloved campus activities.
The people of UTC: Get to know Michael Williams
Dr. Michael Williams joined the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in August as the director of Africana Studies, which is currently available to students as a minor. He also teaches several Africana Studies courses in the Department of History. He sat down for a Q&A about his role.