(4876,7,'2023-06-14 09:14:41','2023-06-14 14:14:41','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Henri Giles presented her documentary “Waiting in the Wings: African-Americans in Country Music” on June 7 at the National Museum of African-American Music in Nashville as part the lead-up to the Country Music Association Festival.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“It was great. It was really nice,” she said. “We had a good crowd and a good reception to it, good questions.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“It was not part of the formal CMA Fest, but in Nashville leading up to the CMA Fest, there are a lot of events. While this was not an official part of CMA Fest, this was an event that the museum put on to capture what was going on in the city.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The National Museum of African-American Music (NMAAM) is celebrating Black Music Month throughout the month of June.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Giles, an instructor in the UTM Department of Mass Media and Strategic Communication, produced “Waiting in the Wings” in 2004, featuring the history of country music through the African-American perspective, starting with its roots in African slavery and moving to the 21st century.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Giles said the National Museum of African-American Music is across the street from Ryman Auditorium, one of the historical standout venues for country music.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“It is a wonderful facility that captures a lot of the different forms of Black music,” she said. “It’s a great facility.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Giles’ documentary was originally produced to be seen on CMT – Country Music Television – in 2004. The documentary also features Ray Charles, Charley Pride, Hank Williams Jr., Naomi Judd and Marty Stuart.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>&nbsp;It won a Telly Award and a National Association of Black Journalists award.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“There has been a lot of interest in the film since then,” she said. “We’ll get calls from people who want to screen it or to even use it as part of research.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I had a Ph.D. student contact me a couple of years ago because she was doing research about African-Americans in country music.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Giles said that someone familiar with “Waiting in the Wings” reached out to her to have it presented at NMAAM.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“This was someone who was familiar with the project and thought it would be a perfect fit for CMA Fest,” she said. “Someone approached us and they got in contact with the museum. The museum and this person worked together to make it happen.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“The staff at the museum, they were incredible. They could not have been more gracious.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The film was shown at 2 p.m. at NMAAM, so Giles did not expect a big crowd, but it did bring in 50 to 80 people.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“We were hoping for a good crowd, but I think the number really exceeded what we thought,” she said. “There was a group of young people there who happened to be visiting from Louisiana. It was a school group, and they really enjoyed the film.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Giles said the documentary captures the contributions that African-Americans have made to country music.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Traditionally, people tend to think that country music isn’t a form of music that Blacks listen to or have anything to do with,” she said. “But when you look at the history of the genre, nothing could be further from the truth. You can look at instruments like the banjo, which has its origins in Africa.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Our film touches on that, how music was brought to this country by enslaved people. As the music developed here, some of those African roots remained in this music.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Giles said some of the people in attendance at the film showing came up to her in surprise.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“They said, ‘I had no idea that Black people were involved in country music,’” she said. “Now, we see this interest in country music and we are seeing different artists who are making strides.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“In the film, we showcase different people who are, at the time, trying to build their careers in country music, and some of them have had quite a bit of success. One of those is Rissi Palmer. She is doing really well now. She had some partnerships with CMT, she has a podcast on Apple and she had a single that was released a few weeks ago that is doing well on the country charts.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Giles said “Waiting in the Wings” is a lesson in showing the struggle that began in country music years ago as African-Americans tried to make their mark in the genre.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I always describe myself as a storyteller,” she said. “I feel that there are so many pieces to life that we don’t know about. I think if people can know and understand these different nuances and culture, I think that will help them understand each other a little bit better.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Giles is pursuing a Ph.D. in mass media and rhetoric at the University of Memphis.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','UT Martin instructor shows documentary in Nashville','Henri Giles presented her documentary “Waiting in the Wings: African-Americans in Country Music” on June 7 at the National Museum of African-American Music in Nashville as part the lead-up to the Country Music Association Festival.','inherit','closed','closed','','4874-revision-v1','','','2023-06-14 09:14:41','2023-06-14 14:14:41','',4874,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4876',0,'revision','',0),(4874,8,'2023-06-14 09:20:51','2023-06-14 14:20:51','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Henri Giles presented her documentary “Waiting in the Wings: African-Americans in Country Music” on June 7 at the National Museum of African-American Music in Nashville as part the lead-up to the Country Music Association Festival.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“It was great. It was really nice,” she said. “We had a good crowd and a good reception to it, good questions.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“It was not part of the formal CMA Fest, but in Nashville leading up to the CMA Fest, there are a lot of events. While this was not an official part of CMA Fest, this was an event that the museum put on to capture what was going on in the city.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The National Museum of African-American Music (NMAAM) is celebrating Black Music Month throughout the month of June.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Giles, an instructor in the UTM Department of Mass Media and Strategic Communication, produced “Waiting in the Wings” in 2004, featuring the history of country music through the African-American perspective, starting with its roots in American slavery and moving to the 21st century.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Giles said the National Museum of African-American Music is across the street from Ryman Auditorium, one of the historical standout venues for country music.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“It is a wonderful facility that captures a lot of the different forms of Black music,” she said. “It’s a great facility.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Giles’ documentary was originally produced to be seen on CMT – Country Music Television – in 2004. The documentary also features Ray Charles, Charley Pride, Hank Williams Jr., Naomi Judd and Marty Stuart.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>&nbsp;It won a Telly Award and a National Association of Black Journalists award.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“There has been a lot of interest in the film since then,” she said. “We’ll get calls from people who want to screen it or to even use it as part of research.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I had a Ph.D. student contact me a couple of years ago because she was doing research about African-Americans in country music.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Giles said that someone familiar with “Waiting in the Wings” reached out to her to have it presented at NMAAM.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“This was someone who was familiar with the project and thought it would be a perfect fit for CMA Fest,” she said. “Someone approached us and they got in contact with the museum. The museum and this person worked together to make it happen.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“The staff at the museum, they were incredible. They could not have been more gracious.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The film was shown at 2 p.m. at NMAAM, so Giles did not expect a big crowd, but it did bring in 50 to 80 people.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“We were hoping for a good crowd, but I think the number really exceeded what we thought,” she said. “There was a group of young people there who happened to be visiting from Louisiana. It was a school group, and they really enjoyed the film.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Giles said the documentary captures the contributions that African-Americans have made to country music.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Traditionally, people tend to think that country music isn’t a form of music that Blacks listen to or have anything to do with,” she said. “But when you look at the history of the genre, nothing could be further from the truth. You can look at instruments like the banjo, which has its origins in Africa.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Our film touches on that, how music was brought to this country by enslaved people. As the music developed here, some of those African roots remained in this music.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Giles said some of the people in attendance at the film showing came up to her in surprise.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“They said, ‘I had no idea that Black people were involved in country music,’” she said. “Now, we see this interest in country music and we are seeing different artists who are making strides.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“In the film, we showcase different people who are, at the time, trying to build their careers in country music, and some of them have had quite a bit of success. One of those is Rissi Palmer. She is doing really well now. She had some partnerships with CMT, she has a podcast on Apple and she had a single that was released a few weeks ago that is doing well on the country charts.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Giles said “Waiting in the Wings” is a lesson in showing the struggle that began in country music years ago as African-Americans tried to make their mark in the genre.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I always describe myself as a storyteller,” she said. “I feel that there are so many pieces to life that we don’t know about. I think if people can know and understand these different nuances and culture, I think that will help them understand each other a little bit better.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Giles is pursuing a Ph.D. in mass media and rhetoric at the University of Memphis.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','UT Martin instructor shows documentary in Nashville','Henri Giles presented her documentary “Waiting in the Wings: African-Americans in Country Music” on June 7 at the National Museum of African-American Music in Nashville as part the lead-up to the Country Music Association Festival.','publish','closed','closed','','ut-martin-instructor-shows-documentary-in-nashville','','','2023-06-16 08:40:11','2023-06-16 13:40:11','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4874',0,'post','',0),(4868,7,'2023-06-13 13:51:07','2023-06-13 18:51:07','','2023-06-13 GILES','','inherit','closed','closed','','2023-06-13-giles','','','2023-06-13 13:51:07','2023-06-13 18:51:07','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2023-06-13-GILES.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4871,7,'2023-06-13 16:12:36','2023-06-13 21:12:36','','NYC','','inherit','closed','closed','','nyc','','','2023-06-13 16:12:36','2023-06-13 21:12:36','',4870,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/NYC.jpeg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4872,7,'2023-06-13 16:12:55','2023-06-13 21:12:55','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Campus radio station WUTM (FM 90.3) earned several awards in the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System awards, presented Feb. 24-25 at the Sheraton Times Square in New York.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The awards won by WUTM included:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Best Sports Play-by-Play, Other: Davis Gregory and Amber Wright, Rodeo Night No. 3.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Best Business Director, Radio: Blaine McDonald</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Tom Gipson Award for Outstanding Engineer: Brian Thomas</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The station won the Platinum Award for overall collegiate broadcast excellence for the 14th straight year.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>WUTM was also a national finalist in four categories, including best radio public service announcement, best underwriting spot, best sports play-by-play (women’s basketball vs. Murray State University) and best radio news director (Callie Stone).</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Dr. Richard Robinson, the faculty adviser for the radio station, said earning the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) awards demonstrates the level of excellence shown by the radio station and its participants.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“It’s always good to know that students stack up well when they’re faced with competition from other universities,” he said. “We’ve done relatively well over the years in the state competitions – formerly the Associated Press and now the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters – and regional competitions like the Southeastern Journalism Conference and the national competitions like Collegiate Broadcasters and IBS.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“We hope what it says is that the students are turning out good, quality work and we’re preparing them for the workplace.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Robinson said earning the Platinum Award for overall excellence for the 14th straight year is especially gratifying.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“(The IBS) offers tiers of awards based upon the services you offer, the programming you have and the facilities you have,” he said. “They have Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, and Platinum is the highest. We’ve been able to maintain for a number of years now.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“We’ve had a good run, and IBS is the largest collegiate association of college and high school radio stations in the country.”<br>WUTM won the Best College Radio Station in the Nation in its category – universities with an enrollment under 10,000 – in 2012 and 2016.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>WUTM won its awards across a wide array of categories offered by the IBS.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“We enter all that we are eligible for – things that we actually do,” Robinson said. “It’s always good to see varied awards in different areas of programming; we’re not one-dimensional. News, which is very important to me and to us here in the department; and sports, which is a big part of what we do; public affairs – those types of things.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Overall, we hope that what we’re doing is presenting the student body and the campus and the surrounding area with quality radio programming while the students learn what they’re doing, how to do it and do it well.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>More information about WUTM FM 90.3 “The Hawk” – including news and programming information – can be found at wutmradio.com</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','WUTM Radio garners several broadcasting awards','Campus radio station WUTM (FM 90.3) earned several awards in the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System awards, presented Feb. 24-25 at the Sheraton Times Square in New York.','inherit','closed','closed','','4870-revision-v1','','','2023-06-13 16:12:55','2023-06-13 21:12:55','',4870,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4872',0,'revision','',0),(4870,8,'2023-06-13 16:15:15','2023-06-13 21:15:15','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Campus radio station WUTM (FM 90.3) earned several awards in the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System awards, presented Feb. 24-25 at the Sheraton Times Square in New York.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The awards won by WUTM included:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Best Sports Play-by-Play, Other: Davis Gregory and Amber Wright, Rodeo Night No. 3.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Best Business Director, Radio: Blaine McDonald</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Tom Gipson Award for Outstanding Engineer: Brian Thomas</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The station won the Platinum Award for overall collegiate broadcast excellence for the 14th straight year.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>WUTM was also a national finalist in four categories, including best radio public service announcement, best underwriting spot, best sports play-by-play (women’s basketball vs. Murray State University) and best radio news director (Callie Stone).</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Dr. Richard Robinson, the faculty adviser for the radio station, said earning the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) awards demonstrates the level of excellence shown by the radio station and its participants.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“It’s always good to know that students stack up well when they’re faced with competition from other universities,” he said. “We’ve done relatively well over the years in the state competitions – formerly the Associated Press and now the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters – and regional competitions like the Southeastern Journalism Conference and the national competitions like Collegiate Broadcasters and IBS.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“We hope what it says is that the students are turning out good, quality work and we’re preparing them for the workplace.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Robinson said earning the Platinum Award for overall excellence for the 14th straight year is especially gratifying.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“(The IBS) offers tiers of awards based upon the services you offer, the programming you have and the facilities you have,” he said. “They have Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, and Platinum is the highest. We’ve been able to maintain for a number of years now.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“We’ve had a good run, and IBS is the largest collegiate association of college and high school radio stations in the country.” WUTM won the Best College Radio Station in the Nation in its category – universities with an enrollment under 10,000 – in 2012 and 2016.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>WUTM won its awards across a wide array of categories offered by the IBS.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“We enter all that we are eligible for – things that we actually do,” Robinson said. “It’s always good to see varied awards in different areas of programming; we’re not one-dimensional. News, which is very important to me and to us here in the department; and sports, which is a big part of what we do; public affairs – those types of things.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Overall, we hope that what we’re doing is presenting the student body and the campus and the surrounding area with quality radio programming while the students learn what they’re doing, how to do it and do it well.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>More information about WUTM FM 90.3 “The Hawk” – including news and programming information – can be found at wutmradio.com</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','WUTM Radio garners several broadcasting awards','Campus radio station WUTM (FM 90.3) earned several awards in the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System awards, presented Feb. 24-25 at the Sheraton Times Square in New York.','publish','closed','closed','','wutm-radio-garners-several-broadcasting-awards','','','2023-06-16 08:47:13','2023-06-16 13:47:13','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4870',0,'post','',0),(4873,7,'2023-06-13 16:14:54','2023-06-13 21:14:54','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Campus radio station WUTM (FM 90.3) earned several awards in the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System awards, presented Feb. 24-25 at the Sheraton Times Square in New York.