Johanna Gabriela Castillo Pineda is a Spanish teacher at East Brainerd Elementary School and the 2025 recipient of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Job-Embedded Award—an honor given to a student in UTC’s Job-Embedded licensure program who exemplifies commitment, growth and the spirit of teaching.
Dr. Lori Mann Bruce approved as next chancellor of UTC
Dr. Lori Mann Bruce has been named the next chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga following board approval during a special meeting of the UT Board of Trustees on May 16. Her appointment, recommended by UT System President Randy Boyd, becomes effective June 30.
Dr. Lori Mann Bruce to be recommended as next chancellor of UTC
Dr. Lori Mann Bruce has been recommended by UT System President Randy Boyd to serve as the next chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Cap it off: Tassels turn and futures open at UTC commencement
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga celebrated its 265th commencement on Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3, with three McKenzie Arena ceremonies recognizing the Class of 2025. Over the two days, the University’s four degree-granting colleges presented 1,565 candidates for degrees.
From holistic healer to social worker, Lori Coletta’s path to purpose
As advanced degree recipients from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Graduate School crossed the McKenzie Arena stage on Friday, May 2, one in particular stood out—not because of a number, but because of her story. At 62 years of age, Lori Coletta accepted her Master of Social Work degree—a moment of “legitimacy” marking the culmination of a decades-long path rooted in advocacy, exploration and the pursuit of purpose.
Giant steps: The class of 2025 walks the walk at UTC commencement
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s 265th commencement—captured through the lens of University photographer Angela Foster and the video team of Mike Andrews, Sam Blevins, Jakey Lutsko and Will McCutcheon.
Dr. Kumar Yelamarthi named dean of UTC’s College of Engineering and Computer Science
Dr. Kumar Yelamarthi has been named dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS), effective July 1. Yelamarthi comes to UTC from Tennessee Technological University, where he has served since 2021 as associate dean of academic affairs in the College of Engineering. In that role, he supported more than 3,100 students and 85 faculty members across seven departments and 18 programs.
UTC announces Strategic Enrollment Plan
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has enlisted Huron Consulting Group as its partner to engage in the development of a Strategic Enrollment Plan (SEP).
First-gen, second degree: Bailee Smith’s journey through UTC and beyond
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.