The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

02/01/2025

Celebrate Black History Month at UTC! 🎉 This year’s theme, “A Celebration of Firsts,” highlights trailblazers who have made a lasting impact at UTC and beyond.

Join us for a month filled with exciting events, including the Black History Month Kickoff featuring the Taste of Black Chattanooga (Feb. 3), Food Truck Friday (Feb. 7), a conversation with Larry Thornton—Birmingham’s first African American McDonald's franchise owner (Feb. 13), and many more!

📍 Stay engaged, learn, and celebrate with us! View the full event lineup and details here: https://blog.utc.edu/news/2025/01/a-celebration-of-firsts-utc-recognizes-black-history-month-with-campuswide-events/

February is Black History Month, and UTC will host a series of events to highlight and celebrate the history, achievements and contributions of Black individuals and communities.

01/30/2025

A junior at UTC, Gage Keeble is making the most of his college experience. He’s double majoring in marketing: professional sales and finance, running his own business, Scenic Shine Window Cleaning, serving as chief analyst for the SMILE Fund, and excelling as a Phillips Scholar in Free Enterprise.

From launching a business with just $200 to leading investment decisions for a real stock portfolio, Gage is proving that hard work and ambition pay off. His journey is an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance and entrepreneurship.

Gage Keeble’s journey through college isn’t your typical path of lectures, exams and weekend downtime. The UTC junior is double majoring in marketing: professional sales and finance while juggling roles as a chief analyst for the SMILE Fund, a member of the initial cohort of Phillips Scholars in...

01/29/2025

Proud moment for UTC! Dr. Zibin Guo represented the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga at UNESCO’s 2024 Global Martial Arts Forum in South Korea. His groundbreaking Wheelchair/Adaptive Tai Chi program empowers veterans with disabilities by transforming perceptions of ability.

“Tai chi isn’t about power—it’s about turning weakness into something that makes you feel powerful,” Dr. Guo shared.

Read more about his inspiring work:https://blog.utc.edu/news/2025/01/utcs-zibin-guo-speaks-at-international-martial-arts-forum/

UC Foundation Professor of Medical Anthropology Zibin Guo recently represented UTC on the world stage as a speaker at the 2024 Global Martial Arts Forum in Chungju, Republic of Korea. Guo’s presentation highlighted his innovative work in developing and implementing wheelchair and inclusive Tai Chi...

01/29/2025

At UTC, we don’t just prepare students for the real world—they step into it every day. 🛠️🔭 Whether it’s building structures in a construction class, researching salamanders in local streams, preparing for a simulated mission to Mars, treating heat stroke in an athletic training lab, or painting backdrops for a theater production—our students don’t just learn; they lead, create, and innovate. These hands-on experiences empower Mocs to apply what they’ve learned and make an impact far beyond campus.

Ready to make your mark? Your journey starts here. 👉 utc.edu/apply

01/29/2025

Haley Reeves, a UTC junior finance student, is the perfect example of strength and resilience. She’s not just excelling in the classroom—Haley is also a former competitive weightlifter, a jiu-jitsu enthusiast, and the manager of her sister, Olympic gold medalist Olivia Reeves. Balancing the intensity of academics and navigating personal growth has shaped Haley’s inspiring journey.

Her story shows how strength isn’t just physical—it’s also about adaptability, perseverance, and determination to succeed. https://blog.utc.edu/news/2025/01/building-strength-haley-reeves-is-making-personal-and-professional-gains/

For Haley Reeves, strength is multifaceted. Reeves is a junior finance student at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, a jiu-jitsu fighter and a

01/27/2025

Dr. Claudia Kramer is on a mission to make economics accessible and engaging. As the Probasco Chair of Free Enterprise, she’s inspiring students and the community to see economics as part of everyday life. Join us for upcoming events, like “The Economics of Sports” (Feb. 6) and “Economics and Etiquette” (Feb. 27). 📚

Dr. Claudia Kramer, the Scott L. Probasco Jr. Distinguished Chair of Free Enterprise, is making economics an accessible and engaging part of everyday life. From leading the Phillips Scholarship in Free Enterprise program to hosting events with local and global thought leaders, Kramer’s work demons...

01/27/2025

For over a decade, Dr. Rick Dierenfeldt patrolled the streets of Northwest Missouri as a police officer, breaking cycles of crime by building relationships with at-risk youth. Today, as head of UTC’s Criminal Justice Department, he’s bringing the same compassion and commitment to the Violence Reduction Initiative (VRI).

