{"id":79310,"date":"2026-09-15T16:55:08","date_gmt":"2026-09-15T20:55:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/?p=79310"},"modified":"2026-09-15T16:58:15","modified_gmt":"2026-09-15T20:58:15","slug":"state-of-the-university-2026-140-years-of-momentum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/09\/state-of-the-university-2026-140-years-of-momentum\/","title":{"rendered":"State of the University 2026:\u00a0140 years of momentum"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"entry-content-asset\"><iframe title=\"Looking Back 140 Years at UTC\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\"style=\"max-width: 100%;\"src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3nYlVL-jTTM?rel=0&#038;modestbranding=1&#038;autohide=1&#038;showinfo=0&#038;controls=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">x<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In her first State of the University address, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Chancellor Lori Mann Bruce spoke to faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members about UTC\u2019s 140-year history, recent successes and the momentum that will drive the University forward.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The address, held Tuesday, Sept. 15, in the University Center Auditorium, is a tradition that is part of Founder\u2019s Week, an annual celebration of UTC\u2019s anniversary.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Zachary Lewis, UTC\u2019s Student Government Association president, opened the ceremony.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cFor 140 years, UTC has been a place where people come to learn, grow, discover their purpose and prepare to make a difference,\u201d Lewis said. \u201cWhile our campus and our world have changed, one thing has remained constant\u2014the people who make this University what it is.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cStudents, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of UTC have each played a part in shaping our story and in building the foundation for what comes next.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bruce continued that message in her address.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cOne hundred forty years is a remarkable milestone,\u201d the chancellor said. \u201cIt gives us a chance to look back with gratitude, to be honest about where we are today and, most importantly, to think boldly about the future we are building together.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bruce framed the state of UTC around two questions: Who are we, and where are we going?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To answer them, she pointed to the University\u2019s new strategic plan and its five pillars. Three focus on what UTC does: teaching and supporting student success; pursuing research, scholarship and innovation; and serving the community and the state. The other two focus on what makes that work possible\u2014people and places.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Much of the address focused on the people behind UTC\u2019s progress.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bruce shared the story of recent chemical engineering graduate Jessica Hobbs, <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">whose path to UTC included serving in the U.S. Army Reserve and deploying overseas before returning to college. At UTC, Hobbs joined the Innovations in Honors program and received a Gilman Scholarship to study in the Netherlands.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cJessica reminds us that there is no single path to success,\u201d Bruce said. \u201cOur responsibility is to meet our students where they are and help them discover what is possible, not only around them, but within them.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">She also recognized recent business management graduate Graham Davis, who completed six internships while at UTC.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cOur city is part of our classroom,\u201d Bruce said, \u201cand our faculty make that classroom extraordinary.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_79351\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" ><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"880\" height=\"586\" data-attachment-id=\"79351\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/09\/state-of-the-university-2026-140-years-of-momentum\/state-of-the-university-26-6430\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-6430.jpg?fit=1280%2C853&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1280,853\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-title=\"State of the University-26-6430\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-6430.jpg?fit=880%2C586&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"wp-image-79351 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-6430.jpg?resize=880%2C586&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"A speaker addresses an audience at a UTC 140th anniversary event, with a large screen displaying a group photo of individuals in matching blue shirts.\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\"style=\"max-width: 100%;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-6430.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-6430.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-6430.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-6430.jpg?resize=800%2C533&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-6430.jpg?resize=580%2C387&amp;ssl=1 580w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-6430.jpg?resize=610%2C407&amp;ssl=1 610w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-6430.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;ssl=1 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 880px) 100vw, 880px\" \/><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dr. Lori Mann Bruce delivers the State of the University address in the University Center. Photo by Angela Foster.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">That led Bruce to the research happening across campus. She highlighted Dr. Mina Sartipi and her Center for Urban Informatics and Progress team, who are among four finalists selected from 448 teams in a national U.S. Department of Transportation competition focused on moving research toward commercial viability.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cNow, that is UTC research competing on a national stage,\u201d Bruce said.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">She discussed Dr. Erkan Kaplanoglu\u2019s work with students to develop mobility technology and Dr. Kristi Wick\u2019s work with the MobileMOC health clinic. Since launching just over a year ago, the MobileMOC has traveled more than 23,000 miles, recorded more than 4,300 healthcare touchpoints and provided more than 1,700 hours of hands-on learning for UTC students.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cThese are two great examples of how our people integrate teaching, research and service to make a real difference in people\u2019s health and well-being,\u201d Bruce said.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Bruce pointed to Dr. Rick Mukherjee\u2019s quantum research team and archaeologist AJ Van Slyke\u2019s underwater archaeology research in Jamaica, which was featured this summer on the Discovery Channel\u2019s \u201cExpedition Unknown.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cWhat I loved most was learning about our students on the boats, analyzing sonar, diving on wreck sites and doing the work of professional archaeologists,\u201d she said.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The address also recognized Assistant Director of the Center for Student Leadership, Engagement and Community Christopher Stokes, who has spent more than two decades at UTC, and alum Hamid Andalib, an electrical engineering graduate who will soon return to campus as an adjunct professor in the Gary W. Rollins College of Business.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Andalib, an entrepreneur who came to the United States as an immigrant, recently received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cHamid\u2019s story is a powerful example of what happens when opportunity meets purpose,\u201d Bruce said.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">That focus on service is carrying into UTC\u2019s 140th anniversary. Faculty, staff and students are committed to holding 140 community engagement events during the anniversary year. Through the 1886 Challenge, named for the year UTC was founded, the campus community has set a goal of completing 18,860 hours of community service.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cOur people are the heart of this University,\u201d Bruce said.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Those people are also seeing a campus in the middle of significant physical change. Nearly $500 million in capital projects are underway, including the Dorothy and Jim Kennedy Health Sciences Building, the expansion of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business, Oak Street Residence Hall and improvements to student life, dining and academic spaces.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cIt is about creating places that meet our needs today and inspire what we can become tomorrow,\u201d Bruce said.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Looking ahead, Bruce said UTC plans to grow to 15,000 students by 2030, with an emphasis on accessibility and affordability.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cThe goal is to serve more students better,\u201d she said.