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The awards won by WUTM included:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Best Sports Play-by-Play, Other: Davis Gregory and Amber Wright, Rodeo Night No. 3.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Best Business Director, Radio: Blaine McDonald</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Tom Gipson Award for Outstanding Engineer: Brian Thomas</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The station won the Platinum Award for overall collegiate broadcast excellence for the 14th straight year.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>WUTM was also a national finalist in four categories, including best radio public service announcement, best underwriting spot, best sports play-by-play (women’s basketball vs. Murray State University) and best radio news director (Callie Stone).</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Dr. Richard Robinson, the faculty adviser for the radio station, said earning the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) awards demonstrates the level of excellence shown by the radio station and its participants.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“It’s always good to know that students stack up well when they’re faced with competition from other universities,” he said. “We’ve done relatively well over the years in the state competitions – formerly the Associated Press and now the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters – and regional competitions like the Southeastern Journalism Conference and the national competitions like Collegiate Broadcasters and IBS.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“We hope what it says is that the students are turning out good, quality work and we’re preparing them for the workplace.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Robinson said earning the Platinum Award for overall excellence for the 14th straight year is especially gratifying.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“(The IBS) offers tiers of awards based upon the services you offer, the programming you have and the facilities you have,” he said. “They have Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, and Platinum is the highest. We’ve been able to maintain for a number of years now.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“We’ve had a good run, and IBS is the largest collegiate association of college and high school radio stations in the country.” WUTM won the Best College Radio Station in the Nation in its category – universities with an enrollment under 10,000 – in 2012 and 2016.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>WUTM won its awards across a wide array of categories offered by the IBS.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“We enter all that we are eligible for – things that we actually do,” Robinson said. “It’s always good to see varied awards in different areas of programming; we’re not one-dimensional. News, which is very important to me and to us here in the department; and sports, which is a big part of what we do; public affairs – those types of things.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Overall, we hope that what we’re doing is presenting the student body and the campus and the surrounding area with quality radio programming while the students learn what they’re doing, how to do it and do it well.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>More information about WUTM FM 90.3 “The Hawk” – including news and programming information – can be found at wutmradio.com</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','WUTM Radio garners several broadcasting awards','Campus radio station WUTM (FM 90.3) earned several awards in the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System awards, presented Feb. 24-25 at the Sheraton Times Square in New York.','inherit','closed','closed','','4870-revision-v1','','','2023-06-13 16:14:54','2023-06-13 21:14:54','',4870,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4873',0,'revision','',0),(4878,7,'2023-06-15 09:29:18','2023-06-15 14:29:18','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Henri Giles presented her documentary “Waiting in the Wings: African-Americans in Country Music” on June 7 at the National Museum of African-American Music in Nashville as part the lead-up to the Country Music Association Festival.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“It was great. It was really nice,” she said. “We had a good crowd and a good reception to it, good questions.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“It was not part of the formal CMA Fest, but in Nashville leading up to the CMA Fest, there are a lot of events. While this was not an official part of CMA Fest, this was an event that the museum put on to capture what was going on in the city.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The National Museum of African-American Music (NMAAM) is celebrating Black Music Month throughout the month of June.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Giles, an instructor in the UTM Department of Mass Media and Strategic Communication, produced “Waiting in the Wings” in 2004, featuring the history of country music through the African-American perspective, starting with its roots in American slavery and moving to the 21st century.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Giles said the National Museum of African-American Music is across the street from Ryman Auditorium, one of the historical standout venues for country music.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“It is a wonderful facility that captures a lot of the different forms of Black music,” she said. “It’s a great facility.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Giles’ documentary was originally produced to be seen on CMT – Country Music Television – in 2004. The documentary also features Ray Charles, Charley Pride, Hank Williams Jr., Naomi Judd and Marty Stuart.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>&nbsp;It won a Telly Award and a National Association of Black Journalists award.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“There has been a lot of interest in the film since then,” she said. “We’ll get calls from people who want to screen it or to even use it as part of research.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I had a Ph.D. student contact me a couple of years ago because she was doing research about African-Americans in country music.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Giles said that someone familiar with “Waiting in the Wings” reached out to her to have it presented at NMAAM.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“This was someone who was familiar with the project and thought it would be a perfect fit for CMA Fest,” she said. “Someone approached us and they got in contact with the museum. The museum and this person worked together to make it happen.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“The staff at the museum, they were incredible. They could not have been more gracious.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The film was shown at 2 p.m. at NMAAM, so Giles did not expect a big crowd, but it did bring in 50 to 80 people.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“We were hoping for a good crowd, but I think the number really exceeded what we thought,” she said. “There was a group of young people there who happened to be visiting from Louisiana. It was a school group, and they really enjoyed the film.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Giles said the documentary captures the contributions that African-Americans have made to country music.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Traditionally, people tend to think that country music isn’t a form of music that Blacks listen to or have anything to do with,” she said. “But when you look at the history of the genre, nothing could be further from the truth. You can look at instruments like the banjo, which has its origins in Africa.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Our film touches on that, how music was brought to this country by enslaved people. As the music developed here, some of those African roots remained in this music.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Giles said some of the people in attendance at the film showing came up to her in surprise.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“They said, ‘I had no idea that Black people were involved in country music,’” she said. “Now, we see this interest in country music and we are seeing different artists who are making strides.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“In the film, we showcase different people who are, at the time, trying to build their careers in country music, and some of them have had quite a bit of success. One of those is Rissi Palmer. She is doing really well now. She had some partnerships with CMT, she has a podcast on Apple and she had a single that was released a few weeks ago that is doing well on the country charts.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Giles said “Waiting in the Wings” is a lesson in showing the struggle that began in country music years ago as African-Americans tried to make their mark in the genre.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I always describe myself as a storyteller,” she said. “I feel that there are so many pieces to life that we don’t know about. I think if people can know and understand these different nuances and culture, I think that will help them understand each other a little bit better.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Giles is pursuing a Ph.D. in mass media and rhetoric at the University of Memphis.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','UT Martin instructor shows documentary in Nashville','Henri Giles presented her documentary “Waiting in the Wings: African-Americans in Country Music” on June 7 at the National Museum of African-American Music in Nashville as part the lead-up to the Country Music Association Festival.','inherit','closed','closed','','4874-revision-v1','','','2023-06-15 09:29:18','2023-06-15 14:29:18','',4874,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4878',0,'revision','',0),(4883,2,'2023-06-22 10:02:32','2023-06-22 15:02:32','','06_June 20, 2023','','inherit','closed','closed','','06_june-20-2023','','','2023-06-22 10:02:32','2023-06-22 15:02:32','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/06_June-20-2023.pdf',0,'attachment','application/pdf',0),(4909,2,'2023-07-05 17:01:39','2023-07-05 22:01:39','','07_July 5, 2023','','inherit','closed','closed','','07_july-5-2023','','','2023-07-06 17:01:19','2023-07-06 22:01:19','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/07_July-5-2023.pdf',0,'attachment','application/pdf',0),(4926,7,'2023-07-14 08:12:27','2023-07-14 13:12:27','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><em>UT System News</em></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The University of Tennessee at Martin has a new chancellor after a special meeting of the UT Board of Trustees held Friday morning.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Trustees approved UT System President Randy Boyd’s recommendation that Yancy Freeman be appointed as the next chancellor of UT Martin. Freeman’s appointment is effective Aug. 9, 2023, and he will replace Keith Carver, who moved to senior vice chancellor/senior vice president of the UT Institute of Agriculture earlier in the year. Freeman’s compensation and terms were also approved.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Dr. Freeman is the right person at the right time to lead UT Martin. His student-centric focus is just what UT Martin needs, and I believe he will be enthusiastically welcomed by all students,” UT System President Randy Boyd said. “Dr. Freeman has proven to be a great listener, collaborator and team builder, and with the leadership already in place, I think the sky is the limit!”&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Freeman has served at UT Chattanooga for the past 25 years in various admissions, recruitment and enrollment roles. A first-generation college graduate, Freeman completed an undergraduate degree in political science, a master’s degree in public administration, and a doctorate in learning and leadership from UT Chattanooga. He currently serves on the boards of the Public Education Foundation in Chattanooga, The River City Company, and Chattanooga 2.0.&nbsp;Freeman was named a 2018 Top 30 Influential Leader in Chattanooga by City Scope Magazine, and he holds active memberships within several honor societies including Golden Key, Alpha Society and Phi Eta Sigma. Freeman is also a 2020 graduate of the UT System’s Executive Leadership Institute.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In other board business, the board approved the appointment of a managerial group for U.S. contracts.&nbsp; The board also approved a resolution regarding the joint Bachelor of Science program in nursing at the UT Health Science Center and UT Southern.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Yancy Freeman confirmed as next chancellor of UT Martin','The University of Tennessee at Martin has a new chancellor after a special meeting of the UT Board of Trustees held Friday morning.','publish','closed','closed','','yancy-freeman-confirmed-as-next-chancellor-of-ut-martin','','','2023-08-23 16:41:35','2023-08-23 21:41:35','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4926',0,'post','',0),(4889,4,'2023-06-27 14:22:57','2023-06-27 19:22:57','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Effective leaders look beyond their immediate surroundings to identify growth opportunities and ways to improve life for others. James “Pete” Johnson, a lifelong Jackson resident, saw West Tennessee from a different perspective and sees ways to move the region forward as a member of the University of Tennessee at Martin’s 2023 WestStar Leadership Program class.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Johnson was among 28 class members who graduated June 20 following a reception and dinner at the Boling University Center.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Including this year’s class, the program has graduated 945 participants since WestStar was established in 1989. Dr. Charley Deal, UT Martin vice chancellor for university advancement, led the program and graduation ceremony.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>WestStar’s 33rd graduating class included members from 17 West Tennessee counties. Participants are chosen annually by the program’s board of trustees, and selection is based on individual leadership achievements and potential to contribute to West Tennessee’s development.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Class members are selected from all occupations and levels of community and regional involvement. Eight sessions are held in different communities and cover topics such as agriculture and transportation, energy and environment, public policy issues, education and tourism.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Johnson is the Jackson-Madison County School Board chair and, through the sessions, saw firsthand community pride and how “every community has something unique” to build on for future growth and development.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“The challenge that we (the WestStar class) had was improving West Tennessee, so that’s one of my main takeaways is what we can do individually as a group to improve West Tennessee,” he said. Johnson said staying connected with WestStar classmates is one important way to apply what he’s learned.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>McKenzie resident Christy Williams, branch manager and vice president of Regions Bank, also valued the class sessions, and the people she met established connections that will help turn ideas into action. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Whenever I’m needing something, I have people I can reach out to and be able to make tough decisions and hopefully to make a bigger impact in the community,” Williams said, noting that she is already using her new knowledge. “I am on the chamber board, so I am hopefully going to be able to have a voice and be able to bring some things to the table through WestStar to help our community and Carroll County progress even more.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Kate Bynum, assistant district attorney for the 27<sup>th</sup> Judicial District Attorney General’s Office, lives in Dresden and learned about WestStar from her husband, Alex, a 2018 program graduate. Her time in the program generated connections and ideas that she can use immediately to make a positive impact.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I learned so much while visiting the other counties in West Tennessee – from the industry of the upcoming BlueOval City and the community programs in Haywood County to the school systems in Lauderdale and Dyer counties and on to the social programs helping individuals in Jackson and throughout West Tennessee and everywhere in between,” she said. “I have already made calls both professionally and in community programs talking about the great things happening in West Tennessee to try to bring good things back here to Weakley and Obion counties, where I live and work.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Johnson, Williams and Bynum each encouraged other community-minded individuals to consider applying for WestStar. “The learning environment that it (WestStar) provides is really unique, and I think it’s something that anyone that has an opportunity should try to experience,” Johnson said.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Award presentations were made before the graduation ceremony that included the C.P. Boyd Leadership Award. A current class member is selected who demonstrates the compassion, leadership and love for West Tennessee exemplified by the late Haywood County educator for whom the award is named. Dr. La Sonya Harris Hall, deputy chief administrative officer Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, was voted by her classmates to receive the award.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Also, the 25<sup>th</sup> Jimmy Daniel Make-A-Difference WestStar Leadership Alumni Award was presented to Art Sparks of Union City to recognize his many leadership roles in West Tennessee. Sparks is a partner for Alexander Thompson Arnold, PLLC. Selected by the WestStar board of trustees, the award is named for the late Jimmy Daniel, a 1990 WestStar graduate, founding board of trustee member and a West Tennessee field representative for Gov. Don Sundquist.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>WestStar-sponsored scholarships were presented to students from Paris and Martin. The Nick Dunagan Leadership Scholarship went to Austin Dunagan, a junior finance major from Paris, and the RisingStar Scholarship to an incoming first-year UT Martin student was presented to Betsy Mantooth, a 2023 Westview High School graduate from Martin who will major in social work. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Members of the 2023 WestStar graduating class are: Dr. Kyle Barron, vice president for student services, Jackson State Community College, Jackson; Kate Bynum, assistant district attorney, 27<sup>th</sup> Judicial District Attorney General’s Office, Dresden; Clay Cunha, director of business development, ServiceMaster, Cordova; Josh Frey, sheriff, Henry County, Paris; Dr. La Sonya Hall, deputy chief administrative officer, Shelby County Government, Memphis; Dr. Versie Hamlett, superintendent, Fayette County Schools, Somerville; Marcus Heaston, workforce development coordinator, Tipton County Schools, Covington; Sam Hedge, technician, Pest Stop, Camden; Sam Hutson, president, Crove Media, Paris; James “Pete” Johnson, chair, Jackson-Madison County School Board, Jackson; Undrae Johnson, director of parks and recreation, Haywood County Government, Brownsville; Tiffany Jones, owner, E&amp;T Contracting, LLC, Henderson; Jere Kail Jr., agent, Tennessee Farm Bureau Insurance, Dyersburg; Pamela Mabry, mayor, city of Newbern, Newbern; Melvin Martin, fire chief and Emergency Management Agency director, Savannah; Randy Moffett, territory manager, James Green and Associates, Sherwood; Tosh Newman, director, Carl Perkins Civic Center and the Jackson Baseball Stadium, Jackson; Brandon Orr, area director, USDA Rural Development, Union City; Eddie Pruett, director of schools, Gibson County Special School District, Medina; Bill Rawls, mayor, city of Brownsville, Brownsville; &nbsp;Michael Sargent, owner, State Farm, Paris; Larry Smith, financial advisor, Edward Jones, Lexington; Hannah Stewart, assistant director for marketing, UT Martin Office of University Relations, Martin; Donna Stines, philanthropy director, West Tennessee Healthcare, Jackson; Laura Suiter, director of development, University of Tennessee Foundation, UT Martin, Martin; Donnie Walton, vice president and loan officer, Commercial Bank and Trust Co., Union City; Christy Williams, branch manager and vice president, Regions Bank, McKenzie; and Timothy York, senior human resources business partner, Marvin Windows and Doors of Tennessee, Ripley.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Information about the WestStar Leadership Program is available at <a href=\"http://www.utm.edu/weststar\">www.utm.edu/weststar</a> or by calling 731-881-7298.