Spring 2026: April Newsletter

UTC students recently participated in an inaugural Statehouse Reporting project in Nashville, offering a unique, immersive opportunity to report directly from the Tennessee Capitol. Throughout the week, students covered legislative sessions, interviewed public officials, and produced in-depth stories for Fresh Take Tennessee, many of which have already been published.

Students explored a wide range of topics, including education policy, immigration, foster care legislation, and the inner workings of lobbying and state governance. The experience also included meetings with key figures in Tennessee media and government, as well as behind-the-scenes access to legislative sessions and committee meetings.

Among the participants, PSPS majors Zach Lewis and Beeta Baghaevaji made significant contributions, each publishing multiple stories. Beeta’s profile of Secretary of State Tre Hargett has received particular recognition and is being distributed to Tennessee Press Association newspapers.

This hands-on reporting experience not only strengthened students’ journalism and research skills but also provided meaningful engagement with the legislative process. The project reflects UTC’s commitment to experiential learning and preparing students for impactful careers in public service, media, and beyond.

The PSPS department recently had the honor of welcoming Dr. June Scobee Rodgers to the PSPS 2600: Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector class. Dr. Scobee Rodgers, founder of the Challenger Center, shared powerful insights into her work advancing science education and preserving the legacy of the Challenger space shuttle crew.

Drawing from both personal experience and professional leadership, she spoke about the creation and mission of the Challenger Center, which continues the intended “Teacher in Space” initiative by inspiring students through hands-on STEM learning. Her visit offered students a unique perspective on how nonprofit organizations can create meaningful, lasting impact.

This special opportunity was made possible through the initiative of PSPS student Reagan Lynch, who proposed Dr. Scobee Rodgers as a speaker and helped coordinate the initial outreach.

The League of Women Voters of UTC is a non-partisan student organization focused on voter education and registration. Affiliated with the League of Women Voters of Chattanooga and connected to the national organization, which dates back to the 1920s, the group works to help students better understand and engage with the democratic process.

The organization hosts a mix of general meetings and events throughout the semester, including speaker events and voter registration drives, giving students opportunities to get involved both on campus and in the local community.

For Erin Yenawine, involvement with the League has been a meaningful part of her time at UTC. “It has been a great way to get involved in democratic mobilization in a non-partisan way, and I have learned so much about our election process and local politics,” she shared. “I feel much more connected to my community, and have met lots of amazing people in the Chattanooga area through this work.”

Students will have an upcoming opportunity to connect directly with local leaders at the Hamilton County Primary Candidate Meet and Greet, taking place April 14th from 6–7 PM in the Lupton Lobby. Attendees can meet candidates running for Hamilton County Commission, School Board, and Mayor, learn more about local elections, and explore ways to get involved.

Students interested in learning more or getting involved are encouraged to join the organization’s GroupMe for updates and opportunities.

Over Spring Break, a group of PSPS students attended the Civics Symposium in Knoxville, where they engaged in thoughtful discussions on civic responsibility, public service, and the foundations of American democracy.

Matthew reflected on the experience as an opportunity for both personal and academic growth: “I enjoyed going with people I didn’t already know, so I could get into the flow of introducing myself to strangers.” He also noted the impact of the symposium’s debates, where “many different opinions and perspectives were brought forward, making it difficult to pick a side.”

Parker emphasized the broader significance of the symposium in today’s political climate, sharing that “the current political environment in our country is a challenging one,” shaped by polarization that can limit meaningful dialogue. He described the symposium as an important space for addressing these challenges: “Conversations regarding the historical and philosophical foundations of the United States… and what it means to be a citizen and active participant in civic life were at the heart of this event.” For Parker, the experience underscored that these conversations are only the beginning, adding that “the value… is not merely to discuss civic matters… but to propagate and encourage these conversations amongst fellow citizens more broadly.”

Together, their reflections highlight the power of experiences like the Civics Symposium to foster dialogue, challenge perspectives, and prepare students to engage thoughtfully in civic life. We’re proud of our students for representing UTC so well and for leaning into these important conversations.