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Bruce shared her own connection to that goal, recalling watching her mother earn a university degree while balancing family, farm work and homework. Scholarships later made Bruce\u2019s own college education possible.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">She pointed to senior nursing major Siya Patel, who said this spring that she never thought graduating from college debt-free would be possible. Today, 52.4% of UTC students graduate debt-free.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cThose numbers are so much more than a statistic for a student like Siya,\u201d Bruce said. \u201cThey mean something very real. They mean a UT Chattanooga graduate can begin a career, pursue additional education, build a family, seize their next opportunity without being anchored by student debt.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">UTC now enrolls 571 professional and research doctoral students and is meeting, and in some areas exceeding, benchmarks required for a Carnegie R2 research classification.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cThis is not about a label,\u201d Bruce said. \u201cIt is about our work. It is about UTC researchers competing nationally, developing new technologies that improve lives, students working alongside faculty and turning ideas into impact.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Bruce closed by returning to the purpose she said has guided UTC since its founding in 1886\u2014creating opportunity through education.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cOur University has been here for 140 years and will be here for the next 140 years,\u201d she said. \u201cWhen people look back on this moment, they will see the choices we are making. They will see we are daring to build, invest, innovate and serve.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The students, city, technology and challenges have changed over time, Bruce said, but UTC\u2019s purpose has endured.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cWe are here as a light,\u201d she said, \u201cto help people see what is possible.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">**********<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Following Bruce\u2019s address, students Rose Drinkworth, Lydia McFall, Max Parker and Noah Dorris led the audience in singing the UTC Alma Mater before guests made their way to Terrell Owens Way, where Bruce and UT System President Randy Boyd participated in a ceremonial cake cutting to celebrate UTC\u2019s birthday.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Lewis said celebrating the milestone gives students a chance to better understand the University they are now part of.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cSome students may not understand the value of the history that UTC has,\u201d Lewis said. \u201cFounded in 1886, joined the UT System in 1969, and we\u2019ve just been flourishing ever since.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Knowing the history, he said, gives students a reason to take pride in UTC.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cI think that students should understand, and it makes students feel more proud to go to school here, more proud for them to be a student and be an active member of the campus,\u201d he said.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Lewis said that participating in the State of the University address gave him an opportunity to represent his fellow students.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cI\u2019m really proud of UTC, and I\u2019m very proud to be a student here,\u201d he said. \u201cGoing up there and representing the students, my fellow students, as well as the University \u2026 I was really honored to be here.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>Taylor Williamson contributed to this story.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"880\" height=\"641\" data-attachment-id=\"79350\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/09\/state-of-the-university-2026-140-years-of-momentum\/state-of-the-university-26-6962\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-6962.jpg?fit=1280%2C932&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1280,932\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-title=\"State of the University-26-6962\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-6962.jpg?fit=880%2C641&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-79350 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-6962.jpg?resize=880%2C641&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"A group of people gather under a blue, white, and gold balloon arch shaped like \u201c140\u201d to celebrate a 140th anniversary, with a matching cake on a table in front of them.\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\"style=\"max-width: 100%;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-6962.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-6962.jpg?resize=1024%2C746&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-6962.jpg?resize=768%2C559&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-6962.jpg?resize=800%2C583&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-6962.jpg?resize=580%2C422&amp;ssl=1 580w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-6962.jpg?resize=610%2C444&amp;ssl=1 610w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 880px) 100vw, 880px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">#\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 #\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 #\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 #\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 #<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center\">Chancellor Lori Bruce&#8217;s 2026 State of the University Address: 140 Years of Purpose<\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center\">1886: A Purpose That Endures<\/h4>\n<p>Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today.<\/p>\n<p>It is always an exciting time to be a UT Chattanooga Moc\u2014but especially so this year, as we celebrate 140 years of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.<\/p>\n<p>One hundred forty years is a remarkable milestone. It gives us a chance to look back with gratitude, to be honest about where we are today and, most importantly, to think boldly about the future we are building together.<\/p>\n<p>In 1886, the year this University was founded, the United States stood on the edge of extraordinary change. That year, the gasoline-powered automobile was invented. Coca-Cola was created in Atlanta. The Statue of Liberty was dedicated in New York Harbor.<\/p>\n<p>And here in Chattanooga, a university was founded\u2014with a simple but powerful purpose: to create opportunity through education.<\/p>\n<p>For 140 years, UT Chattanooga has grown and evolved alongside this city.<\/p>\n<p>We have prepared teachers, engineers, nurses, artists, entrepreneurs, researchers, public servants and leaders in virtually every field.<\/p>\n<p>We have been called a \u201clight upon a hill\u201d\u2014an image that I personally love because light helps us see what is possible. It allows us to look beyond where we are today and see where we can go tomorrow.<\/p>\n<p>And that is exactly what we do.<\/p>\n<p>We help students see futures they may never have imagined. We give faculty the opportunity to discover and create new knowledge. We give staff the opportunity to help students find their way. And we partner with our community to solve problems and create opportunities.<\/p>\n<p>For 140 years, our purpose has endured\u2014even as the world around us has changed.<\/p>\n<p>Today, I want to focus on two questions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Who are we?<\/li>\n<li>Where are we going?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This year, we launched a university strategic plan that gives us a clear framework for answering these questions.<\/p>\n<p>Five pillars define our strategy.<\/p>\n<p>Three pillars describe what we do:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>We teach and support student success.<\/li>\n<li>We pursue research, scholarship and innovation.<\/li>\n<li>We serve our community and state.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>And two pillars focus on the underpinnings that make all of this possible:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Our people.<\/li>\n<li>Our places.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>So, let\u2019s look at the state of our University through the lens of our people.<\/p>\n<p>Consider recent graduate Jessica Hobbs.<\/p>\n<p>Her path to UTC was anything but traditional. She stepped away from college, joined the U.S. Army Reserve, deployed overseas and eventually returned to higher education determined to earn her degree.<\/p>\n<p>At UTC, she found her path in chemical engineering. She joined our Innovations in Honors program and earned a nationally competitive Gilman Scholarship that took her to the Netherlands.<\/p>\n<p>Jessica reminds us that there is no single path to success. Our responsibility is to meet our students where they are and help them discover what is possible\u2014not only around them, but within them.<\/p>\n<p>Consider Graham Davis.<\/p>\n<p>Graham graduated this spring with a degree in business management after completing six internships while at UTC. Those experiences helped him build professional skills, relationships and confidence as he pursues his goal of building a business of his own.<\/p>\n<p>That is one of the great advantages of UT Chattanooga.<\/p>\n<p>Our city is part of our classroom. And our faculty make that classroom extraordinary.