Bailee Smith didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a college professor. In fact, she didn’t even start college planning to pursue cognitive science. But as she prepares to walk across the McKenzie Arena stage on May 2 to receive her master’s degree, she is already envisioning life as Dr. Smith.
Ready to soar: UTC’s Class of 2025 prepares to take flight
This week, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga will celebrate its 265th commencement—with three McKenzie Arena ceremonies recognizing the Class of 2025. Commencement ceremonies will recognize approximately 1,300 undergraduates and 300 graduate students earning their degrees this semester.
UTC sophomore heading to Taiwan after landing prestigious Critical Language Scholarship
UTC sophomore Vinny Nguyen is taking his passion for language, diplomacy and international engagement across the world. Nguyen, a double major in political science international/comparative studies and economics international public policy with a minor in Asian studies, has been selected for the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) to study Mandarin in Taiwan this summer. He will spend two months at Tamkang University in New Taipei City—from June 17-Aug. 15—as part of the prestigious U.S. Department of State initiative.
Not retiring, just ‘repurposing’: Dr. Jamie Harvey ready to jump into her next exercise
Dr. Jamie Harvey, an associate professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance, is stepping down at the end of the semester after 35 years as a full-time faculty member—not to retire, but to “repurpose” her time and energy. “I still have more to give, just in a different way,” she said.
UTC senior’s journey sparks opportunity with CLS Korean scholarship
UTC senior Durand Henderson, a United States Air Force veteran and nontraditional student majoring in business administration with a concentration in economics—to go with minors in personal finance and political science—has been selected for the prestigious Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Spark program for Korean.
Social work students take advocacy to heart during State Capitol visit
For social work students at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, the 2025 Social Work Day on the Hill was more than a visit to the Capitol—it was an opportunity to bring real-world advocacy to life. Day on the Hill, organized by the Tennessee chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, gives social work students the chance to see the legislative process in action while learning how advocacy can shape their professional paths.
UTC engineering students turn guitar picks and back braces into prize-winning designs
Two teams of students from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga College of Engineering and Computer Science’s ENME 1850 introductory design course recently brought home top honors from the 2025 American Society for Engineering Education Southeastern Section (ASEE SE) Conference at Mississippi State University.
High notes and high honors for UTC vocal students at regional competition
Four students from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Department of Music were recently recognized for their talent at the 2025 Mid-South Region National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) auditions held at Morehead State University in Kentucky. The NATS event, which draws top collegiate vocalists from across Tennessee and Kentucky, includes a range of classical and musical theatre performance categories determined by age and years of vocal study.
Inspiring innovation: UTC’s signature research conference brings campus and community together
The Spring Research and Arts Conference returns on Wednesday, April 9, continuing its tradition of showcasing student and faculty research, innovation and creativity. Presented by the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the Office for Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavor, the conference highlights the breadth and depth of research happening at UTC—featuring more than 650 presenters and 320 unique research projects throughout the day.
Dr. Shewanee Howard-Baptiste named provost and vice president for academic affairs at Berea College
Dr. Shewanee Howard-Baptiste, vice provost for undergraduate affairs at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, has been selected as the new provost and vice president for academic affairs at Berea College—a private liberal arts institution in Berea, Kentucky.