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','WestStar Leadership Program graduates 33rd class','Effective leaders look beyond their immediate surroundings to identify growth opportunities and ways to improve life for others. ','publish','closed','closed','','weststar-leadership-program-graduates-33rd-class','','','2023-06-28 09:35:19','2023-06-28 14:35:19','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4889',0,'post','',0),(4890,7,'2023-06-27 14:21:47','2023-06-27 19:21:47','','WestStar Class 2023 (2)','','inherit','closed','closed','','weststar-class-2023-2','','','2023-06-27 14:21:47','2023-06-27 19:21:47','',4889,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/WestStar-Class-2023-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4891,7,'2023-06-27 14:22:03','2023-06-27 19:22:03','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Effective leaders look beyond their immediate surroundings to identify growth opportunities and ways to improve life for others. James “Pete” Johnson, a lifelong Jackson resident, saw West Tennessee from a different perspective and sees ways to move the region forward as a member of the University of Tennessee at Martin’s 2023 WestStar Leadership Program class.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Johnson was among 28 class members who graduated June 20 following a reception and dinner at the Boling University Center.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Including this year’s class, the program has graduated 945 participants since WestStar was established in 1989. Dr. Charley Deal, UT Martin vice chancellor for university advancement, led the program and graduation ceremony.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>WestStar’s 33rd graduating class included members from 17 West Tennessee counties. Participants are chosen annually by the program’s board of trustees, and selection is based on individual leadership achievements and potential to contribute to West Tennessee’s development.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Class members are selected from all occupations and levels of community and regional involvement. Eight sessions are held in different communities and cover topics such as agriculture and transportation, energy and environment, public policy issues, education and tourism.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Johnson is the Jackson-Madison County School Board chair and, through the sessions, saw firsthand community pride and how “every community has something unique” to build on for future growth and development.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“The challenge that we (the WestStar class) had was improving West Tennessee, so that’s one of my main takeaways is what we can do individually as a group to improve West Tennessee,” he said. Johnson said staying connected with WestStar classmates is one important way to apply what he’s learned.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>McKenzie resident Christy Williams, branch manager and vice president of Regions Bank, also valued the class sessions, and the people she met established connections that will help turn ideas into action.         </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Whenever I’m needing something, I have people I can reach out to and be able to make tough decisions and hopefully to make a bigger impact in the community,” Williams said, noting that she is already using her new knowledge. “I am on the chamber board, so I am hopefully going to be able to have a voice and be able to bring some things to the table through WestStar to help our community and Carroll County progress even more.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Kate Bynum, assistant district attorney for the 27<sup>th</sup> Judicial District Attorney General’s Office, lives in Dresden and learned about WestStar from her husband, Alex, a 2018 program graduate. Her time in the program generated connections and ideas that she can use immediately to make a positive impact.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I learned so much while visiting the other counties in West Tennessee – from the industry of the upcoming BlueOval City and the community programs in Haywood County to the school systems in Lauderdale and Dyer counties and on to the social programs helping individuals in Jackson and throughout West Tennessee and everywhere in between,” she said. “I have already made calls both professionally and in community programs talking about the great things happening in West Tennessee to try to bring good things back here to Weakley and Obion counties, where I live and work.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Johnson, Williams and Bynum each encouraged other community-minded individuals to consider applying for WestStar. “The learning environment that it (WestStar) provides is really unique, and I think it’s something that anyone that has an opportunity should try to experience,” Johnson said.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Award presentations were made before the graduation ceremony that included the C.P. Boyd Leadership Award. A current class member is selected who demonstrates the compassion, leadership and love for West Tennessee exemplified by the late Haywood County educator for whom the award is named. Dr. La Sonya Harris Hall, deputy chief administrative officer Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, was voted by her classmates to receive the award.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Also, the 25<sup>th</sup> Jimmy Daniel Make-A-Difference WestStar Leadership Alumni Award was presented to Art Sparks of Union City to recognize his many leadership roles in West Tennessee. Sparks is a partner for Alexander Thompson Arnold, PLLC. Selected by the WestStar board of trustees, the award is named for the late Jimmy Daniel, a 1990 WestStar graduate, founding board of trustee member and a West Tennessee field representative for Gov. Don Sundquist.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>WestStar-sponsored scholarships were presented to students from Paris and Martin. The Nick Dunagan Leadership Scholarship went to Austin Dunagan, a junior finance major from Paris, and the RisingStar Scholarship to an incoming first-year UT Martin student was presented to Betsy Mantooth, a 2023 Westview High School graduate from Martin who will major in social work. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Members of the 2023 WestStar graduating class are: Dr. Kyle Barron, vice president for student services, Jackson State Community College, Jackson; Kate Bynum, assistant district attorney, 27<sup>th</sup> Judicial District Attorney General’s Office, Dresden; Clay Cunha, director of business development, ServiceMaster, Cordova; Josh Frey, sheriff, Henry County, Paris; Dr. La Sonya Hall, deputy chief administrative officer, Shelby County Government, Memphis; Dr. Versie Hamlett, superintendent, Fayette County Schools, Somerville; Marcus Heaston, workforce development coordinator, Tipton County Schools, Covington; Sam Hedge, technician, Pest Stop, Camden; Sam Hutson, president, Crove Media, Paris; James “Pete” Johnson, chair, Jackson-Madison County School Board, Jackson; Undrae Johnson, director of parks and recreation, Haywood County Government, Brownsville; Tiffany Jones, owner, E&amp;T Contracting, LLC, Henderson; Jere Kail Jr., agent, Tennessee Farm Bureau Insurance, Dyersburg; Pamela Mabry, mayor, city of Newbern, Newbern; Melvin Martin, fire chief and Emergency Management Agency director, Savannah; Randy Moffett, territory manager, James Green and Associates, Sherwood; Tosh Newman, director, Carl Perkins Civic Center and the Jackson Baseball Stadium, Jackson; Brandon Orr, area director, USDA Rural Development, Union City; Eddie Pruett, director of schools, Gibson County Special School District, Medina; Bill Rawls, mayor, city of Brownsville, Brownsville; &nbsp;Michael Sargent, owner, State Farm, Paris; Larry Smith, financial advisor, Edward Jones, Lexington; Hannah Stewart, assistant director for marketing, UT Martin Office of University Relations, Martin; Donna Stines, philanthropy director, West Tennessee Healthcare, Jackson; Laura Suiter, director of development, University of Tennessee Foundation, UT Martin, Martin; Donnie Walton, vice president and loan officer, Commercial Bank and Trust Co., Union City; Christy Williams, branch manager and vice president, Regions Bank, McKenzie; and Timothy York, senior human resources business partner, Marvin Windows and Doors of Tennessee, Ripley.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Information about the WestStar Leadership Program is available at <a href=\"http://www.utm.edu/weststar\">www.utm.edu/weststar</a> or by calling 731-881-7298.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','WestStar Leadership Program graduates 33rd class','Effective leaders look beyond their immediate surroundings to identify growth opportunities and ways to improve life for others. ','inherit','closed','closed','','4889-revision-v1','','','2023-06-27 14:22:03','2023-06-27 19:22:03','',4889,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4891',0,'revision','',0),(4892,8,'2023-06-27 14:57:19','2023-06-27 19:57:19','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The University of Tennessee at Martin RISE fundraising campaign has surpassed its goal of $175 million weeks before its planned June 30 end date.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The RISE campaign is the university’s fourth campaign as well as its greatest fundraising endeavor in the university’s 123-year history.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In 2021, UTM completed its “Prepare for Takeoff” five-year strategic plan, which helped to guide the planning of the RISE campaign. The strategic plan was formed through an inclusive process involving more than 600 administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, students and members of surrounding communities.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The RISE campaign’s priorities aligned with the strategic plan and focused on two of its strategic themes:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li>Enhancing student outcomes through recruitment, retention and graduate students who are prepared to be responsible, informed and engaged citizens and leaders, and</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li> Strengthening engagement by being a model of responsible stewardship while improving the vitality and prosperity of West Tennessee and beyond.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Interim Chancellor Dr. Philip Acree Cavalier said the largest portion of the monies raised through the RISE campaign would support student scholarships and begin offering programs in veterinary technology and veterinary science and animal science at the Wildwood Farm in Germantown.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Funds will also support athletics and capital projects at the university.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Cavalier said he was pleased with the result of this ambitious effort and praised Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Dr. Charley Deal for his work on the project.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I’m thrilled that we have exceeded the very ambitious goal that was set for the RISE campaign,” he said. “Former chancellors Dr. Keith Carver and Dr. Bob Smith led the campaign for the university and played critical roles in creating a compelling case for supporting the transformational work of UT Martin, and Dr. Charley Deal played a major role in advancing that case and leading the advancement team to succeed.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Deal said the impact of the capital campaign cannot be undervalued and praised those who had a hand in its success.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“The historical outcome of this campaign will shape our university for generations to come,” he said. “Without a dedicated staff of professionals and a campus that embraces philanthropy, we would not have been successful in meeting and surpassing our goal.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Kerry Witcher, the chief executive officer for the UT Foundation, expressed his gratitude to those who contributed to the success of the campaign.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“All of us are grateful for the support from nearly 14,500 alumni and friends during the campaign,” he said. “Thanks to their generosity, UTM is well-positioned to serve the next generation of students.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Campaign co-chairs Charlie and Bettye Moore said they supported the campaign because “For us, it is our way of paying it forward to the next generation of leaders, innovators, nurses, teachers, etc. We are proud to have assisted in raising funds to support the amazing students that attend UT Martin. We want to thank the countless volunteers and donors who have invested their time and funds into making UTM a better place.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Previous UTM independent fundraising campaigns were initiated in 1977, 2000 and 2012.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Despite reaching and exceeding the target goal, people who want to contribute to the campaign may still do so at <a href=\"https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1341/utaa/form/19/form.aspx?sid=1341&amp;gid=5&amp;pgid=4197&amp;cid=6250&amp;src=hdrbtn\">give.utm.edu</a>. Donation information can be found at <a href=\"http://www.utm.edu\">www.utm.edu</a>, by calling 731-881-7620 or by emailing to <a href=\"mailto:development@utm.edu\">development@utm.edu</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','RISE Campaign meets $175 million goal ahead of schedule','The University of Tennessee at Martin RISE fundraising campaign has surpassed its goal of $175 million weeks before its planned June 30 end date.','publish','closed','closed','','rise-campaign-meets-175-million-goal-ahead-of-schedule','','','2023-06-28 11:22:09','2023-06-28 16:22:09','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4892',0,'post','',0),(4893,7,'2023-06-27 14:55:44','2023-06-27 19:55:44','','RISE logo','','inherit','closed','closed','','rise-logo','','','2023-06-27 14:55:44','2023-06-27 19:55:44','',4892,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/RISE-logo.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(4894,7,'2023-06-27 14:56:00','2023-06-27 19:56:00','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The University of Tennessee at Martin RISE fundraising campaign has surpassed its goal of $175 million weeks before its planned June 30 end date.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The RISE campaign is the university’s fourth campaign as well as its greatest fundraising endeavor in the university’s 123-year history.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In 2021, UTM completed its “Prepare for Takeoff” five-year strategic plan, which helped to guide the planning of the RISE campaign. The strategic plan was formed through an inclusive process involving more than 600 administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, students and members of surrounding communities.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The RISE campaign’s priorities aligned with the strategic plan and focused on two of its strategic themes:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li>Enhancing student outcomes through recruitment, retention and graduate students who are prepared to be responsible, informed and engaged citizens and leaders, and</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li> Strengthening engagement by being a model of responsible stewardship while improving the vitality and prosperity of West Tennessee and beyond.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Interim Chancellor Dr. Philip Acree Cavalier said the largest portion of the monies raised through the RISE campaign would support student scholarships and begin offering programs in veterinary technology and veterinary science and animal science at the Wildwood Farm in Germantown.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Funds will also support athletics and capital projects at the university.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Cavalier said he was pleased with the result of this ambitious effort and praised Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Dr. Charley Deal for his work on the project.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I’m thrilled that we have exceeded the very ambitious goal that was set for the RISE campaign,” he said. “Former chancellors Dr. Keith Carver and Dr. Bob Smith led the campaign for the university and played critical roles in creating a compelling case for supporting the transformational work of UT Martin, and Dr. Charley Deal played a major role in advancing that case and leading the advancement team to succeed.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Deal said the impact of the capital campaign cannot be undervalued and praised those who had a hand in its success.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“The historical outcome of this campaign will shape our university for generations to come,” he said. “Without a dedicated staff of professionals and a campus that embraces philanthropy, we would not have been successful in meeting and surpassing our goal.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Kerry Witcher, the chief executive officer for the UT Foundation, expressed his gratitude to those who contributed to the success of the campaign.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“All of us are grateful for the support from nearly 14,500 alumni and friends during the campaign,” he said. “Thanks to their generosity, UTM is well-positioned to serve the next generation of students.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Campaign co-chairs Charlie and Bettye Moore said they supported the campaign because “For us, it is our way of paying it forward to the next generation of leaders, innovators, nurses, teachers, etc. We are proud to have assisted in raising funds to support the amazing students that attend UT Martin. We want to thank the countless volunteers and donors who have invested their time and funds into making UTM a better place.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Previous UTM independent fundraising campaigns were initiated in 1977, 2000 and 2012.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Despite reaching and exceeding the target goal, people who want to contribute to the campaign may still do so as a way to contribute to the university’s future. Donation information can be found at <a href=\"http://www.utm.edu\">www.utm.edu</a>, by calling 731-881-7620 or by emailing to <a href=\"mailto:development@utm.edu\">development@utm.edu</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','RISE Campaign meets $175 million goal ahead of schedule','The University of Tennessee at Martin RISE fundraising campaign has surpassed its goal of $175 million weeks before its planned June 30 end date.','inherit','closed','closed','','4892-revision-v1','','','2023-06-27 14:56:00','2023-06-27 19:56:00','',4892,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4894',0,'revision','',0),(4895,7,'2023-06-27 14:56:21','2023-06-27 19:56:21','','Campaign Coin Toss','','inherit','closed','closed','','campaign-coin-toss','','','2023-06-27 14:56:21','2023-06-27 19:56:21','',4892,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Campaign-Coin-Toss.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4896,4,'2023-06-28 09:34:57','2023-06-28 14:34:57','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Art Sparks is accustomed to holding leadership roles, but being honored for his service doesn’t happen every day. That changed when he was honored June 20 by receiving the Jimmy Daniel Make-A-Difference WestStar Leadership Alumni Award during the program’s graduation celebration for its 2023 class at the University of Tennessee at Martin.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The graduation reception, dinner and ceremony were held in the Boling University Center’s Duncan Ballroom and were attended by the graduating WestStar class, program alumni and other guests.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Selected by the WestStar board of trustees, the award is named for the late Jimmy Daniel of McNairy County, a 1990 WestStar graduate, founding WestStar board of trustee member and a West Tennessee field representative for Gov. Don Sundquist. This is the 25<sup>th</sup> year for the award to be presented.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Well people who know me know that I’m seldom speechless, but I was for a second there – speechless,” Sparks said following the event’s conclusion. “I can’t tell you what a great honor it is to be recognized, and I can’t tell you what a great organization the WestStar (Leadership Program) is, which is a function of UT Martin, and I think most people that know me know how I care for UT Martin and West Tennessee.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Sparks is a partner at Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC, in Union City, where he has worked for 42 years. He is a 2016 WestStar graduate and has served two three-year terms on the program’s board of trustees. The 1976 UT Martin graduate remains involved as an alumnus and currently serves as the first and only chair of the university’s advisory board. He is also CEO of the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Sparks used the unexpected award presentation to remind those attending the importance of giving back to others.