<\/p>\n<p>Consider engineering professor and research leader Dr. Mina Sartipi and her team of faculty and students. They are competing in a national U.S. Department of Transportation competition focused on translating research into commercial viability.<\/p>\n<p>Their AI-powered platform is designed to help autonomous vehicles, urban infrastructure and transportation operators share real-time information and make mobility safer and more efficient.<\/p>\n<p>Of 448 teams competing nationally, UTC\u2019s team has made it to the final four.<\/p>\n<p>Now, that is UTC research competing on a national stage.<\/p>\n<p>And sometimes our research makes an impact much closer to home.<\/p>\n<p>Engineering Professor Dr. Erkan Kaplanoglu and his students are developing technologies designed to help people regain personal mobility and independence. He and mechatronics engineering undergraduate Austin McDade recently produced a 3D-printed mobility chair for a 2-year-old child with cerebral palsy\u2014a project that had an immediate impact on a young child and her family.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, Associate Professor of Nursing Dr. Kristi Wick has been leading the deployment of our MobileMOC, a healthcare clinic on wheels staffed by faculty and students from nursing, nutrition and dietetics, occupational therapy and social work. Since its launch just over a year ago, the MobileMOC has traveled more than 23,000 miles, recorded more than 4,300 healthcare touchpoints and provided more than 1,700 hours of hands-on learning for UTC students.<\/p>\n<p>These are two great examples of how our people integrate teaching, research and service to make a real difference in people\u2019s health and well-being.<\/p>\n<p>And our faculty and students conduct research that reaches into some of the most consequential scientific questions of our time. Dr. Rick Mukherjee, professor of physics, has built a quantum research team that is raising our University\u2019s profile nationally and internationally. They have established partnerships with universities and corporations around the globe, launched Tennessee\u2019s first undergraduate quantum certificate program and the state\u2019s first undergraduate degree in quantum physics.<\/p>\n<p>UT Chattanooga is a university building the future\u2014not simply by studying what is next, but by preparing our students to lead the future.<\/p>\n<p>And sometimes our research literally takes us beneath the surface. This summer, millions of viewers had the opportunity to see the work of UTC archaeologist A.J. Van Slyke when the Discovery Channel\u2019s &#8220;Expedition Unknown&#8221; featured his underwater archaeology research in Jamaica.<\/p>\n<p>What I loved most was knowing our students were on the boats, analyzing sonar, diving on wreck sites and doing the work of professional archaeologists.<\/p>\n<p>That is the kind of hands-on education that truly changes a student\u2019s sense of what is possible.<\/p>\n<p>And consider Christopher Stokes, assistant director of our Center for Student Leadership, Engagement, and Community.<\/p>\n<p>For more than two decades at UTC, Chris has helped students feel seen, valued and connected. This year, he received the UT System President\u2019s Award for \u201cEmbracing Differences.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>His message to students is simple:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You are meant to be here.<\/li>\n<li>You are not alone on this journey.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A message that likely resonates with UTC alum Hamid Andalib. Hamid earned a degree in electrical engineering from UTC and has now come back to campus to give back. He will soon be teaching as an adjunct professor in the Rollins College of Business.<\/p>\n<p>Hamid\u2019s journey is a powerful reminder that the impact of a university does not end at graduation. His own path\u2014from an immigrant with only a few dollars in his pocket, to a young man pursuing opportunity through education, to an astonishingly successful entrepreneur\u2014was shaped in important ways by the education, relationships and opportunities he found at UT Chattanooga. This University helped propel his career, and now he is paying that opportunity forward by teaching and mentoring the next generation of Mocs.<\/p>\n<p>Recently, Hamid was awarded the extremely prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor, recognizing individuals whose accomplishments and service reflect the American story of opportunity and achievement. There is something especially meaningful about that recognition when we think about 1886\u2014the year UTC was founded and the year the Statue of Liberty was dedicated.<\/p>\n<p>Hamid\u2019s story is a powerful example of what happens when opportunity meets purpose.<\/p>\n<p>That is who we are.<\/p>\n<p>This year, to celebrate our anniversary, we are leaning into the numbers 140 and 1886. Our faculty, staff and students are committed to holding 140 meaningful community engagement events. And we are actively engaged in our 1886 Challenge, in which our faculty, staff and students have challenged themselves to complete 18,860 community service hours.<\/p>\n<p>So yes\u2014our people are the heart of this University.<\/p>\n<p>That is why, when you walk across campus today, you cannot help but notice the cranes and construction fences.<\/p>\n<p>We have nearly half a billion dollars in capital projects underway\u2014including the Dorothy and Jim Kennedy Health Sciences Building, the expansion of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business, Oak Street Residence Hall, and improvements to a variety of student life, dining and academic spaces.<\/p>\n<p>But the transformation of our campus is about so much more than square footage.<\/p>\n<p>It is about creating places that meet our needs today\u2014and inspire what we can become tomorrow.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>We are creating spaces that inspire our students to dream boldly and imagine what is possible.<\/li>\n<li>Spaces that empower our faculty to pursue discovery, create beauty and turn innovation into impact.<\/li>\n<li>Spaces that enable our staff to do what they do best\u2014create the conditions in which every student can thrive and succeed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Our places should reflect our ambitions. And they should tell our students, every day they walk through our doors:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You belong here.<\/li>\n<li>Your future matters.<\/li>\n<li>What you dream is possible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>We are so grateful to President Randy Boyd, the UT System, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, our elected officials and our Hamilton County legislative delegation for believing in UTC and investing in our future.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center\">Where Are We Going?<\/h4>\n<p>So, where are we going?<\/p>\n<p>We are going forward with purpose.<\/p>\n<p>Our ambition is to grow to 15,000 students by 2030\u2014but growth is not the goal by itself. The goal is to serve more students better.<\/p>\n<p>That begins with accessibility and affordability.<\/p>\n<p>I grew up in a rural farming community about 90 minutes west of here. My parents went directly into factory jobs after high school, but higher education changed the trajectory of our family.<\/p>\n<p>As a teenager, I watched my mother balance family, farm work and homework while earning a university degree and becoming a high school mathematics teacher. When it was my turn to attend a university, scholarships were what made that dream possible.<\/p>\n<p>Scholarships opened the door for me, as they do for so many of our students.<\/p>\n<p>Consider Siya Patel, a senior nursing major.<\/p>\n<p>Siya told us this spring that she never thought graduating from college debt-free would be a possibility for her. But scholarships changed that.<\/p>\n<p>I am so proud that more than half of our students graduate completely debt-free. We inched that up another percentage point this year to 52.4%.<\/p>\n<p>But those numbers are so much more than a statistic for a student like Siya. They mean something very real.<\/p>\n<p>They mean a UT Chattanooga graduate can begin a career, pursue additional education, build a family and seize their next opportunity without being anchored by student debt.<\/p>\n<p>And speaking of pursuing additional education:<\/p>\n<p>We now have more than 500 professional and research doctoral students\u2014571, to be exact\u2014and we are currently meeting, and in some areas greatly exceeding, the benchmarks required for a Carnegie R2 research classification.<\/p>\n<p>But again, this is not about a label.<\/p>\n<p>It is about our work.<\/p>\n<p>It is about UTC researchers competing nationally, developing new technologies that improve lives, and students working alongside faculty and turning ideas into impact.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center\">Conclusion<\/h4>\n<p>Our University has been here for 140 years and will be here for the next 140 years. And when people look back on this moment, they will see the choices we are making. They will see that we were daring to build, invest, innovate and serve.<\/p>\n<p>They will say UTC believed in itself and in its potential:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A time when we understood that growth was about creating more opportunity\u2014not simply counting students.<\/li>\n<li>A time when we made a UTC education more accessible, more affordable and more valuable.<\/li>\n<li>A time when we invested in research because we knew that expanding knowledge improves lives.