Under his leadership, the VRI bridges academic research with real-world solutions to tackle violent crime. With proven results like a 27% decrease in firearm homicides in Chattanooga, this initiative is a powerful example of what’s possible when data-driven strategies and community collaboration come together.

https://blog.utc.edu/news/2025/01/introducing-the-violence-reduction-initiative-how-research-is-reshaping-criminal-justice-in-chattanooga/

Dr. Rick Dierenfeldt has spearheaded the creation of the Violence Reduction Initiative, a UTC research center designed to address violent crime in Chattanooga and beyond. Housed within UTC’s Criminal Justice department, the VRI represents a bold commitment to bridging the gap between academic rese...

01/26/2025

🎉🎉🎉

The countdown is ON! We’re just ONE WEEK away from Orientation registration opening on Feb. 1! 🎉 This is your first step toward an amazing journey as a Moc. 🐦💛 Don’t miss it—mark your calendars and get ready to secure your spot! Visit utc.edu/orientation for more details.

01/25/2025

From streamlining health care systems to preparing future leaders, Dr. Deborah Mullen, UTC’s Greg A. Vital-Franklin Farrow Professor of Healthcare Management, is redefining what it means to improve health care for patients and providers alike.

With a career spanning health care operations and research, Dr. Mullen’s work focuses on:
✅ Reducing provider burnout
✅ Improving patient satisfaction
✅ Streamlining health care processes
✅ Equipping students with the tools to lead

Her innovative collaborations—like reducing wait times for ADHD diagnoses by up to 96%—highlight her commitment to creating impactful solutions. Dr. Mullen brings real-world expertise into the classroom, bridging the gap between business and health care to inspire the next generation of leaders.

🔗 https://blog.utc.edu/news/2025/01/from-research-to-real-world-impact-dr-deborah-mullen-integrates-business-and-health-care/

Dr. Deborah Mullen’s career has been defined by a passion for improving health care systems—from her early days in health care operations in Minnesota to her current role as the Greg A. Vital-Franklin Farrow Professor of Healthcare Management at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

01/24/2025

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) is celebrating the conclusion of its first-ever art gallery tour!

Featuring the breathtaking paintings of Philadelphia artist Becky Suss, inspired by Ann Patchett’s Pulitzer Prize-finalist novel The Dutch House, this collection beautifully connects storytelling and art. Suss’ work captures the fictional world of the novel while drawing from her own memories of Elkins Park, the real-life setting of the story.

Gallery Tour Highlights:
🏛️ Began at ICA Chattanooga in January 2024
🎨 Traveled to The Baker Museum in Naples, Florida
🌟 Final stop: Cheekwood Estate and Gardens in Nashville (Jan. 25 - March 16, 2025)

“This tour is a testament to the impact of UTC’s art exhibitions,” said ICA Director Rachel Waldrop. “It shows how a campus gallery can create meaningful work that resonates across the country.”

Congratulations to Rachel Waldrop, Becky Suss, and all who made this momentous journey possible. 🎉

https://blog.utc.edu/news/2025/01/the-dutch-house-comes-alive-utcs-ica-wrapping-up-inaugural-art-tour/

The Institute of Contemporary Art, housed on the UTC campus, is preparing to close out its first art gallery tour. Rachel Waldrop, the director and curator of the ICA, led the momentous endeavor of getting a collection of work from Philadelphia artist Becky Suss on the road to share her creative sto...

01/23/2025

TONIGHT! Pack the Roundhouse or tune in on ESPNU! 🏀🔥

01/23/2025

Since joining UTC in August 2024, Jana Cox has been on a mission to help students navigate the sometimes-overwhelming world of financial aid and scholarships. With over 20 years of experience in financial aid and a passion for student success, she's here to ensure that every Moc has the resources and support they need.

What does Jana and her team do?
✅ Oversee Title IV and state funding, including Pell Grants, loans, and scholarships.
✅ Help students with common questions like FAFSA completion, refund disbursement, and finding additional scholarships.
✅ Serve as a direct resource for students needing assistance or clarity about their aid.

Jana’s Advice:
👉 Always apply for financial aid—many students miss out because they assume they aren’t eligible.
👉 Apply every year to stay eligible for aid like the HOPE Scholarship.
👉 Read every communication from Financial Aid—it’s full of crucial updates to keep you on track.

📞 Need help? Jana and her team are here to guide you. Don’t hesitate to reach out directly—they’re ready to make the financial aid process as smooth as possible.

https://blog.utc.edu/news/2025/01/the-people-of-utc-get-to-know-jana-cox/

Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships Jana Cox joined UTC in August 2024 after working at UT Martin. A recent transplant to Tennessee, Cox moved from California in 2021, bringing over two decades of experience in financial aid across multiple universities.