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I said when I accepted the award that I was the luckiest guy in the world because I was raised in West Tennessee and Tennessee and the United States of America,” he said. “I’ve been lucky enough to be in great communities. I’ve been associated with UT Martin. … I don’t think I’ll ever be able to, but if everyone would give back all the blessings that they have received in life to other folks, this country would be in a lot better shape.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Sparks is an advocate for leadership development and said the 2023 WestStar class holds the distinction of being the first to complete the program as Ford’s BlueOval City takes shape in Haywood County. Leaders have important roles as the innovative facility brings significant changes to the region.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“BlueOval City is going to affect West Tennessee in such a way that 30 years from now, if we are not careful, we will not recognize West Tennessee,” &nbsp;Sparks said. “This group of leaders along with the other alumni with WestStar, we need to be prepared to keep what we understand and appreciate about West Tennessee even while it is growing because it’s going to grow as a result of BlueOval City.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Sparks urges others to consider applying for the program and likes to remind WestStar graduates that completing the program is not the end of the experience.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“It is one of the best things that I’ve ever done, and honestly, when I graduated from WestStar much like I did as these people did tonight, I try to tell them, ‘That’s only the start,’” he said. “They have just now started in WestStar because the relationships that they have garnered through this process will be there forever and ever.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“ … It’s a great organization that knows no county lines or city lines. We are WestStar and we’re for the betterment of West Tennessee, period.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Learn more about WestStar at <a href=\"http://www.utm.edu/weststar\">www.utm.edu/weststar</a> or call 731-881-7298.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Art Sparks honored for making a difference','Art Sparks is accustomed to holding leadership roles, but being honored for his service doesn’t happen every day.','publish','closed','closed','','art-sparks-honored-for-making-a-difference','','','2023-06-28 09:34:57','2023-06-28 14:34:57','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4896',0,'post','',0),(4897,7,'2023-06-28 09:34:19','2023-06-28 14:34:19','','WestStar_Sparks 2023','','inherit','closed','closed','','weststar_sparks-2023','','','2023-06-28 09:34:19','2023-06-28 14:34:19','',4896,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/WestStar_Sparks-2023.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4898,7,'2023-06-28 09:34:38','2023-06-28 14:34:38','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Art Sparks is accustomed to holding leadership roles, but being honored for his service doesn’t happen every day. That changed when he was honored June 20 by receiving the Jimmy Daniel Make-A-Difference WestStar Leadership Alumni Award during the program’s graduation celebration for its 2023 class at the University of Tennessee at Martin.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The graduation reception, dinner and ceremony were held in the Boling University Center’s Duncan Ballroom and were attended by the graduating WestStar class, program alumni and other guests.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Selected by the WestStar board of trustees, the award is named for the late Jimmy Daniel of McNairy County, a 1990 WestStar graduate, founding WestStar board of trustee member and a West Tennessee field representative for Gov. Don Sundquist. This is the 25<sup>th</sup> year for the award to be presented.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Well people who know me know that I’m seldom speechless, but I was for a second there – speechless,” Sparks said following the event’s conclusion. “I can’t tell you what a great honor it is to be recognized, and I can’t tell you what a great organization the WestStar (Leadership Program) is, which is a function of UT Martin, and I think most people that know me know how I care for UT Martin and West Tennessee.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Sparks is a partner at Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC, in Union City, where he has worked for 42 years. He is a 2016 WestStar graduate and has served two three-year terms on the program’s board of trustees. The 1976 UT Martin graduate remains involved as an alumnus and currently serves as the first and only chair of the university’s advisory board. He is also CEO of the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Sparks used the unexpected award presentation to remind those attending the importance of giving back to others.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I said when I accepted the award that I was the luckiest guy in the world because I was raised in West Tennessee and Tennessee and the United States of America,” he said. “I’ve been lucky enough to be in great communities. I’ve been associated with UT Martin. … I don’t think I’ll ever be able to, but if everyone would give back all the blessings that they have received in life to other folks, this country would be in a lot better shape.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Sparks is an advocate for leadership development and said the 2023 WestStar class holds the distinction of being the first to complete the program as Ford’s BlueOval City takes shape in Haywood County. Leaders have important roles as the innovative facility brings significant changes to the region.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“BlueOval City is going to affect West Tennessee in such a way that 30 years from now, if we are not careful, we will not recognize West Tennessee,” &nbsp;Sparks said. “This group of leaders along with the other alumni with WestStar, we need to be prepared to keep what we understand and appreciate about West Tennessee even while it is growing because it’s going to grow as a result of BlueOval City.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Sparks urges others to consider applying for the program and likes to remind WestStar graduates that completing the program is not the end of the experience.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“It is one of the best things that I’ve ever done, and honestly, when I graduated from WestStar much like I did as these people did tonight, I try to tell them, ‘That’s only the start,’” he said. “They have just now started in WestStar because the relationships that they have garnered through this process will be there forever and ever.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“ … It’s a great organization that knows no county lines or city lines. We are WestStar and we’re for the betterment of West Tennessee, period.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Learn more about WestStar at <a href=\"http://www.utm.edu/weststar\">www.utm.edu/weststar</a> or call 731-881-7298.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Art Sparks honored for making a difference','Art Sparks is accustomed to holding leadership roles, but being honored for his service doesn’t happen every day.','inherit','closed','closed','','4896-revision-v1','','','2023-06-28 09:34:38','2023-06-28 14:34:38','',4896,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4898',0,'revision','',0),(4899,7,'2023-06-28 09:35:19','2023-06-28 14:35:19','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Effective leaders look beyond their immediate surroundings to identify growth opportunities and ways to improve life for others. James “Pete” Johnson, a lifelong Jackson resident, saw West Tennessee from a different perspective and sees ways to move the region forward as a member of the University of Tennessee at Martin’s 2023 WestStar Leadership Program class.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Johnson was among 28 class members who graduated June 20 following a reception and dinner at the Boling University Center.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Including this year’s class, the program has graduated 945 participants since WestStar was established in 1989. Dr. Charley Deal, UT Martin vice chancellor for university advancement, led the program and graduation ceremony.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>WestStar’s 33rd graduating class included members from 17 West Tennessee counties. Participants are chosen annually by the program’s board of trustees, and selection is based on individual leadership achievements and potential to contribute to West Tennessee’s development.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Class members are selected from all occupations and levels of community and regional involvement. Eight sessions are held in different communities and cover topics such as agriculture and transportation, energy and environment, public policy issues, education and tourism.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Johnson is the Jackson-Madison County School Board chair and, through the sessions, saw firsthand community pride and how “every community has something unique” to build on for future growth and development.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“The challenge that we (the WestStar class) had was improving West Tennessee, so that’s one of my main takeaways is what we can do individually as a group to improve West Tennessee,” he said. Johnson said staying connected with WestStar classmates is one important way to apply what he’s learned.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>McKenzie resident Christy Williams, branch manager and vice president of Regions Bank, also valued the class sessions, and the people she met established connections that will help turn ideas into action. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Whenever I’m needing something, I have people I can reach out to and be able to make tough decisions and hopefully to make a bigger impact in the community,” Williams said, noting that she is already using her new knowledge. “I am on the chamber board, so I am hopefully going to be able to have a voice and be able to bring some things to the table through WestStar to help our community and Carroll County progress even more.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Kate Bynum, assistant district attorney for the 27<sup>th</sup> Judicial District Attorney General’s Office, lives in Dresden and learned about WestStar from her husband, Alex, a 2018 program graduate. Her time in the program generated connections and ideas that she can use immediately to make a positive impact.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I learned so much while visiting the other counties in West Tennessee – from the industry of the upcoming BlueOval City and the community programs in Haywood County to the school systems in Lauderdale and Dyer counties and on to the social programs helping individuals in Jackson and throughout West Tennessee and everywhere in between,” she said. “I have already made calls both professionally and in community programs talking about the great things happening in West Tennessee to try to bring good things back here to Weakley and Obion counties, where I live and work.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Johnson, Williams and Bynum each encouraged other community-minded individuals to consider applying for WestStar. “The learning environment that it (WestStar) provides is really unique, and I think it’s something that anyone that has an opportunity should try to experience,” Johnson said.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Award presentations were made before the graduation ceremony that included the C.P. Boyd Leadership Award. A current class member is selected who demonstrates the compassion, leadership and love for West Tennessee exemplified by the late Haywood County educator for whom the award is named. Dr. La Sonya Harris Hall, deputy chief administrative officer Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, was voted by her classmates to receive the award.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Also, the 25<sup>th</sup> Jimmy Daniel Make-A-Difference WestStar Leadership Alumni Award was presented to Art Sparks of Union City to recognize his many leadership roles in West Tennessee. Sparks is a partner for Alexander Thompson Arnold, PLLC. Selected by the WestStar board of trustees, the award is named for the late Jimmy Daniel, a 1990 WestStar graduate, founding board of trustee member and a West Tennessee field representative for Gov. Don Sundquist.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>WestStar-sponsored scholarships were presented to students from Paris and Martin. The Nick Dunagan Leadership Scholarship went to Austin Dunagan, a junior finance major from Paris, and the RisingStar Scholarship to an incoming first-year UT Martin student was presented to Betsy Mantooth, a 2023 Westview High School graduate from Martin who will major in social work. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Members of the 2023 WestStar graduating class are: Dr. Kyle Barron, vice president for student services, Jackson State Community College, Jackson; Kate Bynum, assistant district attorney, 27<sup>th</sup> Judicial District Attorney General’s Office, Dresden; Clay Cunha, director of business development, ServiceMaster, Cordova; Josh Frey, sheriff, Henry County, Paris; Dr. La Sonya Hall, deputy chief administrative officer, Shelby County Government, Memphis; Dr. Versie Hamlett, superintendent, Fayette County Schools, Somerville; Marcus Heaston, workforce development coordinator, Tipton County Schools, Covington; Sam Hedge, technician, Pest Stop, Camden; Sam Hutson, president, Crove Media, Paris; James “Pete” Johnson, chair, Jackson-Madison County School Board, Jackson; Undrae Johnson, director of parks and recreation, Haywood County Government, Brownsville; Tiffany Jones, owner, E&amp;T Contracting, LLC, Henderson; Jere Kail Jr., agent, Tennessee Farm Bureau Insurance, Dyersburg; Pamela Mabry, mayor, city of Newbern, Newbern; Melvin Martin, fire chief and Emergency Management Agency director, Savannah; Randy Moffett, territory manager, James Green and Associates, Sherwood; Tosh Newman, director, Carl Perkins Civic Center and the Jackson Baseball Stadium, Jackson; Brandon Orr, area director, USDA Rural Development, Union City; Eddie Pruett, director of schools, Gibson County Special School District, Medina; Bill Rawls, mayor, city of Brownsville, Brownsville; &nbsp;Michael Sargent, owner, State Farm, Paris; Larry Smith, financial advisor, Edward Jones, Lexington; Hannah Stewart, assistant director for marketing, UT Martin Office of University Relations, Martin; Donna Stines, philanthropy director, West Tennessee Healthcare, Jackson; Laura Suiter, director of development, University of Tennessee Foundation, UT Martin, Martin; Donnie Walton, vice president and loan officer, Commercial Bank and Trust Co., Union City; Christy Williams, branch manager and vice president, Regions Bank, McKenzie; and Timothy York, senior human resources business partner, Marvin Windows and Doors of Tennessee, Ripley.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Information about the WestStar Leadership Program is available at <a href=\"http://www.utm.edu/weststar\">www.utm.edu/weststar</a> or by calling 731-881-7298.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','WestStar Leadership Program graduates 33rd class','Effective leaders look beyond their immediate surroundings to identify growth opportunities and ways to improve life for others. ','inherit','closed','closed','','4889-revision-v1','','','2023-06-28 09:35:19','2023-06-28 14:35:19','',4889,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4899',0,'revision','',0),(4900,8,'2023-06-28 09:54:21','2023-06-28 14:54:21','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Michael O’Neill will be the next director of the University of Tennessee at Martin Department of Public Safety.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>O’Neill comes to the Martin campus after serving 28 years in the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office in St. Paul, Minnesota, where his most recent rank was commander. He most recently served as the watch commander and hospital security unit commander, overseeing all operations after hours for a department of more than 450 employees. He also directly supervised a hospital unit of two sergeants, 13 deputies and other correctional staff.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"align\":\"left\",\"id\":4903,\"width\":292,\"height\":411,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img src=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/ONEILL-Michael.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4903\" width=\"292\" height=\"411\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>O’Neill also serves as a command sergeant major in the U.S. Army Reserve, where he has served for 25 years. He is a member of the command team of the 6th Brigade 102nd Division, conducting all civil affairs and psychological operations training in the Army Reserve. He is also the garrison command sergeant major, or “mayor,” of the military base at Fort Totten, New York. He has previously served as a military police command sergeant major, operations sergeant major and first sergeant, and has deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"My wife, Barbara, and I are excited to join the University of Tennessee at Martin community,” O’Neill said. “I will focus on continuing to provide a safe environment for the students, staff and faculty at UTM while also building positive relationships with the police. I am thankful for this wonderful opportunity.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>O’Neill’s awards include the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Distinguished Service Medal, the U.S. Army Bronze Star, Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Combat Action Badge.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The director of public safety is responsible for directing UT Martin’s efforts to provide a safe, secure and orderly environment for members of the campus community and visitors to the campus. This responsibility is fulfilled through crime prevention activities and education, enforcement activities and extensive interactions with students, faculty, staff members, non-campus individuals and groups that frequent the campus or that are otherwise impacted by and have an impact on the university.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>O’Neill earned his bachelor’s degree in 2010 from Columbia College in Missouri and his master of business administration degree from Columbia Southern University. He earned an executive certificate in leadership and management in 2012 from the University of Notre Dame and a graduate certificate in police executive leadership development in 2022 from the Southern Police Institute in Louisville.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>He is currently pursuing his doctor of philosophy degree in public policy and administration from Walden University in Minneapolis, where he is completing his dissertation.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“UT Martin will be fortunate to have Commander Michael O’Neill join the Department of Public Safety,” said Petra Rencher McPhearson, the senior vice chancellor for finance and accounting. “In addition to his military experience, his law enforcement background – including peer support counseling, crisis intervention, investigations, training instruction and state and federal collaborations – have positioned him to lead our incredibly dedicated campus police force.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>O’Neill succeeds Monte Belew as the director of public safety. Belew held the position for three years after serving as the Henry County sheriff for 14 years. Lt. Jerry Garcia has served as interim director of public safety since Belew’s departure.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','O\'Neill named director of UT Martin Department of Public Safety','Michael O’Neill will be the next director of the University of Tennessee at Martin Department of Public Safety.','publish','closed','closed','','oneill-named-director-of-ut-martin-department-of-public-safety','','','2023-08-23 16:43:21','2023-08-23 21:43:21','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4900',0,'post','',0),(4901,7,'2023-06-28 09:50:29','2023-06-28 14:50:29','','11162021_PublicSafetyBlueLight002 (1)','','inherit','closed','closed','','11162021_publicsafetybluelight002-1','','','2023-06-28 09:50:29','2023-06-28 14:50:29','',4900,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/11162021_PublicSafetyBlueLight002-1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4902,7,'2023-06-28 09:50:39','2023-06-28 14:50:39','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Michael O’Neill will be the next director of the University of Tennessee at Martin Department of Public Safety, the university announced today.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>O’Neill comes to the Martin campus after serving 28 years in the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office in St. Paul, Minnesota, where his most recent rank was commander. He most recently served as the watch commander and hospital security unit commander, overseeing all operations after hours for a department of more than 450 employees. He also directly supervised a hospital unit of two sergeants, 13 deputies and other correctional staff.