<\/li>\n<li>A time when we built places that matched the ambition of our students, faculty and staff.<\/li>\n<li>A time when we strengthened partnerships because we knew no university and no community succeeds alone.<\/li>\n<li>And a time when we told our story boldly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Because our story is powerful.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>It is the story of a student who once wondered whether college was possible and is graduating debt-free.<\/li>\n<li>It is the story of a student who took an unconventional path and found a future she never imagined.<\/li>\n<li>It is the story of faculty and students competing among the best innovators in the country, winning and using their knowledge to improve lives.<\/li>\n<li>It is the story of staff who remind students, every day, that they belong here.<\/li>\n<li>And it is the story of a campus transforming around us\u2014a physical reminder that we are building something that will serve generations to come.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For 140 years, UTC has created opportunity through education:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The students may have changed.<\/li>\n<li>The city has changed.<\/li>\n<li>Technology has definitely changed.<\/li>\n<li>And the challenges have changed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>But our purpose has endured.<\/p>\n<p>We are here as a light\u2014to help people see what is possible.<\/p>\n<p>Thank you. And Go Mocs!<\/p>\n<div class=\"entry-content-asset\"><iframe title=\"2026 State of the University\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/1227045740?dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\"style=\"max-width: 100%;\"frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<h4>Photo gallery by Angela Foster<\/h4>\n<div class=\"tiled-gallery type-rectangular tiled-gallery-unresized\" data-original-width=\"880\" data-carousel-extra='{&quot;blog_id&quot;:9,&quot;permalink&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/blog.utc.edu\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/09\\\/state-of-the-university-2026-140-years-of-momentum\\\/&quot;,&quot;likes_blog_id&quot;:202990556}' itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageGallery\" > <div class=\"gallery-row\" style=\"width: 880px; height: 421px;\" data-original-width=\"880\" data-original-height=\"421\" > <div class=\"gallery-group images-1\" style=\"width: 612px; height: 421px;\" data-original-width=\"612\" data-original-height=\"421\" > <div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-large\" itemprop=\"associatedMedia\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/09\/state-of-the-university-2026-140-years-of-momentum\/state-of-the-university-26-6585\/\" border=\"0\" itemprop=\"url\"> <meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"608\"> <meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"417\"> <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"79355\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-6585.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1280,877\" data-comments-opened=\"\" data-image-title=\"State of the University-26-6585\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-6585.jpg?resize=300%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-6585.jpg?fit=880%2C603&#038;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-6585.jpg?w=608&#038;h=417&#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-6585.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-6585.jpg?resize=1024%2C702&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-6585.jpg?resize=768%2C526&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-6585.jpg?resize=800%2C548&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-6585.jpg?resize=580%2C397&amp;ssl=1 580w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-6585.jpg?resize=610%2C418&amp;ssl=1 610w\" width=\"608\" height=\"417\" loading=\"lazy\" data-original-width=\"608\" data-original-height=\"417\" itemprop=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/image\" title=\"State of the University-26-6585\" alt=\"A speaker stands at a podium on a stage during an event celebrating UTC&#039;s 140th anniversary and the 1886 Challenge, with logos displayed on a large screen behind them.\" style=\"width: 608px; height: 417px;\" \/> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <!-- close group --> <div class=\"gallery-group images-2\" style=\"width: 268px; height: 421px;\" data-original-width=\"268\" data-original-height=\"421\" > <div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-large\" itemprop=\"associatedMedia\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/09\/state-of-the-university-2026-140-years-of-momentum\/state-of-the-university-26-7028\/\" border=\"0\" itemprop=\"url\"> <meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"264\"> <meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"214\"> <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"79356\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7028.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1280,1040\" data-comments-opened=\"\" data-image-title=\"State of the University-26-7028\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7028.jpg?resize=300%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7028.jpg?fit=880%2C715&#038;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7028.jpg?w=264&#038;h=214&#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7028.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7028.jpg?resize=1024%2C832&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7028.jpg?resize=768%2C624&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7028.jpg?resize=800%2C650&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7028.jpg?resize=580%2C471&amp;ssl=1 580w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7028.jpg?resize=610%2C496&amp;ssl=1 610w\" width=\"264\" height=\"214\" loading=\"lazy\" data-original-width=\"264\" data-original-height=\"214\" itemprop=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/image\" title=\"State of the University-26-7028\" alt=\"A group of people outdoors, laughing and chatting while holding papers and accessories.\" style=\"width: 264px; height: 214px;\" \/> <\/a> <\/div> <div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-large\" itemprop=\"associatedMedia\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/09\/state-of-the-university-2026-140-years-of-momentum\/state-of-the-university-26-7071\/\" border=\"0\" itemprop=\"url\"> <meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"264\"> <meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"199\"> <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"79357\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7071.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1280,964\" data-comments-opened=\"\" data-image-title=\"State of the University-26-7071\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7071.jpg?resize=300%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7071.jpg?fit=880%2C663&#038;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7071.jpg?w=264&#038;h=199&#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7071.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7071.jpg?resize=1024%2C771&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7071.jpg?resize=768%2C578&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7071.jpg?resize=800%2C603&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7071.jpg?resize=580%2C437&amp;ssl=1 580w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7071.jpg?resize=610%2C459&amp;ssl=1 610w\" width=\"264\" height=\"199\" loading=\"lazy\" data-original-width=\"264\" data-original-height=\"199\" itemprop=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/image\" title=\"State of the University-26-7071\" alt=\"A person in a floral dress joyfully hands a small cake to another person at an outdoor event decorated with blue, white, and gold balloons.\" style=\"width: 264px; height: 199px;\" \/> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <!-- close group --> <\/div> <!-- close row --> <div class=\"gallery-row\" style=\"width: 880px; height: 437px;\" data-original-width=\"880\" data-original-height=\"437\" > <div class=\"gallery-group images-2\" style=\"width: 260px; height: 437px;\" data-original-width=\"260\" data-original-height=\"437\" > <div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-large\" itemprop=\"associatedMedia\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/09\/state-of-the-university-2026-140-years-of-momentum\/state-of-the-university-26-7109\/\" border=\"0\" itemprop=\"url\"> <meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"256\"> <meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"174\"> <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"79358\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7109.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1280,873\" data-comments-opened=\"\" data-image-title=\"State of the University-26-7109\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7109.jpg?resize=300%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7109.jpg?fit=880%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7109.jpg?w=256&#038;h=174&#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7109.