With spring in full swing, the Arts-Based Collaborative (ABC) at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has been bringing the arts to life in classrooms and communities across the area.
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.
A small grant, a big idea and a lot of UTC support
It started at Thanksgiving dinner. Megan Cales watched her partner’s 5-year-old son—who is autistic—struggle to manage his voice in a noisy room full of family. She searched online for a discreet, wearable tool that might help him self-regulate. Nothing existed. She made a mental note and moved on. Then, an email from the University of…
UTC Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship celebrates $5 million naming gift from Max Fuller
The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga received an exceptional gift from alumnus and successful local entrepreneur Max Fuller to name the center at the Gary W. Rollins College of Business, the Max Fuller Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. This $5 million gift will further the center’s mission to inspire discovery, innovation and entrepreneurial initiatives at UTC and the entrepreneurship community in Chattanooga and beyond.
‘My entire life happened here’: Chello Gardner’s path to purpose at UTC
With 36 acceptance letters and full-ride scholarships from schools across the country and beyond—including an Ivy League institution—Chello Gardner had an important decision to make. Gardner will graduate with a degree in communication on Saturday, May 3. She tacked on minors in both criminal justice and women, gender and sexuality studies—and was a Brock Scholar in the Honors College—during her time at UTC.
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.
Marcelle Baez-Carlo: Serving Chattanooga on and off the court
When University of Tennessee at Chattanooga senior Marcelle Baez-Carlo first stepped on campus in 2021, the most crucial question to her was: “How can I help?” Recruited from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, to play volleyball, Baez-Carlo has spent her time at UTC committed to improving her performance on the court—but also to her new community.