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>O’Neill also serves as a command sergeant major in the U.S. Army Reserve, where he has served for 25 years. He is a member of the command team of the 6th Brigade 102nd Division, conducting all civil affairs and psychological operations training in the Army Reserve. He is also the garrison command sergeant major, or “mayor,” of the military base at Fort Totten, New York. He has previously served as a military police command sergeant major, operations sergeant major and first sergeant, and has deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"My wife, Barbara, and I are excited to join the University of Tennessee at Martin community,” O’Neill said. “I will focus on continuing to provide a safe environment for the students, staff and faculty at UTM while also building positive relationships with the police. I am thankful for this wonderful opportunity.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>O’Neill’s awards include the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Distinguished Service Medal, the U.S. Army Bronze Star, Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Combat Action Badge.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The director of public safety is responsible for directing UT Martin’s efforts to provide a safe, secure and orderly environment for members of the campus community and visitors to the campus. This responsibility is fulfilled through crime prevention activities and education, enforcement activities and extensive interactions with students, faculty, staff members, non-campus individuals and groups that frequent the campus or that are otherwise impacted by and have an impact on the university. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>O’Neill earned his bachelor’s degree in 2010 from Columbia College in Missouri and his master of business administration degree from Columbia Southern University. He earned an executive certificate in leadership and management in 2012 from the University of Notre Dame and a graduate certificate in police executive leadership development in 2022 from the Southern Police Institute in Louisville.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>He is currently pursuing his doctor of philosophy degree in public policy and administration from Walden University in Minneapolis, where he is completing his dissertation.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“UT Martin will be fortunate to have Commander Michael O’Neill join the Department of Public Safety,” said Petra Rencher McPhearson, the senior vice chancellor for finance and accounting. “In addition to his military experience, his law enforcement background – including peer support counseling, crisis intervention, investigations, training instruction and state and federal collaborations – have positioned him to lead our incredibly dedicated campus police force.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>O’Neill succeeds Monte Belew as the director of public safety. Belew held the position for three years after serving as the Henry County sheriff for 14 years. Lt. Jerry Garcia has served as interim director of public safety since Belew’s departure.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','O\'Neill named director of UT Martin Department of Public Safety','Michael O’Neill will be the next director of the University of Tennessee at Martin Department of Public Safety, the university announced today.','inherit','closed','closed','','4900-revision-v1','','','2023-06-28 09:50:39','2023-06-28 14:50:39','',4900,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4902',0,'revision','',0),(4903,7,'2023-06-28 09:51:39','2023-06-28 14:51:39','','ONEILL-Michael','','inherit','closed','closed','','oneill-michael','','','2023-06-28 09:51:39','2023-06-28 14:51:39','',4900,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/ONEILL-Michael.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4904,7,'2023-06-28 09:52:30','2023-06-28 14:52:30','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Michael O’Neill will be the next director of the University of Tennessee at Martin Department of Public Safety, the university announced today.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>O’Neill comes to the Martin campus after serving 28 years in the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office in St. Paul, Minnesota, where his most recent rank was commander. He most recently served as the watch commander and hospital security unit commander, overseeing all operations after hours for a department of more than 450 employees. He also directly supervised a hospital unit of two sergeants, 13 deputies and other correctional staff.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"align\":\"center\",\"id\":4903,\"width\":292,\"height\":411,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img src=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/ONEILL-Michael.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4903\" width=\"292\" height=\"411\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>O’Neill also serves as a command sergeant major in the U.S. Army Reserve, where he has served for 25 years. He is a member of the command team of the 6th Brigade 102nd Division, conducting all civil affairs and psychological operations training in the Army Reserve. He is also the garrison command sergeant major, or “mayor,” of the military base at Fort Totten, New York. He has previously served as a military police command sergeant major, operations sergeant major and first sergeant, and has deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"My wife, Barbara, and I are excited to join the University of Tennessee at Martin community,” O’Neill said. “I will focus on continuing to provide a safe environment for the students, staff and faculty at UTM while also building positive relationships with the police. I am thankful for this wonderful opportunity.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>O’Neill’s awards include the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Distinguished Service Medal, the U.S. Army Bronze Star, Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Combat Action Badge.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The director of public safety is responsible for directing UT Martin’s efforts to provide a safe, secure and orderly environment for members of the campus community and visitors to the campus. This responsibility is fulfilled through crime prevention activities and education, enforcement activities and extensive interactions with students, faculty, staff members, non-campus individuals and groups that frequent the campus or that are otherwise impacted by and have an impact on the university. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>O’Neill earned his bachelor’s degree in 2010 from Columbia College in Missouri and his master of business administration degree from Columbia Southern University. He earned an executive certificate in leadership and management in 2012 from the University of Notre Dame and a graduate certificate in police executive leadership development in 2022 from the Southern Police Institute in Louisville.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>He is currently pursuing his doctor of philosophy degree in public policy and administration from Walden University in Minneapolis, where he is completing his dissertation.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“UT Martin will be fortunate to have Commander Michael O’Neill join the Department of Public Safety,” said Petra Rencher McPhearson, the senior vice chancellor for finance and accounting. “In addition to his military experience, his law enforcement background – including peer support counseling, crisis intervention, investigations, training instruction and state and federal collaborations – have positioned him to lead our incredibly dedicated campus police force.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>O’Neill succeeds Monte Belew as the director of public safety. Belew held the position for three years after serving as the Henry County sheriff for 14 years. Lt. Jerry Garcia has served as interim director of public safety since Belew’s departure.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','O\'Neill named director of UT Martin Department of Public Safety','Michael O’Neill will be the next director of the University of Tennessee at Martin Department of Public Safety, the university announced today.','inherit','closed','closed','','4900-revision-v1','','','2023-06-28 09:52:30','2023-06-28 14:52:30','',4900,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4904',0,'revision','',0),(4905,7,'2023-06-28 09:54:21','2023-06-28 14:54:21','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Michael O’Neill will be the next director of the University of Tennessee at Martin Department of Public Safety.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>O’Neill comes to the Martin campus after serving 28 years in the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office in St. Paul, Minnesota, where his most recent rank was commander. He most recently served as the watch commander and hospital security unit commander, overseeing all operations after hours for a department of more than 450 employees. He also directly supervised a hospital unit of two sergeants, 13 deputies and other correctional staff.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"align\":\"center\",\"id\":4903,\"width\":292,\"height\":411,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img src=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/ONEILL-Michael.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4903\" width=\"292\" height=\"411\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>O’Neill also serves as a command sergeant major in the U.S. Army Reserve, where he has served for 25 years. He is a member of the command team of the 6th Brigade 102nd Division, conducting all civil affairs and psychological operations training in the Army Reserve. He is also the garrison command sergeant major, or “mayor,” of the military base at Fort Totten, New York. He has previously served as a military police command sergeant major, operations sergeant major and first sergeant, and has deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"My wife, Barbara, and I are excited to join the University of Tennessee at Martin community,” O’Neill said. “I will focus on continuing to provide a safe environment for the students, staff and faculty at UTM while also building positive relationships with the police. I am thankful for this wonderful opportunity.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>O’Neill’s awards include the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Distinguished Service Medal, the U.S. Army Bronze Star, Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Combat Action Badge.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The director of public safety is responsible for directing UT Martin’s efforts to provide a safe, secure and orderly environment for members of the campus community and visitors to the campus. This responsibility is fulfilled through crime prevention activities and education, enforcement activities and extensive interactions with students, faculty, staff members, non-campus individuals and groups that frequent the campus or that are otherwise impacted by and have an impact on the university. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>O’Neill earned his bachelor’s degree in 2010 from Columbia College in Missouri and his master of business administration degree from Columbia Southern University. He earned an executive certificate in leadership and management in 2012 from the University of Notre Dame and a graduate certificate in police executive leadership development in 2022 from the Southern Police Institute in Louisville.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>He is currently pursuing his doctor of philosophy degree in public policy and administration from Walden University in Minneapolis, where he is completing his dissertation.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“UT Martin will be fortunate to have Commander Michael O’Neill join the Department of Public Safety,” said Petra Rencher McPhearson, the senior vice chancellor for finance and accounting. “In addition to his military experience, his law enforcement background – including peer support counseling, crisis intervention, investigations, training instruction and state and federal collaborations – have positioned him to lead our incredibly dedicated campus police force.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>O’Neill succeeds Monte Belew as the director of public safety. Belew held the position for three years after serving as the Henry County sheriff for 14 years. Lt. Jerry Garcia has served as interim director of public safety since Belew’s departure.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','O\'Neill named director of UT Martin Department of Public Safety','Michael O’Neill will be the next director of the University of Tennessee at Martin Department of Public Safety.','inherit','closed','closed','','4900-revision-v1','','','2023-06-28 09:54:21','2023-06-28 14:54:21','',4900,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4905',0,'revision','',0),(4906,7,'2023-06-28 11:21:39','2023-06-28 16:21:39','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The University of Tennessee at Martin RISE fundraising campaign has surpassed its goal of $175 million weeks before its planned June 30 end date.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The RISE campaign is the university’s fourth campaign as well as its greatest fundraising endeavor in the university’s 123-year history.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In 2021, UTM completed its “Prepare for Takeoff” five-year strategic plan, which helped to guide the planning of the RISE campaign. The strategic plan was formed through an inclusive process involving more than 600 administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, students and members of surrounding communities.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The RISE campaign’s priorities aligned with the strategic plan and focused on two of its strategic themes:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li>Enhancing student outcomes through recruitment, retention and graduate students who are prepared to be responsible, informed and engaged citizens and leaders, and</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li> Strengthening engagement by being a model of responsible stewardship while improving the vitality and prosperity of West Tennessee and beyond.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Interim Chancellor Dr. Philip Acree Cavalier said the largest portion of the monies raised through the RISE campaign would support student scholarships and begin offering programs in veterinary technology and veterinary science and animal science at the Wildwood Farm in Germantown.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Funds will also support athletics and capital projects at the university.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Cavalier said he was pleased with the result of this ambitious effort and praised Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Dr. Charley Deal for his work on the project.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I’m thrilled that we have exceeded the very ambitious goal that was set for the RISE campaign,” he said. “Former chancellors Dr. Keith Carver and Dr. Bob Smith led the campaign for the university and played critical roles in creating a compelling case for supporting the transformational work of UT Martin, and Dr. Charley Deal played a major role in advancing that case and leading the advancement team to succeed.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Deal said the impact of the capital campaign cannot be undervalued and praised those who had a hand in its success.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“The historical outcome of this campaign will shape our university for generations to come,” he said. “Without a dedicated staff of professionals and a campus that embraces philanthropy, we would not have been successful in meeting and surpassing our goal.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Kerry Witcher, the chief executive officer for the UT Foundation, expressed his gratitude to those who contributed to the success of the campaign.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“All of us are grateful for the support from nearly 14,500 alumni and friends during the campaign,” he said. “Thanks to their generosity, UTM is well-positioned to serve the next generation of students.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Campaign co-chairs Charlie and Bettye Moore said they supported the campaign because “For us, it is our way of paying it forward to the next generation of leaders, innovators, nurses, teachers, etc. We are proud to have assisted in raising funds to support the amazing students that attend UT Martin. We want to thank the countless volunteers and donors who have invested their time and funds into making UTM a better place.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Previous UTM independent fundraising campaigns were initiated in 1977, 2000 and 2012.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Despite reaching and exceeding the target goal, people who want to contribute to the campaign may still do so at give.utm.edu. Donation information can be found at <a href=\"http://www.utm.edu\">www.utm.edu</a>, by calling 731-881-7620 or by emailing to <a href=\"mailto:development@utm.edu\">development@utm.edu</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','RISE Campaign meets $175 million goal ahead of schedule','The University of Tennessee at Martin RISE fundraising campaign has surpassed its goal of $175 million weeks before its planned June 30 end date.','inherit','closed','closed','','4892-autosave-v1','','','2023-06-28 11:21:39','2023-06-28 16:21:39','',4892,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4906',0,'revision','',0),(4907,7,'2023-06-28 11:22:09','2023-06-28 16:22:09','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The University of Tennessee at Martin RISE fundraising campaign has surpassed its goal of $175 million weeks before its planned June 30 end date.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The RISE campaign is the university’s fourth campaign as well as its greatest fundraising endeavor in the university’s 123-year history.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In 2021, UTM completed its “Prepare for Takeoff” five-year strategic plan, which helped to guide the planning of the RISE campaign. The strategic plan was formed through an inclusive process involving more than 600 administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, students and members of surrounding communities.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The RISE campaign’s priorities aligned with the strategic plan and focused on two of its strategic themes:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li>Enhancing student outcomes through recruitment, retention and graduate students who are prepared to be responsible, informed and engaged citizens and leaders, and</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li> Strengthening engagement by being a model of responsible stewardship while improving the vitality and prosperity of West Tennessee and beyond.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Interim Chancellor Dr. Philip Acree Cavalier said the largest portion of the monies raised through the RISE campaign would support student scholarships and begin offering programs in veterinary technology and veterinary science and animal science at the Wildwood Farm in Germantown.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Funds will also support athletics and capital projects at the university.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Cavalier said he was pleased with the result of this ambitious effort and praised Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Dr. Charley Deal for his work on the project.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I’m thrilled that we have exceeded the very ambitious goal that was set for the RISE campaign,” he said. “Former chancellors Dr. Keith Carver and Dr. Bob Smith led the campaign for the university and played critical roles in creating a compelling case for supporting the transformational work of UT Martin, and Dr. Charley Deal played a major role in advancing that case and leading the advancement team to succeed.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Deal said the impact of the capital campaign cannot be undervalued and praised those who had a hand in its success.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“The historical outcome of this campaign will shape our university for generations to come,” he said. “Without a dedicated staff of professionals and a campus that embraces philanthropy, we would not have been successful in meeting and surpassing our goal.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Kerry Witcher, the chief executive officer for the UT Foundation, expressed his gratitude to those who contributed to the success of the campaign.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“All of us are grateful for the support from nearly 14,500 alumni and friends during the campaign,” he said. “Thanks to their generosity, UTM is well-positioned to serve the next generation of students.