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7109.jpg?resize=1024%2C698&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7109.jpg?resize=768%2C524&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7109.jpg?resize=800%2C546&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7109.jpg?resize=580%2C396&amp;ssl=1 580w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7109.jpg?resize=610%2C416&amp;ssl=1 610w\" width=\"256\" height=\"174\" loading=\"lazy\" data-original-width=\"256\" data-original-height=\"174\" itemprop=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/image\" title=\"State of the University-26-7109\" alt=\"Four individuals engage in a cheerful conversation outdoors, with one person in a suit smiling broadly while another in a blue and yellow shirt gestures toward them.\" style=\"width: 256px; height: 174px;\" \/> <\/a> <\/div> <div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-large\" itemprop=\"associatedMedia\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/09\/state-of-the-university-2026-140-years-of-momentum\/state-of-the-university-26-7135\/\" border=\"0\" itemprop=\"url\"> <meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"256\"> <meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"255\"> <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"79359\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7135.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1280,1274\" data-comments-opened=\"\" data-image-title=\"State of the University-26-7135\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7135.jpg?resize=300%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7135.jpg?fit=880%2C876&#038;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7135.jpg?w=256&#038;h=255&#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7135.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7135.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7135.jpg?resize=1024%2C1019&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7135.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7135.jpg?resize=768%2C764&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7135.jpg?resize=800%2C796&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7135.jpg?resize=580%2C577&amp;ssl=1 580w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7135.jpg?resize=610%2C607&amp;ssl=1 610w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7135.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7135.jpg?resize=75%2C75&amp;ssl=1 75w\" width=\"256\" height=\"255\" loading=\"lazy\" data-original-width=\"256\" data-original-height=\"255\" itemprop=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/image\" title=\"State of the University-26-7135\" alt=\"A person in a vibrant yellow patterned top holds an orange \u201cUTC 140th Anniversary\u201d sign while conversing with another individual at an outdoor event.\" style=\"width: 256px; height: 255px;\" \/> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <!-- close group --> <div class=\"gallery-group images-1\" style=\"width: 620px; height: 437px;\" data-original-width=\"620\" data-original-height=\"437\" > <div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-large\" itemprop=\"associatedMedia\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/09\/state-of-the-university-2026-140-years-of-momentum\/state-of-the-university-26-7145\/\" border=\"0\" itemprop=\"url\"> <meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"616\"> <meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"433\"> <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"79360\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7145.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1280,900\" data-comments-opened=\"\" data-image-title=\"State of the University-26-7145\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7145.jpg?resize=300%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7145.jpg?fit=880%2C619&#038;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7145.jpg?w=616&#038;h=433&#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7145.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7145.jpg?resize=1024%2C720&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7145.jpg?resize=768%2C540&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7145.jpg?resize=800%2C563&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7145.jpg?resize=580%2C408&amp;ssl=1 580w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7145.jpg?resize=610%2C429&amp;ssl=1 610w\" width=\"616\" height=\"433\" loading=\"lazy\" data-original-width=\"616\" data-original-height=\"433\" itemprop=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/image\" title=\"State of the University-26-7145\" alt=\"A man in a blue suit adorned with medals smiles broadly while conversing with another person, with a woman smiling nearby.\" style=\"width: 616px; height: 433px;\" \/> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <!-- close group --> <\/div> <!-- close row --> <div class=\"gallery-row\" style=\"width: 880px; height: 309px;\" data-original-width=\"880\" data-original-height=\"309\" > <div class=\"gallery-group images-1\" style=\"width: 419px; height: 309px;\" data-original-width=\"419\" data-original-height=\"309\" > <div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-large\" itemprop=\"associatedMedia\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/09\/state-of-the-university-2026-140-years-of-momentum\/state-of-the-university-26-7157\/\" border=\"0\" itemprop=\"url\"> <meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"415\"> <meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"305\"> <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"79361\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7157.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1280,940\" data-comments-opened=\"\" data-image-title=\"State of the University-26-7157\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7157.jpg?resize=300%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7157.jpg?fit=880%2C646&#038;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7157.jpg?w=415&#038;h=305&#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7157.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7157.jpg?resize=1024%2C752&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7157.jpg?resize=768%2C564&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7157.jpg?resize=800%2C588&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7157.jpg?resize=580%2C426&amp;ssl=1 580w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7157.jpg?resize=610%2C448&amp;ssl=1 610w\" width=\"415\" height=\"305\" loading=\"lazy\" data-original-width=\"415\" data-original-height=\"305\" itemprop=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/image\" title=\"State of the University-26-7157\" alt=\"A group of people in formal and semi-formal attire gather outside a modern building with large glass windows, engaging in conversation and holding promotional materials, with blue and white balloons visible in the background.\" style=\"width: 415px; height: 305px;\" \/> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <!-- close group --> <div class=\"gallery-group images-1\" style=\"width: 461px; height: 309px;\" data-original-width=\"461\" data-original-height=\"309\" > <div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-large\" itemprop=\"associatedMedia\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/09\/state-of-the-university-2026-140-years-of-momentum\/state-of-the-university-26-7198\/\" border=\"0\" itemprop=\"url\"> <meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"457\"> <meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"305\"> <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"79362\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7198.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1280,853\" data-comments-opened=\"\" data-image-title=\"State of the University-26-7198\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7198.jpg?resize=300%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7198.jpg?fit=880%2C586&#038;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7198.jpg?w=457&#038;h=305&#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7198.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7198.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7198.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7198.jpg?resize=800%2C533&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7198.jpg?resize=580%2C387&amp;ssl=1 580w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7198.jpg?resize=610%2C407&amp;ssl=1 610w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7198.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;ssl=1 600w\" width=\"457\" height=\"305\" loading=\"lazy\" data-original-width=\"457\" data-original-height=\"305\" itemprop=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/image\" title=\"State of the University-26-7198\" alt=\"A group of young musicians in matching uniforms plays brass and woodwind instruments outdoors.\" style=\"width: 457px; height: 305px;\" \/> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <!-- close group --> <\/div> <!-- close row --> <div class=\"gallery-row\" style=\"width: 880px; height: 325px;\" data-original-width=\"880\" data-original-height=\"325\" > <div class=\"gallery-group images-1\" style=\"width: 429px; height: 325px;\" data-original-width=\"429\" data-original-height=\"325\" > <div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-large\" itemprop=\"associatedMedia\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/09\/state-of-the-university-2026-140-years-of-momentum\/state-of-the-university-26-7263\/\" border=\"0\" itemprop=\"url\"> <meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"425\"> <meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"321\"> <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"79363\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7263.