At 21 years of age, John Harbison was leading a team of 20 soldiers and was responsible for $2 million in equipment—a responsibility he hadn’t fully anticipated.
“I had to grow up quick,” he said. “Luckily being in the military, having other officers and (non-commissioned officers) to help me, I rose to the challenge.” Harbison, now a professor of practice for the Learning and Leadership programs at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, shared his journey from U.S. Army officer to educator as a keynote speaker on Monday, Nov. 11, at the Chancellor’s Annual Veterans Day Luncheon.
From Coast Guard to classroom: UTC student recognized for meritorious service
Andrew Gaddis, a criminal justice major at UTC, received the Secretary’s Meritorious Service Silver Medal at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary’s Award Ceremony.
Coloring outside the lines: UTC criminal justice students blend art, ethics and community service
This fall, students in Dr. Katelyn Hancock’s “Ethics in Criminal Justice” course are confronting complex ethical issues in policing, courts and corrections through the lens of art. The project, titled “Pouring for Purpose,” invites students to create abstract paintings that explore ethical dilemmas and potential solutions within the justice system.
The call to serve: UTC grad student Erin Lunt blends athletic training with military commitment
As a second-year graduate student in the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s athletic training program, Erin Lunt not only helps keep student-athletes healthy but also serves her country as a first lieutenant in the Tennessee National Guard. For Lunt, service is a way of life—whether on the sidelines working with the Mocs soccer team or in her line of duty as an ordnance officer with her maintenance platoon.
Leading with purpose: Dr. John Harbison’s commitment to service, learning and leadership
On Monday, Nov. 11, Dr. John Harbison will be the keynote speaker at UTC’s annual Veterans Day Luncheon, a celebration of the veterans and military-affiliated students, faculty and staff at the University. At the beginning of the 2024-2025 academic year, approximately 1,160 veterans, military-affiliated students, spouses and dependents of veterans were enrolled at UTC.
UTC named Tennessee’s ‘Best for Vets College’ by Military Times
UTC has been named the top institution in Tennessee for military veterans by Military Times, a leading independent news source for service members and their families. Along with its No. 1 ranking among Tennessee colleges and universities, UTC placed 40th nationally among 215 public institutions ranked.
Chancellor Angle to return to faculty role after leading UTC for more than a decade
University of Tennessee System President Randy Boyd announced today that Steve Angle, who has served as chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for the past 11 years, will transition from his leadership role to join the faculty beginning January 1, 2025. Angle is the second-longest tenured Chancellor since the university joined the UT System in 1969.
Blue and Gold Preview: Future Mocs get a glimpse of UTC
Hundreds of prospective students and their families explored UTC during Blue and Gold Preview Day. In addition to campus tours, information sessions and an application workshop, UTC faculty, advisors and current students set up booths in the Aquatic and Recreation Center. Representatives from each academic department shared insights and answered questions from prospective students and their families.
UTC’s Dorothy and Jim Kennedy Health Sciences Building breaks ground
The future home of UTC’s School of Nursing, the Dorothy and Jim Kennedy Health Sciences Building, broke ground on Monday, Nov. 4. Located at the corner of Palmetto and East 3rd streets, this new building will be approximately 90,000 square feet with state-of-the-art classrooms and a cutting-edge simulation lab. The new facility will also allow for a 152% enrollment increase in the School of Nursing, which currently accepts approximately 50% of applicants and turns down eligible students due to space and class size limitations.
First-generation student breaking barriers in civil engineering
Arly Perez-Morales is navigating uncharted waters—and redefining what’s possible along the way. Perez-Morales, a junior at UTC, is a first-generation college student pursuing civil engineering—a field historically underrepresented among women and Hispanic/Latinx professionals. With a desire to make a difference, her first-gen story reflects the purpose and the importance of family support.