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Campaign co-chairs Charlie and Bettye Moore said they supported the campaign because “For us, it is our way of paying it forward to the next generation of leaders, innovators, nurses, teachers, etc. We are proud to have assisted in raising funds to support the amazing students that attend UT Martin. We want to thank the countless volunteers and donors who have invested their time and funds into making UTM a better place.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Previous UTM independent fundraising campaigns were initiated in 1977, 2000 and 2012.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Despite reaching and exceeding the target goal, people who want to contribute to the campaign may still do so at <a href=\"https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1341/utaa/form/19/form.aspx?sid=1341&amp;gid=5&amp;pgid=4197&amp;cid=6250&amp;src=hdrbtn\">give.utm.edu</a>. Donation information can be found at <a href=\"http://www.utm.edu\">www.utm.edu</a>, by calling 731-881-7620 or by emailing to <a href=\"mailto:development@utm.edu\">development@utm.edu</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','RISE Campaign meets $175 million goal ahead of schedule','The University of Tennessee at Martin RISE fundraising campaign has surpassed its goal of $175 million weeks before its planned June 30 end date.','inherit','closed','closed','','4892-revision-v1','','','2023-06-28 11:22:09','2023-06-28 16:22:09','',4892,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4907',0,'revision','',0),(4912,7,'2023-07-10 09:58:42','2023-07-10 14:58:42','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><em><strong>From UT System President Randy Boyd</strong></em></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I am pleased to announce that I am recommending Yancy Freeman as the next chancellor to lead the University of Tennessee at Martin.  I will recommend his election by the Board of Trustees at a special meeting July 14 at 8:45 EDT.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One of the most important responsibilities I have as president is hiring outstanding people to lead our campuses and institutes. &nbsp;Thank you to everyone who participated in the search process. &nbsp;Your involvement and feedback contributed to the process in significant ways. &nbsp;Yancy is the right person at the right time to lead UT Martin. &nbsp;He will bring energy, excitement and expertise to the campus, and will be a generational and transformative leader.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li>The biggest challenge and opportunity at Martin will be increasing enrollment and retention, and these are his greatest areas of expertise. Under his leadership at UT&nbsp;Chattanooga,&nbsp;enrollment has held strong while peers have experienced more significant declines, retention and graduation rates have increased significantly, and students of all backgrounds are achieving almost equal success.</li><li>He is a first-generation college graduate and has a passion for serving students. His student-centric focus is just what UT Martin needs, and I believe he will be enthusiastically welcomed by all students.</li><li>He is committed to the state of Tennessee and committed to One UT. I expect him to serve UT Martin for many years to come.</li><li>He is from West Tennessee; his wife is a graduate of UT Martin. He is committed to this region of the state. His roots are here and his future is here. His authentic passion for West Tennessee will make him an excellent recruiter, an effective fundraiser and an engaged member of the community.</li><li>He knows the UT System. He has embraced the OneUT philosophy and knows our culture, lives&nbsp;our Be One UT values, and is known and respected by colleagues across the state. &nbsp;He will be able to reach out to other campuses for partnerships and leverage the entire UT System to its fullest.</li><li>He has broad expertise and experience across enrollment services, student affairs and student success, and has been a trusted partner to faculty and academic leaders. Like all of us, he will be expected to&nbsp;lean&nbsp;on talented colleagues, and he has the&nbsp;fortune&nbsp;of being surrounded by a very strong leadership team already in place. He has proven to be a great listener, collaborator and team builder, and with the leadership already in place, I think the sky is the limit!</li><li>He is student focused, which is such an important attribute for a leader of this great regional campus.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Dr. Freeman is planning to start Aug. 9. Pending the UT Board’s approval, it will be all our responsibility to rally around Dr. Freeman to ensure not just his success, but the success of UT Martin.&nbsp; I couldn’t be more excited for UT Martin and the Skyhawk Family!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Yancy Freeman to be recommended as next chancellor of UT Martin','','publish','closed','closed','','yancy-freeman-to-be-recommended-as-next-chancellor-of-ut-martin','','','2023-07-10 09:58:42','2023-07-10 14:58:42','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4912',0,'post','',0),(4913,7,'2023-07-10 09:52:24','2023-07-10 14:52:24','','YancyFreeman','Yancy Freeman','inherit','closed','closed','','yancyfreeman','','','2023-07-10 09:52:35','2023-07-10 14:52:35','',4912,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/YancyFreeman.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4914,7,'2023-07-10 09:53:06','2023-07-10 14:53:06','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><em><strong>From UT System President Randy Boyd</strong></em></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I am pleased to announce that I am recommending Yancy Freeman as the next chancellor to lead the University of Tennessee at Martin.  I will recommend his election by the Board of Trustees at a special meeting July 14 at 8:45 EDT.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One of the most important responsibilities I have as president is hiring outstanding people to lead our campuses and institutes. &nbsp;Thank you to everyone who participated in the search process. &nbsp;Your involvement and feedback contributed to the process in significant ways. &nbsp;Yancy is the right person at the right time to lead UT Martin. &nbsp;He will bring energy, excitement and expertise to the campus, and will be a generational and transformative leader.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li>The biggest challenge and opportunity at Martin will be increasing enrollment and retention, and these are his greatest areas of expertise. Under his leadership at UT&nbsp;Chattanooga,&nbsp;enrollment has held strong while peers have experienced more significant declines, retention and graduation rates have increased significantly, and students of all backgrounds are achieving almost equal success.</li><li>He is a first-generation college graduate and has a passion for serving students. His student-centric focus is just what UT Martin needs, and I believe he will be enthusiastically welcomed by all students.</li><li>He is committed to the state of Tennessee and committed to One UT. I expect him to serve UT Martin for many years to come.</li><li>He is from West Tennessee; his wife is a graduate of UT Martin. He is committed to this region of the state. His roots are here and his future is here. His authentic passion for West Tennessee will make him an excellent recruiter, an effective fundraiser and an engaged member of the community.</li><li>He knows the UT System. He has embraced the OneUT philosophy and knows our culture, lives&nbsp;our Be One UT values, and is known and respected by colleagues across the state. &nbsp;He will be able to reach out to other campuses for partnerships and leverage the entire UT System to its fullest.</li><li>He has broad expertise and experience across enrollment services, student affairs and student success, and has been a trusted partner to faculty and academic leaders. Like all of us, he will be expected to&nbsp;lean&nbsp;on talented colleagues, and he has the&nbsp;fortune&nbsp;of being surrounded by a very strong leadership team already in place. He has proven to be a great listener, collaborator and team builder, and with the leadership already in place, I think the sky is the limit!</li><li>He is student focused, which is such an important attribute for a leader of this great regional campus.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Dr. Freeman is planning to start Aug. 9. Pending the UT Board’s approval, it will be all our responsibility to rally around Dr. Freeman to ensure not just his success, but the success of UT Martin.&nbsp; I couldn’t be more excited for UT Martin and the Skyhawk Family!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Yancy Freeman to be Recommended as Next Chancellor of UT Martin','','inherit','closed','closed','','4912-revision-v1','','','2023-07-10 09:53:06','2023-07-10 14:53:06','',4912,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4914',0,'revision','',0),(4915,7,'2023-07-10 09:54:39','2023-07-10 14:54:39','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><em><strong>From UT System President Randy Boyd</strong></em></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I am pleased to announce that I am recommending Yancy Freeman as the next chancellor to lead the University of Tennessee at Martin.  I will recommend his election by the Board of Trustees at a special meeting July 14 at 8:45 EDT.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One of the most important responsibilities I have as president is hiring outstanding people to lead our campuses and institutes. &nbsp;Thank you to everyone who participated in the search process. &nbsp;Your involvement and feedback contributed to the process in significant ways. &nbsp;Yancy is the right person at the right time to lead UT Martin. &nbsp;He will bring energy, excitement and expertise to the campus, and will be a generational and transformative leader.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li>The biggest challenge and opportunity at Martin will be increasing enrollment and retention, and these are his greatest areas of expertise. Under his leadership at UT&nbsp;Chattanooga,&nbsp;enrollment has held strong while peers have experienced more significant declines, retention and graduation rates have increased significantly, and students of all backgrounds are achieving almost equal success.</li><li>He is a first-generation college graduate and has a passion for serving students. His student-centric focus is just what UT Martin needs, and I believe he will be enthusiastically welcomed by all students.</li><li>He is committed to the state of Tennessee and committed to One UT. I expect him to serve UT Martin for many years to come.</li><li>He is from West Tennessee; his wife is a graduate of UT Martin. He is committed to this region of the state. His roots are here and his future is here. His authentic passion for West Tennessee will make him an excellent recruiter, an effective fundraiser and an engaged member of the community.</li><li>He knows the UT System. He has embraced the OneUT philosophy and knows our culture, lives&nbsp;our Be One UT values, and is known and respected by colleagues across the state. &nbsp;He will be able to reach out to other campuses for partnerships and leverage the entire UT System to its fullest.</li><li>He has broad expertise and experience across enrollment services, student affairs and student success, and has been a trusted partner to faculty and academic leaders. Like all of us, he will be expected to&nbsp;lean&nbsp;on talented colleagues, and he has the&nbsp;fortune&nbsp;of being surrounded by a very strong leadership team already in place. He has proven to be a great listener, collaborator and team builder, and with the leadership already in place, I think the sky is the limit!</li><li>He is student focused, which is such an important attribute for a leader of this great regional campus.</li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Dr. Freeman is planning to start Aug. 9. Pending the UT Board’s approval, it will be all our responsibility to rally around Dr. Freeman to ensure not just his success, but the success of UT Martin.&nbsp; I couldn’t be more excited for UT Martin and the Skyhawk Family!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Yancy Freeman to be recommended as next chancellor of UT Martin','','inherit','closed','closed','','4912-revision-v1','','','2023-07-10 09:54:39','2023-07-10 14:54:39','',4912,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4915',0,'revision','',0),(4916,8,'2023-07-11 10:51:53','2023-07-11 15:51:53','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Dr. La Sonya Hall was presented with the Dr. C.P. Boyd Award for Leadership at the 2023 WestStar graduation ceremony held June 20 at the Boling University Center on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Martin.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The winner of the annual Boyd Award for Leadership is selected from WestStar graduating class members as the one whose leadership best represents ownership and respect for each other.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Hall is the deputy chief administrative officer for Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, a position she has held for five years. She earned her doctorate in higher education and administration from the University of Mississippi.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I am both honored and humbled after receiving this prestigious award,” she said. “It reminds me that when you walk in a spirit of humility, people recognize it. I am grateful to my classmates for seeing those special characteristics in me that caused them to bestow upon me this honor.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Hall said she would send thank-you notes to each speaker from each WestStar session for their contribution to the leadership program.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>She also wrote notes to her classmates over the holidays to tell them how thrilled she was to be taking part in the WestStar Leadesrhip Program.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“A couple of weeks ago, as we were nearing the end of our sessions, I realized that I would miss the last session, which was in Pickwick,” she said. “So, I wrote each of them a letter saying how much I had enjoyed this experience and, while I would miss the Pickwick session, I would see them at graduation.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“While at graduation, Dr. Charley Deal mentioned that part of the reason that a lot of my classmates nominated me for this prestigious award is because it represents my commitment to continuing to bridge the relationship with all parties involved with this experience.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Hall said she was born and raised in Mississippi and spent most of her professional life in Tennessee, and credited her upbringing for instilling “Southern qualities and social etiquette that is sometimes overlooked but still is very important.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Hall said she was honored to join the legacy of Dr. C.P. Boyd Award for Leadership recipients.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“These are people who represent the state of Tennessee and the ideas of loving their country and loving mankind,” she said. “I’m just grateful to be a part of this distinguished group of people.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The award is named for Dr. Currie Porter Boyd, an inspirational educational leader in West Tennessee. He earned his doctor of education degree from the University of Tennessee and taught at colleges and universities ­– including Lane University and Jackson State Community College – for 38 years.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Boyd was a quiet but forceful presence and a tireless advocate and role model of leadership in Haywood County. He served on the county commission, founded the Haywood County Civic League and served as its executive secretary for 32 years.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Boyd worked diligently to save and restore many of the historical and cultural artifacts of Black history in Haywood County and was a persistent champion for more African-Americans to run for public office and serve on community committees and boards.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Boyd was a graduate of the first WestStar Leadership class in 1990.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','La Sonya Hall earns 2023 Dr. C.P. Boyd Award for Leadership','Dr. La Sonya Hall was presented with the Dr. C.P. Boyd Award for Leadership at the 2023 WestStar graduation ceremony held June 20 at the Boling University Center on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Martin.','publish','closed','closed','','la-sonya-hall-earns-2023-dr-c-p-boyd-award-for-leadership','','','2023-07-11 13:56:17','2023-07-11 18:56:17','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4916',0,'post','',0),(4917,7,'2023-07-11 10:49:45','2023-07-11 15:49:45','','BOYD AWARD 1','','inherit','closed','closed','','boyd-award-1','','','2023-07-11 10:49:45','2023-07-11 15:49:45','',4916,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/BOYD-AWARD-1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4918,7,'2023-07-11 10:50:57','2023-07-11 15:50:57','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Dr. La Sonya Hall was presented with the Dr. C.P. Boyd Award for Leadership at the 2023 WestStar graduation ceremony held June 20 at the Boling University Center on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Martin.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The winner of the annual Boyd Award for Leadership is selected from WestStar graduating class members as the one whose leadership best represents ownership and respect for each other.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Hall is the deputy chief administrative officer for Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, a position she has held for five years. She earned her doctorate in higher education and administration from the University of Mississippi.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I am both honored and humbled after receiving this prestigious award,” she said. “It reminds me that when you walk in a spirit of humility, people recognize it. I am grateful to my classmates for seeing those special characteristics in me that caused them to bestow upon me this honor.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Hall said she would send thank-you notes to each speaker from each WestStar session for their contribution to the leadership program.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>She also wrote notes to her classmates over the holidays to tell them how thrilled she was to be taking part in the WestStar Leadesrhip Program.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“A couple of weeks ago, as we were nearing the end of our sessions, I realized that I would miss the last session, which was in Pickwick,” she said. “So, I wrote each of them a letter saying how much I had enjoyed this experience and, while I would miss the Pickwick session, I would see them at graduation.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“While at graduation, Dr. Charley Deal mentioned that part of the reason that a lot of my classmates nominated me for this prestigious award is because it represents my commitment to continuing to bridge the relationship with all parties involved with this experience.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Hall said she was born and raised in Mississippi and spent most of her professional life in Tennessee, and credited her upbringing for instilling “Southern qualities and social etiquette that is sometimes overlooked but still is very important.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Hall said she was honored to join the legacy of Dr. C.P. Boyd Award for Leadership recipients.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“These are people who represent the state of Tennessee and the ideas of loving their country and loving mankind,” she said. “I’m just grateful to be a part of this distinguished group of people.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The award is named for Dr. Currie Porter Boyd, an inspirational educational leader in West Tennessee. He earned his doctor of education degree from the University of Tennessee and taught at colleges and universities ­– including Lane University and Jackson State Community College – for 38 years.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Boyd was a quiet but forceful presence and a tireless advocate and role model of leadership in Haywood County. He served on the county commission, founded the Haywood County Civic League and served as its executive secretary for 32 years.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Boyd worked diligently to save and restore many of the historical and cultural artifacts of Black history in Haywood County and was a persistent champion for more African-Americans to run for public office and serve on community committees and boards.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Boyd was a graduate of the first WestStar Leadership class in 1990.