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1280,965\" data-comments-opened=\"\" data-image-title=\"State of the University-26-7263\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7263.jpg?resize=300%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7263.jpg?fit=880%2C663&#038;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7263.jpg?w=425&#038;h=321&#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7263.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7263.jpg?resize=1024%2C772&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7263.jpg?resize=768%2C579&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7263.jpg?resize=800%2C603&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7263.jpg?resize=580%2C437&amp;ssl=1 580w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7263.jpg?resize=610%2C460&amp;ssl=1 610w\" width=\"425\" height=\"321\" loading=\"lazy\" data-original-width=\"425\" data-original-height=\"321\" itemprop=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/image\" title=\"State of the University-26-7263\" alt=\"A student in a UTC uniform holds a large megaphone while a mascot in a yellow jersey runs alongside them on a campus pathway.\" style=\"width: 425px; height: 321px;\" \/> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <!-- close group --> <div class=\"gallery-group images-1\" style=\"width: 451px; height: 325px;\" data-original-width=\"451\" data-original-height=\"325\" > <div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-large\" itemprop=\"associatedMedia\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/09\/state-of-the-university-2026-140-years-of-momentum\/state-of-the-university-26-7315\/\" border=\"0\" itemprop=\"url\"> <meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"447\"> <meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"321\"> <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"79364\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7315.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1280,919\" data-comments-opened=\"\" data-image-title=\"State of the University-26-7315\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7315.jpg?resize=300%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7315.jpg?fit=880%2C632&#038;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7315.jpg?w=447&#038;h=321&#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7315.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7315.jpg?resize=1024%2C735&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7315.jpg?resize=768%2C551&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7315.jpg?resize=800%2C574&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7315.jpg?resize=580%2C416&amp;ssl=1 580w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7315.jpg?resize=610%2C438&amp;ssl=1 610w\" width=\"447\" height=\"321\" loading=\"lazy\" data-original-width=\"447\" data-original-height=\"321\" itemprop=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/image\" title=\"State of the University-26-7315\" alt=\"Cheerleaders in blue and yellow uniforms perform with pom-poms on a paved plaza, surrounded by a marching band and spectators.\" style=\"width: 447px; height: 321px;\" \/> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <!-- close group --> <\/div> <!-- close row --> <div class=\"gallery-row\" style=\"width: 880px; height: 399px;\" data-original-width=\"880\" data-original-height=\"399\" > <div class=\"gallery-group images-1\" style=\"width: 586px; height: 399px;\" data-original-width=\"586\" data-original-height=\"399\" > <div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-large\" itemprop=\"associatedMedia\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/09\/state-of-the-university-2026-140-years-of-momentum\/state-of-the-university-26-7341\/\" border=\"0\" itemprop=\"url\"> <meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"582\"> <meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"395\"> <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"79365\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7341.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1280,868\" data-comments-opened=\"\" data-image-title=\"State of the University-26-7341\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7341.jpg?resize=300%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7341.jpg?fit=880%2C596&#038;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7341.jpg?w=582&#038;h=395&#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7341.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7341.jpg?resize=1024%2C694&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7341.jpg?resize=768%2C521&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7341.jpg?resize=800%2C543&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7341.jpg?resize=580%2C393&amp;ssl=1 580w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7341.jpg?resize=610%2C414&amp;ssl=1 610w\" width=\"582\" height=\"395\" loading=\"lazy\" data-original-width=\"582\" data-original-height=\"395\" itemprop=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/image\" title=\"State of the University-26-7341\" alt=\"A person plays a shiny brass instrument outdoors, with other musicians in matching blue shirts visible in the background.\" style=\"width: 582px; height: 395px;\" \/> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <!-- close group --> <div class=\"gallery-group images-2\" style=\"width: 294px; height: 399px;\" data-original-width=\"294\" data-original-height=\"399\" > <div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-large\" itemprop=\"associatedMedia\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/09\/state-of-the-university-2026-140-years-of-momentum\/state-of-the-university-26-7432\/\" border=\"0\" itemprop=\"url\"> <meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"290\"> <meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"194\"> <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"79366\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7432.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1280,857\" data-comments-opened=\"\" data-image-title=\"State of the University-26-7432\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7432.jpg?resize=300%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7432.jpg?fit=880%2C590&#038;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7432.jpg?w=290&#038;h=194&#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7432.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7432.jpg?resize=1024%2C686&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7432.jpg?resize=768%2C514&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7432.jpg?resize=800%2C536&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7432.jpg?resize=580%2C388&amp;ssl=1 580w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7432.jpg?resize=610%2C408&amp;ssl=1 610w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7432.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;ssl=1 600w\" width=\"290\" height=\"194\" loading=\"lazy\" data-original-width=\"290\" data-original-height=\"194\" itemprop=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/image\" title=\"State of the University-26-7432\" alt=\"People gather around a red food truck on a sunny day in a park-like setting with trees and other vendor tents nearby.\" style=\"width: 290px; height: 194px;\" \/> <\/a> <\/div> <div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-large\" itemprop=\"associatedMedia\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/09\/state-of-the-university-2026-140-years-of-momentum\/state-of-the-university-26-7466\/\" border=\"0\" itemprop=\"url\"> <meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"290\"> <meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"197\"> <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"79367\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7466.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1280,870\" data-comments-opened=\"\" data-image-title=\"State of the University-26-7466\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7466.jpg?resize=300%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7466.jpg?fit=880%2C598&#038;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7466.jpg?w=290&#038;h=197&#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7466.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7466.jpg?resize=1024%2C696&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7466.jpg?resize=768%2C522&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7466.jpg?resize=800%2C544&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7466.jpg?resize=580%2C394&amp;ssl=1 580w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7466.jpg?resize=610%2C415&amp;ssl=1 610w\" width=\"290\" height=\"197\" loading=\"lazy\" data-original-width=\"290\" data-original-height=\"197\" itemprop=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/image\" title=\"State of the University-26-7466\" alt=\"Four individuals pose cheerfully in front of a colorful backdrop, holding cotton candy and a celebratory sign.\" style=\"width: 290px; height: 197px;\" \/> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <!-- close group --> <\/div> <!-- close row --> <div class=\"gallery-row\" style=\"width: 880px; height: 525px;\" data-original-width=\"880\" data-original-height=\"525\" > <div class=\"gallery-group images-2\" style=\"width: 387px; height: 525px;\" data-original-width=\"387\" data-original-height=\"525\" > <div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-large\" itemprop=\"associatedMedia\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/09\/state-of-the-university-2026-140-years-of-momentum\/state-of-the-university-26-7488\/\" border=\"0\" itemprop=\"url\"> <meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"383\"> <meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"256\"> <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"79368\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7488.