A Note from the Editor
March is shaping up to be an important month on campus! Summer registration is now open, and Fall registration will open later this month- so be sure to mark your calendars and plan ahead. Between spring break and midterms, it’s a busy time, but also full of opportunities to stay on track and get ahead. Take a breath, check your schedules, and make the most of this pivotal month!
Upcoming Departmental Events
These are events our department is hosting in the near future, so keep an eye out!
Sweet Research Series
March 9th – MCB 268 – 11am
Dr. Sarah Heise
“Party as a Heuristic: Complications in Georgia’s 14th Congressional District”
Upcoming:
April 13th: Dr. Trevor Samaha
April 20th: Dr. Michelle Deardorff
America at 250
Reflections on the Ideals and Legacy of the Declaration of Independence
April 9th – UC 230 – 4-5pm
Professors Michelle D. Deardorff, Susan Eckelmann, Mark Johnson, Jeremy Strickler, and Michael Thompson
Faculty Features
Our faculty are not only dedicated to providing a world-class education to our students, but are also committed to their own research projects, workshops, journals, and more!
Dr. Saeid Golkar
We were proud to host Dr. Saeid Golkar for a highly successful and well-attended public lecture, “Protest, Repression, and Human Rights in Iran: What the Current Uprisings Reveal About the Regime’s Future.” The event drew an engaged audience of students and faculty and sparked a thoughtful, lively discussion during the Q&A.
As a leading expert on Middle East politics, Dr. Golkar offered a historically grounded analysis of recurring protest movements in Iran, the state’s responses to dissent, and what sustained unrest reveals about the structure and limits of authoritarian rule. The strong turnout and depth of student engagement reflected both the timeliness of the topic and the impact of his scholarship.
The lecture was also featured by UTC News. For more information and to read the full article, visit: HERE
In addition to his lecture, Dr. Golkar has been published several times recently on these topics, including an article this past Tuesday: HERE.
We are proud to celebrate Dr. Golkar’s scholarship and his contributions to campus dialogue on global issues.
Dr. Michelle Deardorff
Dr. Michelle Deardorff was recently interviewed by NewsChannel 9 regarding a proposed Tennessee bill that would allow private businesses to refuse recognition of same-sex marriages. In the segment, she shared her expertise on the legal and policy implications of the legislation, helping the public understand how it interacts with existing federal marriage protections and discrimination law. This feature is a great example of how UTC faculty actively contribute their knowledge to important public conversations and engage with issues that affect our community.
Read more: https://newschannel9.com/news/local/proposed-tennessee-bill-says-private-businesses-need-not-recognize-same-sex-marriages
Student Features
Student Spotlight: Hattie Martinek
Senior Hattie Martinek has been selected for the highly competitive Public Policy and International Affairs Program Junior Summer Institute (JSI)- a national fellowship that prepares students for graduate study and leadership in public policy.
Chosen from a select group of students across the country, Hattie will participate in an intensive summer program featuring graduate-level coursework, policy analysis training, and professional development designed to equip future public servants.
Her selection reflects her strong academic record, commitment to public service, and passion for making a meaningful impact through policy. Hattie’s achievement is an inspiring example of what’s possible when students pursue ambitious opportunities with confidence and determination.
Congratulations, Hattie, on this outstanding accomplishment!
Read more about her achievement here:
Student Organization Spotlight: UTC Young Democratic Socialists of America
Co-Chair: Isabella Dougherty
| The UTC Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA) is a student organization focused on educating and organizing students around issues of social, economic, and political justice. Grounded in democratic, feminist, and anti-racist principles, the group works to build a community of students committed to thoughtful discussion and meaningful action on campus and beyond. UTC YDSA hosts general body meetings every two weeks where members discuss current events, plan initiatives, and organize events. Throughout the year, they also offer educational programs and collaborate with other organizations to engage the broader campus community. For Co-Chair Isabella Dougherty, YDSA has been a defining part of her college experience. “Being part of UTC YDSA has been one of the most meaningful parts of my time at UTC,” she shared. “It has given me the opportunity to grow as a leader, connect with students who are passionate about similar issues, and gain hands-on experience in organizing and advocacy.” Isabella emphasized that the organization is open to anyone curious and willing to engage. “Whether someone is deeply involved in activism or just beginning to explore these ideas, we strive to create a welcoming and thoughtful space for discussion and action.” Students interested in learning more or attending a meeting are encouraged to reach out and get involved. |
Alumni Spotlight: Nicole Brown, MPA
Emmy Award-Winning Co-Producer
We are honored to recognize alumna Nicole Brown whose recent work has earned one of the industry’s highest honors. Nicole served as Co-Producer on the Emmy Award-winning documentary How to Sue the Klan, which explores a landmark civil case of profound historical and cultural importance.
The film revisits a pivotal legal moment whose implications continue to shape conversations today, underscoring its lasting relevance. Nicole’s leadership and creative vision in helping bring this story to audiences demonstrate her professional excellence and dedication to impactful work.
Her achievement reflects the depth of talent among our alumni and the significant contributions they continue to make nationwide. Please join us in congratulating Nicole on this outstanding milestone.
Internship Opportunities
Want to learn more? Check out the PSPS Canvas page for internship listings and application details, or reach out to Dr. Marcus Mauldin for internship advising.
Are you interested in a Spring 2026 Internship? If so, complete the form found at the following link: PSPS Internship Interest Form
University Events
Here are some other cool events happening around campus you should check out:
Free Workshop: Avoiding Plagiarism
Various March dates- online- UTC Library
Free Workshop: Microsoft Word for Undergraduates
Various March dates- online- UTC Library
Global Spotlight: Rwanda
March 9th, 2026 – Lupton Lobby – 3:45-4:45pm
Women’s History Month Keynote Speaker: Lisa Hendy
March 11th, 2026 – Guerry Center Reading Room – 6-7:30pm
Virtual Grad Fair
March 31st, 2026 – online – 12-2pm
Start with Dessert: Career Planning with the End in Mind
April 1st, 2026 – University Center, Room 127 – 12-1pm
Free Workshop: How to Write a Resume
April 2nd, 2026 – Library Room 205 – 2-2:45pm
Academic Calendar
March 16th- 22nd- Spring Break
March 30th- Last Day to Withdraw with a W
April 3rd- Spring Holiday (No Classes)
April 27th- Last day of Spring Semester Classes
April 29th- May 5th- Final Exams
Quote of the Month
You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.
– Shirley Chisholm, first African-American Congresswoman and activist
Get Involved!
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