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','La Sonya Hall earns 2023 Dr. C.P. Boyd Award for Leadership','','inherit','closed','closed','','4916-revision-v1','','','2023-07-11 10:50:57','2023-07-11 15:50:57','',4916,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4918',0,'revision','',0),(4919,7,'2023-07-11 13:56:17','2023-07-11 18:56:17','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Dr. La Sonya Hall was presented with the Dr. C.P. Boyd Award for Leadership at the 2023 WestStar graduation ceremony held June 20 at the Boling University Center on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Martin.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The winner of the annual Boyd Award for Leadership is selected from WestStar graduating class members as the one whose leadership best represents ownership and respect for each other.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Hall is the deputy chief administrative officer for Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, a position she has held for five years. She earned her doctorate in higher education and administration from the University of Mississippi.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I am both honored and humbled after receiving this prestigious award,” she said. “It reminds me that when you walk in a spirit of humility, people recognize it. I am grateful to my classmates for seeing those special characteristics in me that caused them to bestow upon me this honor.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Hall said she would send thank-you notes to each speaker from each WestStar session for their contribution to the leadership program.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>She also wrote notes to her classmates over the holidays to tell them how thrilled she was to be taking part in the WestStar Leadesrhip Program.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“A couple of weeks ago, as we were nearing the end of our sessions, I realized that I would miss the last session, which was in Pickwick,” she said. “So, I wrote each of them a letter saying how much I had enjoyed this experience and, while I would miss the Pickwick session, I would see them at graduation.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“While at graduation, Dr. Charley Deal mentioned that part of the reason that a lot of my classmates nominated me for this prestigious award is because it represents my commitment to continuing to bridge the relationship with all parties involved with this experience.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Hall said she was born and raised in Mississippi and spent most of her professional life in Tennessee, and credited her upbringing for instilling “Southern qualities and social etiquette that is sometimes overlooked but still is very important.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Hall said she was honored to join the legacy of Dr. C.P. Boyd Award for Leadership recipients.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“These are people who represent the state of Tennessee and the ideas of loving their country and loving mankind,” she said. “I’m just grateful to be a part of this distinguished group of people.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The award is named for Dr. Currie Porter Boyd, an inspirational educational leader in West Tennessee. He earned his doctor of education degree from the University of Tennessee and taught at colleges and universities ­– including Lane University and Jackson State Community College – for 38 years.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Boyd was a quiet but forceful presence and a tireless advocate and role model of leadership in Haywood County. He served on the county commission, founded the Haywood County Civic League and served as its executive secretary for 32 years.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Boyd worked diligently to save and restore many of the historical and cultural artifacts of Black history in Haywood County and was a persistent champion for more African-Americans to run for public office and serve on community committees and boards.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Boyd was a graduate of the first WestStar Leadership class in 1990.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','La Sonya Hall earns 2023 Dr. C.P. Boyd Award for Leadership','Dr. La Sonya Hall was presented with the Dr. C.P. Boyd Award for Leadership at the 2023 WestStar graduation ceremony held June 20 at the Boling University Center on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Martin.','inherit','closed','closed','','4916-revision-v1','','','2023-07-11 13:56:17','2023-07-11 18:56:17','',4916,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4919',0,'revision','',0),(4920,8,'2023-07-12 11:51:59','2023-07-12 16:51:59','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Brian Carroll, the dietetic internship director at the University of Tennessee at Martin and a lecturer in the UTM Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, has been appointed to the Tennessee Board of Dietician and Nutritionist Examiners by Gov. Bill Lee.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Lee appointed Carroll to the position on July 6 as a representative of registered dieticians and nutritionists. The appointment was effective immediately, with the term expiring on June 30, 2026.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I consider it very important to ensure that Tennessee’s boards and commissions are filled with the most dedicated and qualified citizens,” Lee wrote in the letter of appointment to Carroll. “I believe that your participation is certain to leave a positive impact on this board and the work it does.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A native of Pinckneyville, Illinois, and a graduate of Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Carroll joined the UT Martin staff in October 2013. He is a fellow in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, past president of the Tennessee Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and is the president-elect for the West Tennessee Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.&nbsp;He also served on the Tennessee Obesity Task Force in Nashville from 2021 to 2022.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Carroll teaches graduate courses in dietetics and undergraduate courses in nutrition and food science.&nbsp;Before coming to UT Martin, he practiced as a clinical registered dietitian and sports nutritionist.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“As you can see, I have a passion for food and nutrition policy, whether it be school, the Women, Infants and Children program, the UT Extension Service, health care, food service, and so on,” Carroll said. “I have tried to help in some other areas to help our profession, which in turn helps almost everyone in Tennessee, and I want to see what I can contribute to this board.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Board of Dietitians and Nutritionist Examiners was created in 1987 by an act of the state legislature. Its mission is to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of Tennesseans by requiring those who practice dietetics and nutrition within this state to be qualified. The board interprets the laws, rules and regulations to determine the appropriate standards of practice in an effort to ensure the highest degree of professional conduct.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The board is authorized to issue licenses to qualified candidates who have completed appropriate education and successfully completed required examinations. It is responsible for the investigation of alleged violations of the Practice Act and rules and is responsible for the discipline of licensees who are found guilty of such violations.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The UTM Department of Family and Consumer Sciences is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics and the Council for Accreditation of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. Areas of study include child and family studies, dietetics, gerontology, hospitality and food service management, fashion merchandising and food and nutrition.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>For more information about the UTM Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, call 731-881-7100 or visit www.utm.edu.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>For more information about the Tennessee Board of Dietician and Nutritionist Examiners, visit tn.gov/health and search for “board of dietician/nutritionist examiners.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Carroll appointed to State Dietician Board','Brian Carroll, the dietetic internship director at the University of Tennessee at Martin and a lecturer in the UTM Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, has been appointed to the Tennessee Board of Dietician and Nutritionist Examiners by Gov. Bill Lee.','publish','closed','closed','','carroll-appointed-to-state-dietician-board','','','2023-07-12 11:51:59','2023-07-12 16:51:59','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4920',0,'post','',0),(4921,7,'2023-07-12 11:51:23','2023-07-12 16:51:23','','8909','','inherit','closed','closed','','8909','','','2023-07-12 11:51:23','2023-07-12 16:51:23','',4920,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/8909.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4922,7,'2023-07-12 11:51:47','2023-07-12 16:51:47','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Brian Carroll, the dietetic internship director at the University of Tennessee at Martin and a lecturer in the UTM Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, has been appointed to the Tennessee Board of Dietician and Nutritionist Examiners by Gov. Bill Lee.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Lee appointed Carroll to the position on July 6 as a representative of registered dieticians and nutritionists. The appointment was effective immediately, with the term expiring on June 30, 2026.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I consider it very important to ensure that Tennessee’s boards and commissions are filled with the most dedicated and qualified citizens,” Lee wrote in the letter of appointment to Carroll. “I believe that your participation is certain to leave a positive impact on this board and the work it does.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A native of Pinckneyville, Illinois, and a graduate of Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Carroll joined the UT Martin staff in October 2013. He is a fellow in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, past president of the Tennessee Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and is the president-elect for the West Tennessee Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.&nbsp;He also served on the Tennessee Obesity Task Force in Nashville from 2021 to 2022.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Carroll teaches graduate courses in dietetics and undergraduate courses in nutrition and food science.&nbsp;Before coming to UT Martin, he practiced as a clinical registered dietitian and sports nutritionist.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“As you can see, I have a passion for food and nutrition policy, whether it be school, the Women, Infants and Children program, the UT Extension Service, health care, food service, and so on,” Carroll said. “I have tried to help in some other areas to help our profession, which in turn helps almost everyone in Tennessee, and I want to see what I can contribute to this board.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Board of Dietitians and Nutritionist Examiners was created in 1987 by an act of the state legislature. Its mission is to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of Tennesseans by requiring those who practice dietetics and nutrition within this state to be qualified. The board interprets the laws, rules and regulations to determine the appropriate standards of practice in an effort to ensure the highest degree of professional conduct.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The board is authorized to issue licenses to qualified candidates who have completed appropriate education and successfully completed required examinations. It is responsible for the investigation of alleged violations of the Practice Act and rules and is responsible for the discipline of licensees who are found guilty of such violations.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The UTM Department of Family and Consumer Sciences is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics and the Council for Accreditation of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. Areas of study include child and family studies, dietetics, gerontology, hospitality and food service management, fashion merchandising and food and nutrition.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>For more information about the UTM Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, call 731-881-7100 or visit www.utm.edu.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>For more information about the Tennessee Board of Dietician and Nutritionist Examiners, visit tn.gov/health and search for “board of dietician/nutritionist examiners.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Carroll appointed to State Dietician Board','Brian Carroll, the dietetic internship director at the University of Tennessee at Martin and a lecturer in the UTM Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, has been appointed to the Tennessee Board of Dietician and Nutritionist Examiners by Gov. Bill Lee.','inherit','closed','closed','','4920-revision-v1','','','2023-07-12 11:51:47','2023-07-12 16:51:47','',4920,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4922',0,'revision','',0),(4923,7,'2023-07-13 08:59:36','2023-07-13 13:59:36','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees approved a 3% total increase in tuition and mandatory fees beginning in fall 2023 for students attending UT Martin. The approval came during the board’s annual meeting June 30 in Memphis. The increase includes a 2% tuition increase and was part of the university’s proposed 2023-24 budget that was reviewed and approved in May by the UT Martin Advisory Board. The increase is within the maximum of the increase range set by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“This is the first increase at UT Martin since fall 2021,” said Dr. Philip Acree Cavalier, the university’s interim chancellor. “Costs for operating the university continue to rise, and the increase will allow us to provide the high quality of education and services that our students, families and alumni expect.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The increase sets the cost for instate undergraduate students to attend the university at $10,208 per year and $11,112 per year for graduate students. Costs for out-of-state students also rise in line with instate percentage increases.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The increase will offset inflation across all UT Martin programs and operations, debt service and the salary pool. The increase also funds a crisis line, case manager, and psychiatric and teletherapy services. Housing and dining rate will also increase to address inflation and salary costs.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Most UT Martin undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid with the average aid amount totaling just under $7,200.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The board also approved the university’s total operating budget proposal of $165,881,356. The operating budget includes tuition and fees ($66.7 million), state appropriations ($46.1 million), grants and contracts ($.2 million), and sales and service ($.6 million).</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Complete cost information for attending UT Martin is found at <a href=\"http://www.utm.edu/tuition\">www.utm.edu/tuition</a>. Learn more about financial aid and scholarship opportunities at <a href=\"http://www.utm.edu/financialaid\">www.utm.edu/financialaid</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Summer Orientation and Registration for the 2023 fall semester continues July 14 and 24 and Aug. 4 at the main campus. For information, email <a href=\"mailto:admitme@utm.edu\">admitme@utm.edu</a> or call the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 731-881-7020.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Fall semester classes begin Aug. 21 at the main campus in Martin and five regional centers in Jackson, Parsons, Ripley, Selmer and Somerville.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','UT Board of Trustees approves 3% tuition and fee increase for UT Martin','The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees approved a 3% total increase in tuition and mandatory fees beginning in fall 2023 for students attending UT Martin.','publish','closed','closed','','ut-board-of-trustees-approves-3-tuition-and-fee-increase-for-ut-martin','','','2023-08-23 16:39:51','2023-08-23 21:39:51','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4923',0,'post','',0),(4924,7,'2023-07-13 08:58:35','2023-07-13 13:58:35','','UT Martin scenic (1)','','inherit','closed','closed','','ut-martin-scenic-1','','','2023-07-13 08:58:35','2023-07-13 13:58:35','',4923,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/UT-Martin-scenic-1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4925,7,'2023-07-13 08:58:53','2023-07-13 13:58:53','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees approved a 3% total increase in tuition and mandatory fees beginning in fall 2023 for students attending UT Martin. The approval came during the board’s annual meeting June 30 in Memphis. The increase includes a 2% tuition increase and was part of the university’s proposed 2023-24 budget that was reviewed and approved in May by the UT Martin Advisory Board. The increase is within the maximum of the increase range set by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“This is the first increase at UT Martin since fall 2021,” said Dr. Philip Acree Cavalier, the university’s interim chancellor. “Costs for operating the university continue to rise, and the increase will allow us to provide the high quality of education and services that our students, families and alumni expect.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The increase sets the cost for instate undergraduate students to attend the university at $10,208 per semester and $11,112 per semester for graduate students. Costs for out-of-state students also rise in line with instate percentage increases.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The increase will offset inflation across all UT Martin programs and operations, debt service and the salary pool. The increase also funds a crisis line, case manager, and psychiatric and teletherapy services. Housing and dining rate will also increase to address inflation and salary costs.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Most UT Martin undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid with the average aid amount totaling just under $7,200.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The board also approved the university’s total operating budget proposal of $165,881,356. The operating budget includes tuition and fees ($66.7 million), state appropriations ($46.1 million), grants and contracts ($.2 million), and sales and service ($.6 million).</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Complete cost information for attending UT Martin is found at <a href=\"http://www.utm.edu/tuition\">www.utm.edu/tuition</a>. Learn more about financial aid and scholarship opportunities at <a href=\"http://www.utm.edu/financialaid\">www.utm.edu/financialaid</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Summer Orientation and Registration for the 2023 fall semester continues July 14 and 24 and Aug. 4 at the main campus. For information, email <a href=\"mailto:admitme@utm.edu\">admitme@utm.edu</a> or call the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 731-881-7020.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Fall semester classes begin Aug. 21 at the main campus in Martin and five regional centers in Jackson, Parsons, Ripley, Selmer and Somerville.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','UT Board of Trustees approves 3% tuition and fee increase for UT Martin','The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees approved a 3% total increase in tuition and mandatory fees beginning in fall 2023 for students attending UT Martin.','inherit','closed','closed','','4923-revision-v1','','','2023-07-13 08:58:53','2023-07-13 13:58:53','',4923,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4925',0,'revision','',0),(4927,7,'2023-07-14 08:10:27','2023-07-14 13:10:27','','Yancy Freeman-20','','inherit','closed','closed','','yancy-freeman-20','','','2023-08-23 16:41:31','2023-08-23 21:41:31','',4926,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Yancy-Freeman-20-538-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4928,7,'2023-07-14 08:11:32','2023-07-14 13:11:32','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><em>UT System News</em></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The University of Tennessee at Martin has a new chancellor after a special meeting of the UT Board of Trustees held Friday morning.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Trustees approved UT System President Randy Boyd’s recommendation that Yancy Freeman be appointed as the next chancellor of UT Martin. Freeman’s appointment is effective Aug. 9, 2023, and he will replace Keith Carver, who moved to senior vice chancellor/senior vice president of the UT Institute of Agriculture earlier in the year. Freeman’s compensation and terms were also approved.