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1280,853\" data-comments-opened=\"\" data-image-title=\"State of the University-26-7488\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7488.jpg?resize=300%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7488.jpg?fit=880%2C586&#038;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7488.jpg?w=383&#038;h=256&#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7488.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7488.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7488.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7488.jpg?resize=800%2C533&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7488.jpg?resize=580%2C387&amp;ssl=1 580w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7488.jpg?resize=610%2C407&amp;ssl=1 610w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7488.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;ssl=1 600w\" width=\"383\" height=\"256\" loading=\"lazy\" data-original-width=\"383\" data-original-height=\"256\" itemprop=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/image\" title=\"State of the University-26-7488\" alt=\"Three individuals pose cheerfully in front of a colorful backdrop made of layered yellow, white, and blue paper streamers.\" style=\"width: 383px; height: 256px;\" \/> <\/a> <\/div> <div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-large\" itemprop=\"associatedMedia\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/09\/state-of-the-university-2026-140-years-of-momentum\/state-of-the-university-26-7503\/\" border=\"0\" itemprop=\"url\"> <meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"383\"> <meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"261\"> <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"79369\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7503.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1280,872\" data-comments-opened=\"\" data-image-title=\"State of the University-26-7503\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7503.jpg?resize=300%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7503.jpg?fit=880%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7503.jpg?w=383&#038;h=261&#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7503.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7503.jpg?resize=1024%2C698&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7503.jpg?resize=768%2C523&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7503.jpg?resize=800%2C545&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7503.jpg?resize=580%2C395&amp;ssl=1 580w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7503.jpg?resize=610%2C416&amp;ssl=1 610w\" width=\"383\" height=\"261\" loading=\"lazy\" data-original-width=\"383\" data-original-height=\"261\" itemprop=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/image\" title=\"State of the University-26-7503\" alt=\"Three young people smile while holding food and drinks outdoors near a brick building.\" style=\"width: 383px; height: 261px;\" \/> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <!-- close group --> <div class=\"gallery-group images-1\" style=\"width: 493px; height: 525px;\" data-original-width=\"493\" data-original-height=\"525\" > <div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-large\" itemprop=\"associatedMedia\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/09\/state-of-the-university-2026-140-years-of-momentum\/state-of-the-university-26-7594\/\" border=\"0\" itemprop=\"url\"> <meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"489\"> <meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"521\"> <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"79370\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7594.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1201,1280\" data-comments-opened=\"\" data-image-title=\"State of the University-26-7594\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7594.jpg?resize=300%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7594.jpg?fit=880%2C938&#038;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7594.jpg?w=489&#038;h=521&#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7594.jpg?w=1201&amp;ssl=1 1201w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7594.jpg?resize=961%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 961w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7594.jpg?resize=768%2C819&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7594.jpg?resize=800%2C853&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7594.jpg?resize=580%2C618&amp;ssl=1 580w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7594.jpg?resize=610%2C650&amp;ssl=1 610w\" width=\"489\" height=\"521\" loading=\"lazy\" data-original-width=\"489\" data-original-height=\"521\" itemprop=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/image\" title=\"State of the University-26-7594\" alt=\"Two individuals pose for a selfie outdoors, with one pointing upward and the other holding a phone, surrounded by others in a sunny, tree-lined setting.\" style=\"width: 489px; height: 521px;\" \/> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <!-- close group --> <\/div> <!-- close row --> <div class=\"gallery-row\" style=\"width: 880px; height: 150px;\" data-original-width=\"880\" data-original-height=\"150\" > <div class=\"gallery-group images-1\" style=\"width: 217px; height: 150px;\" data-original-width=\"217\" data-original-height=\"150\" > <div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-small\" itemprop=\"associatedMedia\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/09\/state-of-the-university-2026-140-years-of-momentum\/state-of-the-university-26-7610\/\" border=\"0\" itemprop=\"url\"> <meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"213\"> <meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"146\"> <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"79371\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7610.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1280,877\" data-comments-opened=\"\" data-image-title=\"State of the University-26-7610\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7610.jpg?resize=300%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7610.jpg?fit=880%2C603&#038;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7610.jpg?w=213&#038;h=146&#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7610.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7610.jpg?resize=1024%2C702&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7610.jpg?resize=768%2C526&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7610.jpg?resize=800%2C548&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7610.jpg?resize=580%2C397&amp;ssl=1 580w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7610.jpg?resize=610%2C418&amp;ssl=1 610w\" width=\"213\" height=\"146\" loading=\"lazy\" data-original-width=\"213\" data-original-height=\"146\" itemprop=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/image\" title=\"State of the University-26-7610\" alt=\"Three individuals pose outdoors, holding food and a celebratory sign marking UTC&#039;s 140th anniversary.\" style=\"width: 213px; height: 146px;\" \/> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <!-- close group --> <div class=\"gallery-group images-1\" style=\"width: 223px; height: 150px;\" data-original-width=\"223\" data-original-height=\"150\" > <div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-small\" itemprop=\"associatedMedia\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/09\/state-of-the-university-2026-140-years-of-momentum\/state-of-the-university-26-7624\/\" border=\"0\" itemprop=\"url\"> <meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"219\"> <meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"146\"> <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"79372\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7624.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1280,854\" data-comments-opened=\"\" data-image-title=\"State of the University-26-7624\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7624.jpg?resize=300%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7624.jpg?fit=880%2C587&#038;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7624.jpg?w=219&#038;h=146&#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7624.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7624.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7624.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7624.jpg?resize=800%2C534&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7624.jpg?resize=580%2C387&amp;ssl=1 580w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7624.jpg?resize=610%2C407&amp;ssl=1 610w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7624.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;ssl=1 600w\" width=\"219\" height=\"146\" loading=\"lazy\" data-original-width=\"219\" data-original-height=\"146\" itemprop=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/image\" title=\"State of the University-26-7624\" alt=\"Five young athletes and one woman pose together outdoors, making hand gestures while wearing team apparel and carrying gear.\" style=\"width: 219px; height: 146px;\" \/> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <!-- close group --> <div class=\"gallery-group images-1\" style=\"width: 216px; height: 150px;\" data-original-width=\"216\" data-original-height=\"150\" > <div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-small\" itemprop=\"associatedMedia\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/09\/state-of-the-university-2026-140-years-of-momentum\/state-of-the-university-26-7660\/\" border=\"0\" itemprop=\"url\"> <meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"212\"> <meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"146\"> <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"79373\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7660.