01/22/2025

UTC is proud to announce the creation of the Violence Reduction Initiative (VRI)—a groundbreaking research center dedicated to bridging academic research with real-world solutions to address violent crime in Chattanooga and beyond.

Led by Dr. Rick Dierenfeldt, former police officer and head of UTC’s Criminal Justice Department, the VRI uses data-driven research to make a tangible impact:
✅ Firearm homicides decreased by 27%
✅ Overall homicides dropped by 36%
✅ Shooting victims reduced by 42%

With the support of federal grants, the VRI is tackling critical public safety issues through innovative programs like:
👉 The Recidivism Reduction Initiative (RRI), improving public safety by reducing recidivism in Hamilton County
👉 The Chattanooga United to Reduce Violence (CURV), addressing gun violence with community-focused strategies

This initiative demonstrates the power of collaboration between UTC, local agencies, and the community to address pressing social issues and transform lives.

https://blog.utc.edu/news/2025/01/utc-announces-launch-of-the-violence-reduction-initiative/

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has officially announced the creation of the Violence Reduction Initiative (VRI), a research center housed within the Department of Criminal Justice dedicated to bridging the gap between academic research and real-world solutions to violent crime in Chattan...

01/22/2025

𝓣𝓸𝓷𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽’𝓼 𝓼𝓾𝓷𝓼𝓮𝓽 🌇

📸:

01/22/2025

Joshua Tyler, a computational engineering doctoral candidate at UTC, has developed the world’s first usable Artificial Intelligence network that can encrypt itself! This revolutionary AI system promises nearly unbreakable cryptography, offering a significant leap in securing communications across industries such as defense, healthcare, and finance.

Tyler, who will graduate with his third UTC degree in May, has reimagined AI encryption, creating a network that can retrain itself in seconds to generate entirely new cryptographic algorithms—ensuring unique encryption every time. This innovative work could have vast real-world implications, from safeguarding military communications to securing sensitive health data.

Congrats to Joshua and his mentor, Dr. Don Reising, for their groundbreaking work! 💙 💛

🔗 https://blog.utc.edu/news/2025/01/revolutionary-research-utc-doctoral-candidate-develops-self-encrypting-ai/

In a world where data security is an ever-growing concern, Joshua Tyler—a computational engineering doctoral candidate and electrical engineering research associate at UTC—has broken new ground. Tyler, who is on track to receive his third UTC degree in May, has developed the world’s first usab...

01/21/2025

UTC’s unofficial mascots are stealing the spotlight today! 🐿️ Happy National Squirrel Day to our campus squirrels, the true MVPs of snack-stealing and tree-scaling.

01/21/2025

WUTC-FM 88.1, UTC’s public radio station, is launching a monthly series of one-on-one conversations with Interim Chancellor Robert Dooley!

🗓️ Premiere Date: Tuesday, Jan. 21, at 3 PM ET
📍 Where: WUTC’s Scenic Roots

What to Expect:
✅ University updates from Interim Chancellor Dooley
✅ Insights on his leadership and campus initiatives
✅ Engaging discussions on how UTC continues to innovate and impact the Chattanooga region

Hosted by Ray Bassett, these conversations will air on the third Tuesday of each month and will also be available on demand via the WUTC website, app, and podcast platforms.

Don’t miss this opportunity to stay connected with UTC’s leadership and learn about the incredible work happening across campus!

Learn more here: https://blog.utc.edu/news/2025/01/chatting-with-the-chancellor-monthly-series-to-debut-on-wutc/

WUTC-FM 88.1, UTC’s public radio station, is set to launch a series of monthly one-on-one conversations with Interim Chancellor Robert Dooley. “Chatting with the Chancellor” will air on WUTC’s “Scenic Roots” at 3 p.m. ET on the third Tuesday of each month beginning Jan. 21. Episodes will...

01/19/2025

Meet Dr. Bret Eschman, UTC’s expert in cognitive neuroscience and director of the Visual Memory and Attention Development (VMAD) Lab!

Dr. Eschman uses cutting-edge eye-tracking technology to explore how people perceive, pay attention, and make decisions. From studying infant development to understanding how stress impacts adult cognition, his research provides real-world insights that help identify early markers for cognitive and social delays.

💡 Key highlights:
💛 Mentorship: Guiding graduate students like Bailee Smith to push the boundaries of cognitive science.
💛 Real-world impact: Sharing practical advice with parents to boost early development.
💛 Innovative research: From "bionic reading" to the effects of socioeconomic disparities on attention and memory.

Read more here:

Now in his third year at UTC, Dr. Bret Eschman uses eye-tracking technology in the Visual Memory and Attention Development Lab to study how people perceive, pay attention and make decisions. His work spans all ages, but much of his focus is on infants and young children—with the goal of identifyin...