A Note from the Editor
We’ve officially reached the midpoint of the semester! Whether you’re deep into research papers, preparing for exams, balancing work and classes, or wondering how October arrived so quickly, we hope you’re finding opportunities to learn, connect, and enjoy your time at UTC.
As midterms approach, remember that you don’t have to navigate the semester alone. Reach out to your professors, connect with classmates, take advantage of campus resources, and make time for the experiences that brought you to UTC in the first place.
We have several exciting events coming up this October, including research conversations, career development opportunities, and discussions of current events. We hope you’ll join us!
Upcoming Departmental Events
These are events our department is hosting in the near future, so keep an eye out!
Sweet Research Series
Dr. Jeremy Strickler
October 28th – MCB 462D – 11:30am
“The American Presidency and the Politics of AI Development”
Upcoming:
Dr. Trevor Samaha- November 11th
Sweet Research is a chance to step outside the classroom and learn about the research our faculty are doing right here at UTC. Grab something sweet, bring your questions, and come see what your professors are working on. If you’d like to present at a Sweet Research event, please let Dr. Heise know!
Council on Foreign Relations Webinar & Discussion
October 8th – MCB 475A –
1-2:30pm
Join PSPS for a Council on Foreign Relations webinar exploring U.S. relations with the Gulf region and the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz. Following the webinar, stay for a facilitated departmental discussion to unpack the key takeaways, consider the implications for regional security and international relations, and connect the conversation to current events.
This is a great opportunity for students interested in international affairs, national security, and U.S. foreign policy to engage with timely global issues alongside faculty and fellow students.
Practical Networking for PSPS
October 21st – MCB 462D – 2:30–3:30pm
PSPS Department in partnership with UTC Career Services
Networking doesn’t have to feel intimidating! Join PSPS and Career Services for a practical, hands-on career snapshot designed to help you build confidence and make meaningful professional connections. Learn how to write effective networking emails, strengthen your LinkedIn presence, and use Connect UT to connect with alumni and professionals in your fields of interest. Students will also have the opportunity to explore their career interests through PathwayU and browse a clothing drive featuring free professional attire to help them prepare for interviews, internships, and the workplace.
Bring your laptop or phone and come ready to start building your professional network!
Build connections. Explore careers. Take your next step.
2026 Midterm Elections Discussion
October 21st – UC 230 – 11:45am-12:45pm
Drs. Chris Acuff, Sarah Heise, and Jeremy Strickler
Join Dr. Chris Acuff, Dr. Sarah Heise, and Dr. Jeremy Strickler for a timely discussion of the 2026 midterm elections and their implications for American politics. Our faculty will explore the dynamics of election administration, what the latest polling reveals about the electoral landscape, and possible outcomes for national governance.
Whether you’re following the campaigns closely or looking to better understand how elections shape our political institutions, come hear from PSPS faculty and bring your questions!
Faculty Features
Dr. Jeremy Strickler
Dr. Jeremy Strickler recently shared the results of his fall 2025 professional development leave in UTC’s Sabbatical Spotlight series. His leave allowed him to advance research on presidential leadership and U.S. drug policy, co-author a chapter exploring camping and the public good, and develop a new course on American political culture.
His research examines how presidents have framed drug use as a criminal justice issue rather than a public health concern, including how the War on Drugs became connected to national security policy. He presented this work at the Conference on American Political Development at Smith College in June.
Strickler also collaborated with his wife, Dr. Lucy Schultz, on a forthcoming chapter titled Camping and the Public Good, which explores public lands, shared experiences, and democratic life through the philosophy of John Dewey.
His new course, Myth and Meaning in American Political Culture, invites students to examine the stories Americans tell about national identity and how those stories shape political debates.
Dr. Saeid Golkar
Dr. Saeid Golkar has had a busy September, sharing his expertise on Iranian politics, security institutions, and Middle Eastern affairs through publications, podcasts, university lectures, and international conference discussions.
Recent Publications and Media
– September 24 | Middle East Forum: Published “A New Strategy to Instill Loyalty in Iran: Police High Schools Extend the Regime’s Ideological Recruitment into Adolescence.” The article examines Iran’s planned police high schools and their role in recruiting and preparing future security personnel. Read the article
– September 3 | Review of Democracy Podcast: Featured in A State Within the State: Lessons from Iran and Beyond, discussing the growing political, economic, and security influence of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Listen to the podcast
Recent Lectures and Professional Engagement
-September 14: Delivered a lecture on Middle East security for Vanderbilt University’s National Security program.
-September 29–30: Participated in a panel discussion at the conference of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Middle East Institute in Washington, D.C.
Student Features
Erin Yenawine Named a National Portz Scholar
UTC alumna Erin Yenawine has been selected as a 2026 Portz Scholar by the National Collegiate Honors Council, making her the third consecutive UTC student to receive this national recognition.
A May 2026 graduate with degrees in political science and economics, Yenawine conducted undergraduate research on maternal and infant health outcomes following Dobbs. She presented her research at the Midwest Political Science Association Conference in April and will present it again at the NCHC Annual Conference alongside the other Portz Scholars.
Yenawine also recently transitioned from her internship at the Tennessee Valley Authority into a full-time position in Chattanooga. She credits UTC faculty members, including Dr. Chris Acuff and Dr. Sarah Heise, for helping her develop as a researcher and student.
UTC Twins Take on D.C. Internships
Political science major Riley Rutherford and her twin sister Kate spent the summer in Washington, D.C., pursuing internships connected to their respective academic interests.
Riley gained firsthand experience in a professional environment related to political science, while Kate participated in the Washington Internships for Students of Engineering program, exploring the intersection of engineering and public policy.
Riley credited her UTC professors with helping make professional opportunities feel approachable and encouraging her to document her experiences throughout the summer. The sisters also perform together as the musical duo The Second Power.
Student Organization Events
Round Table Discussion
Monday, October 5th 2026 at 5-7pm
Chamblain Circle
Hosted by: UTC College Republicans
UTC College Democrats General Body Meeting
Wednesday, October 7th 2026 at 6:30-7:30pm
Derthick 201
Hosted by: UTC College Democrats
University Events
Study. Sip. Succeed Midterm Tabling Event
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 11-1pm
Outside of Library
5th Annual Be Well Health and Wellness Fair
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 11-2pm
Chamberlain Field
UTC Spectrum History of Protests, Safety, & Boycotts
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 8-10pm
Lupton 390
URaCE Fall 2026 Workshops
Thursday, October 8, 2026 at 4:30-5:30pm
UTC Library Room 209
Moctoberfest
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 1-5pm
615 McCallie Ave
Data Centers Panel
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at 11:30-1pm
Wolford Family Athletic Center
Library Workshop: Understanding Media Manipulation
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at 1-2pm
Library Room 326
Academic Calendar
October 12-13- Fall Break! No Classes!
October 26- Last day to withdraw on a course-by-course basis with a grade of W
November 11- Spring 2027 course registration begins
November 25-29- Thanksgiving Break! No Classes!
November 30- Last Day of classes for Fall Semester
December 1- Reading Day
December 2-8- Finals Week
Quote of the Month
If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.
– Zig Ziglar
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