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1280,882\" data-comments-opened=\"\" data-image-title=\"State of the University-26-7660\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7660.jpg?resize=300%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7660.jpg?fit=880%2C607&#038;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7660.jpg?w=212&#038;h=146&#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7660.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7660.jpg?resize=1024%2C706&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7660.jpg?resize=768%2C529&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7660.jpg?resize=800%2C551&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7660.jpg?resize=580%2C400&amp;ssl=1 580w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7660.jpg?resize=610%2C420&amp;ssl=1 610w\" width=\"212\" height=\"146\" loading=\"lazy\" data-original-width=\"212\" data-original-height=\"146\" itemprop=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/image\" title=\"State of the University-26-7660\" alt=\"Three individuals take a selfie outdoors in front of a building, smiling and holding items like a book and a box.\" style=\"width: 212px; height: 146px;\" \/> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <!-- close group --> <div class=\"gallery-group images-1\" style=\"width: 224px; height: 150px;\" data-original-width=\"224\" data-original-height=\"150\" > <div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-small\" itemprop=\"associatedMedia\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/09\/state-of-the-university-2026-140-years-of-momentum\/state-of-the-university-26-7691\/\" border=\"0\" itemprop=\"url\"> <meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"220\"> <meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"146\"> <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"79374\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7691.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1280,853\" data-comments-opened=\"\" data-image-title=\"State of the University-26-7691\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7691.jpg?resize=300%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7691.jpg?fit=880%2C586&#038;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7691.jpg?w=220&#038;h=146&#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7691.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7691.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7691.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7691.jpg?resize=800%2C533&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7691.jpg?resize=580%2C387&amp;ssl=1 580w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7691.jpg?resize=610%2C407&amp;ssl=1 610w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/State-of-the-University-26-7691.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;ssl=1 600w\" width=\"220\" height=\"146\" loading=\"lazy\" data-original-width=\"220\" data-original-height=\"146\" itemprop=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/image\" title=\"State of the University-26-7691\" alt=\"State of the University-26-7691\" style=\"width: 220px; height: 146px;\" \/> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <!-- close group --> <\/div> <!-- close row --> <\/div>\n<div class=\"tiled-gallery type-rectangular tiled-gallery-unresized\" data-original-width=\"880\" data-carousel-extra='{&quot;blog_id&quot;:9,&quot;permalink&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/blog.utc.edu\\\/news\\\/2026\\\/09\\\/state-of-the-university-2026-140-years-of-momentum\\\/&quot;,&quot;likes_blog_id&quot;:202990556}' itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageGallery\" > <div class=\"gallery-row\" style=\"width: 880px; height: 678px;\" data-original-width=\"880\" data-original-height=\"678\" > <div class=\"gallery-group images-1\" style=\"width: 440px; height: 678px;\" data-original-width=\"440\" data-original-height=\"678\" > <div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-large\" itemprop=\"associatedMedia\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/09\/state-of-the-university-2026-140-years-of-momentum\/08-2026_sotu_handout_v6_page_1\/\" border=\"0\" itemprop=\"url\"> <meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"436\"> <meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"674\"> <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"79317\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/08-2026_SOTU_Handout_V6_Page_1.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"828,1280\" data-comments-opened=\"\" data-image-title=\"08-2026_SOTU_Handout_V6_Page_1\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/08-2026_SOTU_Handout_V6_Page_1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/08-2026_SOTU_Handout_V6_Page_1.jpg?fit=662%2C1024&#038;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/08-2026_SOTU_Handout_V6_Page_1.jpg?w=436&#038;h=674&#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/08-2026_SOTU_Handout_V6_Page_1.jpg?w=828&amp;ssl=1 828w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/08-2026_SOTU_Handout_V6_Page_1.jpg?resize=662%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 662w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/08-2026_SOTU_Handout_V6_Page_1.jpg?resize=768%2C1187&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/08-2026_SOTU_Handout_V6_Page_1.jpg?resize=800%2C1237&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/08-2026_SOTU_Handout_V6_Page_1.jpg?resize=580%2C897&amp;ssl=1 580w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/08-2026_SOTU_Handout_V6_Page_1.jpg?resize=610%2C943&amp;ssl=1 610w\" width=\"436\" height=\"674\" loading=\"lazy\" data-original-width=\"436\" data-original-height=\"674\" itemprop=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/image\" title=\"08-2026_SOTU_Handout_V6_Page_1\" alt=\"UTC 140th-anniversary flyer featuring Chancellor Lori Mann Bruce. The flyer celebrates \u201c140 Years of Momentum,\u201d highlighting UTC\u2019s history, future growth and mission to enrich lives through accessible education, impactful research and community partnerships.\" style=\"width: 436px; height: 674px;\" \/> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <!-- close group --> <div class=\"gallery-group images-1\" style=\"width: 440px; height: 678px;\" data-original-width=\"440\" data-original-height=\"678\" > <div class=\"tiled-gallery-item tiled-gallery-item-large\" itemprop=\"associatedMedia\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/09\/state-of-the-university-2026-140-years-of-momentum\/08-2026_sotu_handout_v6_page_2\/\" border=\"0\" itemprop=\"url\"> <meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"436\"> <meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"674\"> <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"79316\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/08-2026_SOTU_Handout_V6_Page_2.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"828,1280\" data-comments-opened=\"\" data-image-title=\"08-2026_SOTU_Handout_V6_Page_2\" data-image-description=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/08-2026_SOTU_Handout_V6_Page_2.jpg?resize=300%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/08-2026_SOTU_Handout_V6_Page_2.jpg?fit=662%2C1024&#038;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/08-2026_SOTU_Handout_V6_Page_2.jpg?w=436&#038;h=674&#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/08-2026_SOTU_Handout_V6_Page_2.jpg?w=828&amp;ssl=1 828w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/08-2026_SOTU_Handout_V6_Page_2.jpg?resize=662%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 662w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/08-2026_SOTU_Handout_V6_Page_2.jpg?resize=768%2C1187&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/08-2026_SOTU_Handout_V6_Page_2.jpg?resize=800%2C1237&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/08-2026_SOTU_Handout_V6_Page_2.jpg?resize=580%2C897&amp;ssl=1 580w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/09\/08-2026_SOTU_Handout_V6_Page_2.jpg?resize=610%2C943&amp;ssl=1 610w\" width=\"436\" height=\"674\" loading=\"lazy\" data-original-width=\"436\" data-original-height=\"674\" itemprop=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/image\" title=\"08-2026_SOTU_Handout_V6_Page_2\" alt=\"UTC 140th-anniversary infographic featuring students at a campus event and institutional highlights: $29.3 million raised from 7,645 donors; 52.4% of students graduate debt-free; fall 2026 graduate enrollment of 1,749; $87 million in research and sponsored-project funding; and students representing 93 Tennessee counties, 45 states and 52 countries.\" style=\"width: 436px; height: 674px;\" \/> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <!-- close group --> <\/div> <!-- close row --> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In her first State of the University address, UTC Chancellor Lori Mann Bruce spoke to faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members about UTC\u2019s 140-year history, recent successes and the momentum that will drive the University forward.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"more-link-wrap\"><span><a class=\"more-link button text\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/09\/state-of-the-university-2026-140-years-of-momentum\/\"><span>Continue Reading 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