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Dr. Freeman is the right person at the right time to lead UT Martin. His student-centric focus is just what UT Martin needs, and I believe he will be enthusiastically welcomed by all students,” UT System President Randy Boyd said. “Dr. Freeman has proven to be a great listener, collaborator and team builder, and with the leadership already in place, I think the sky is the limit!”&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Freeman has served at UT Chattanooga for the past 25 years in various admissions, recruitment and enrollment roles. A first-generation college graduate, Freeman completed an undergraduate degree in political science, a master’s degree in public administration, and a doctorate in learning and leadership from UT Chattanooga. He currently serves on the boards of the Public Education Foundation in Chattanooga, The River City Company, and Chattanooga 2.0.&nbsp;Freeman was named a 2018 Top 30 Influential Leader in Chattanooga by City Scope Magazine, and he holds active memberships within several honor societies including Golden Key, Alpha Society and Phi Eta Sigma. Freeman is also a 2020 graduate of the UT System’s Executive Leadership Institute.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In other board business, the board approved the appointment of a managerial group for U.S. contracts.  The board also approved a resolution regarding the joint Bachelor of Science program in nursing at the UT Health Science Center and UT Southern.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Yancy Freeman Confirmed as next chancellor of UT Martin','The University of Tennessee at Martin has a new chancellor after a special meeting of the UT Board of Trustees held Friday morning.','inherit','closed','closed','','4926-revision-v1','','','2023-07-14 08:11:32','2023-07-14 13:11:32','',4926,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4928',0,'revision','',0),(4929,7,'2023-07-14 09:22:54','2023-07-14 14:22:54','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><em>UT System News</em></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The University of Tennessee at Martin has a new chancellor after a special meeting of the UT Board of Trustees held Friday morning.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Trustees approved UT System President Randy Boyd’s recommendation that Yancy Freeman be appointed as the next chancellor of UT Martin. Freeman’s appointment is effective Aug. 9, 2023, and he will replace Keith Carver, who moved to senior vice chancellor/senior vice president of the UT Institute of Agriculture earlier in the year. Freeman’s compensation and terms were also approved.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Dr. Freeman is the right person at the right time to lead UT Martin. His student-centric focus is just what UT Martin needs, and I believe he will be enthusiastically welcomed by all students,” UT System President Randy Boyd said. “Dr. Freeman has proven to be a great listener, collaborator and team builder, and with the leadership already in place, I think the sky is the limit!”&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Freeman has served at UT Chattanooga for the past 25 years in various admissions, recruitment and enrollment roles. A first-generation college graduate, Freeman completed an undergraduate degree in political science, a master’s degree in public administration, and a doctorate in learning and leadership from UT Chattanooga. He currently serves on the boards of the Public Education Foundation in Chattanooga, The River City Company, and Chattanooga 2.0.&nbsp;Freeman was named a 2018 Top 30 Influential Leader in Chattanooga by City Scope Magazine, and he holds active memberships within several honor societies including Golden Key, Alpha Society and Phi Eta Sigma. Freeman is also a 2020 graduate of the UT System’s Executive Leadership Institute.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In other board business, the board approved the appointment of a managerial group for U.S. contracts.&nbsp; The board also approved a resolution regarding the joint Bachelor of Science program in nursing at the UT Health Science Center and UT Southern.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Yancy Freeman confirmed as next chancellor of UT Martin','The University of Tennessee at Martin has a new chancellor after a special meeting of the UT Board of Trustees held Friday morning.','inherit','closed','closed','','4926-revision-v1','','','2023-07-14 09:22:54','2023-07-14 14:22:54','',4926,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4929',0,'revision','',0),(4930,7,'2023-07-14 16:03:24','2023-07-14 21:03:24','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees approved a 3% total increase in tuition and mandatory fees beginning in fall 2023 for students attending UT Martin. The approval came during the board’s annual meeting June 30 in Memphis. The increase includes a 2% tuition increase and was part of the university’s proposed 2023-24 budget that was reviewed and approved in May by the UT Martin Advisory Board. The increase is within the maximum of the increase range set by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“This is the first increase at UT Martin since fall 2021,” said Dr. Philip Acree Cavalier, the university’s interim chancellor. “Costs for operating the university continue to rise, and the increase will allow us to provide the high quality of education and services that our students, families and alumni expect.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The increase sets the cost for instate undergraduate students to attend the university at $10,208 per year and $11,112 per year for graduate students. Costs for out-of-state students also rise in line with instate percentage increases.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The increase will offset inflation across all UT Martin programs and operations, debt service and the salary pool. The increase also funds a crisis line, case manager, and psychiatric and teletherapy services. Housing and dining rate will also increase to address inflation and salary costs.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Most UT Martin undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid with the average aid amount totaling just under $7,200.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The board also approved the university’s total operating budget proposal of $165,881,356. The operating budget includes tuition and fees ($66.7 million), state appropriations ($46.1 million), grants and contracts ($.2 million), and sales and service ($.6 million).</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Complete cost information for attending UT Martin is found at <a href=\"http://www.utm.edu/tuition\">www.utm.edu/tuition</a>. Learn more about financial aid and scholarship opportunities at <a href=\"http://www.utm.edu/financialaid\">www.utm.edu/financialaid</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Summer Orientation and Registration for the 2023 fall semester continues July 14 and 24 and Aug. 4 at the main campus. For information, email <a href=\"mailto:admitme@utm.edu\">admitme@utm.edu</a> or call the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 731-881-7020.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Fall semester classes begin Aug. 21 at the main campus in Martin and five regional centers in Jackson, Parsons, Ripley, Selmer and Somerville.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','UT Board of Trustees approves 3% tuition and fee increase for UT Martin','The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees approved a 3% total increase in tuition and mandatory fees beginning in fall 2023 for students attending UT Martin.','inherit','closed','closed','','4923-revision-v1','','','2023-07-14 16:03:24','2023-07-14 21:03:24','',4923,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4930',0,'revision','',0),(4936,2,'2023-07-18 16:24:21','2023-07-18 21:24:21','','07_July 17, 2023','','inherit','closed','closed','','07_july-17-2023','','','2023-07-18 16:24:21','2023-07-18 21:24:21','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/07_July-17-2023.pdf',0,'attachment','application/pdf',0),(4970,2,'2023-07-26 09:19:29','2023-07-26 14:19:29','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Dana Hagan has been named the next director of the physical plant at the University of Tennessee at Martin.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Hagan came to UT Martin in 2006 as a temporary employee under former Physical Plant Director Dr. Tim Nipp. She was selected to be a full-time project coordinator in July 2009, the first to fill that position, and assumed additional duties as the associate director in 2020.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I am honored to have been selected to lead the greatest people at UTM,” Hagan said. “I know their prayers and the prayers of others are what made the difference. I pray that I will be able to lead our team to make an impact as those leaders of the past have done and their investment in me will be fruitful.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Petra Rencher McPhearson, the senior vice chancellor for finance and administration, praised Hagan for her work in the physical plant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Dana has worked as an integral part of the physical plant team since 2006, serving as project coordinator and performing associate director duties in recent years,” McPhearson said. “She has contributed to several campus capital projects, including Clement Hall improvements, safety and security improvements, the campus master plan, the Latimer-Smith Engineering and Science Building, Elam Center lighting upgrades and bringing the Boling University Center restrooms into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Hagan was recognized with the UTM Outstanding Exempt Employee Award for Spring 2023.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Hagan, a resident of Union City, earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering technology from UT Martin in 1994 and a master of science degree in engineering management from UT Knoxville in 2015.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The UTM physical plant houses the university’s facilities crews for operations including building services, custodial services, grounds and greenhouse, recycling, transportation services, warehouse and heating, ventilation and air conditioning.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Nipp served as the director of the physical plant from 2004 to 2020, when he became the chair of the UTM Department of Engineering. Brad Burkett, the physical plants’s interim director since 2020, recently retired from the university.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Hagan named director of UTM physical plant','Dana Hagan has been named the next director of the physical plant at the University of Tennessee at Martin.','publish','closed','closed','','hagan-named-director-of-utm-physical-plant','','','2023-07-26 09:23:50','2023-07-26 14:23:50','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4970',0,'post','',0),(4935,2,'2023-07-18 11:34:42','2023-07-18 16:34:42','','07_July-18-2023','','inherit','closed','closed','','07_july-18-2023-2','','','2023-07-18 11:34:42','2023-07-18 16:34:42','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/07_July-18-2023-1.pdf',0,'attachment','application/pdf',0),(4937,2,'2023-07-18 16:25:10','2023-07-18 21:25:10','<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/addenda-2022/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/addenda-2022/\">2022</a></h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2>2023</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/01_Jan-17-2023-1.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/01_Jan-17-2023-1.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of Jan. 16</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/01_Jan-23-2023-2.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/01_Jan-23-2023-2.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of Jan. 23</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/01_Jan-30-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of Jan. 30</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/02_Feb-6-2023.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/02_Feb-6-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of Feb. 6</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/02_Feb-13-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of Feb. 13</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/02_Feb-20-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of Feb. 20</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/02_Feb-27-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of Feb. 27</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/03_March-13-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of March 6</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/03_March-13-2023-1.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of March 13</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/03_March-20-2023.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/03_March-20-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of March 20</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/03_March-27-2023-1.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/03_March-27-2023-1.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of March 27</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/04_April-3-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of April 3</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/04_April-10-2023.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/04_April-10-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of April 10</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/04_April-17-2023.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/04_April-17-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of April 17</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/04_April-24-2023.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/04_April-24-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of April 24</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/05_May-1-2023.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/05_May-1-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of May 1</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/05_May-8-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of May 8</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/06_June-5-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of June 5</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/06_June-20-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of June 20</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/07_July-5-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of July 5</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/07_July-17-2023.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/07_July-17-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of July 17</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Addenda','','inherit','closed','closed','','4336-revision-v1','','','2023-07-18 16:25:10','2023-07-18 21:25:10','',4336,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4937',0,'revision','',0),(5045,4,'2023-08-16 13:47:46','2023-08-16 18:47:46','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The University of Tennessee at Martin will begin fall semester classes Aug. 21 at the main campus and five regional centers in Jackson, Parsons, Ripley, Selmer and Somerville. Incoming first-year students will begin moving into the main campus residence halls Thursday, Aug. 17, as Move-In Day kicks off the university’s annual Welcome Weekend.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Welcome Weekend begins with check in to residence halls followed by events and activities for new students that are scheduled through Sunday, Aug. 20. This annual event is the first major welcome that new students receive from the community. The activities are part of First-Year Initiative, a program designed to help first-year students transition to university life.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Following a day of moving into residence halls, students will have the opportunity to attend the first Welcome Back Picnic at 6 p.m. that evening between Ellington Hall and University Village II. Convocation is set for 10 a.m. Friday in the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center, which is a special ceremony in the same location where university commencements are held to remind students that graduation is the end goal.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Saturday activities include Peer Enabling Program (PEP) group meetings during the day, comedian Brent Pella at 7 p.m. in Watkins Auditorium and viewing “Guardians of the Galaxy 3” at 9 p.m. on the University Village I lawn. Additional activities are planned for Sunday, including Kickoff to Classes at 3:30 p.m. at Hardy M. Graham Stadium. Learn more about the First-Year Initiative at <a href=\"http://www.utm.edu/fyi\">www.utm.edu/fyi</a>. Any accepted students who have not yet registered for 2023 fall classes should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 731-881-7020. Graduate students should call 731-881-7012.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','UT Martin to welcome students back Aug. 17 for fall semester','The University of Tennessee at Martin will begin fall semester classes Aug. 21 at the main campus and five regional centers in Jackson, Parsons, Ripley, Selmer and Somerville. Incoming first-year students will begin moving into the main campus residence halls Thursday, Aug. 17, as Move-In Day kicks off the university’s annual Welcome Weekend.','publish','closed','closed','','ut-martin-to-welcome-students-back-aug-17-for-fall-semester%ef%bf%bc','','','2023-08-23 13:24:54','2023-08-23 18:24:54','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=5045',0,'post','',0),(4939,8,'2023-07-20 08:48:41','2023-07-20 13:48:41','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The&nbsp;Conference of State Bank Supervisors named a student team from the University of Tennessee at Martin as winner of the 2023 Community Bank Case Study Competition.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The announcement came from the&nbsp;Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) on July 12.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Teams from Iowa State University and Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, placed second and third, respectively.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“The work of these three teams was top-rate, and we are pleased to see such in-depth findings,” said CSBS Executive Vice President for Policy and Supervision Karen Lawson. “The University of Tennessee at Martin’s case study earned top honors due to its particularly rich insight and detail as well as its excellent executive summary.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The annual competition is open to undergraduate students in all fields of study as an opportunity to gain valuable first-hand knowledge of the banking industry.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This year, 34 student teams representing 28 colleges and universities entered the competition. The teams examined how local community banks are recruiting and retaining talent, approaching succession planning and using technology to advance operations.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In the competition, the student team partners with a bank.&nbsp;The top officers of the bank tell the students their story and background information related to the topic of the case study provided by CSBS.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The UTM team partnered with Commercial Bank &amp; Trust Company of Paris and its officers, President/COO Clint Davis, Human Resource and Professional Development Director Jennifer Starks, Chief Financial Officer Brent Stoots and Chief IT Officer Scott Freschi.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Clark is the interim director of the UTM Horace and Sara Dunagan Chair of Excellence in Banking, while Davis is an associate professor of information systems and Farley is an assistant professor of finance.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The members of the UT Martin team are May 2023 graduates Dan Hoffman of McKenzie, Cole Hollis of Trenton and Abbey Strong of Cookeville and December 2023 graduates Ben Arnold of Henderson and Libby Rushton of Waverly. John Clark, Dr. Lajuan Davis and Dr. Mark Farley served as faculty advisors.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The winning team will present its findings at the&nbsp;Community Banking Research Conference&nbsp;in St. Louis in early October. Each member will receive a $1,000 scholarship.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The second-place Iowa State University team members will each receive a $750 scholarship, and the third-place Messiah University team members will each receive a $500 scholarship.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The top three case studies are available at&nbsp;www.csbs.org/bankcasestudy&nbsp;and will be published in the CSBS Journal of Community Bank Case Studies, available in October.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Conference of State Bank Supervisors is the national organization of bank regulators from all 50 states, American Samoa, District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>State regulators supervise roughly three-quarters of all U.S. banks and a variety of non-depository financial services. CSBS, on behalf of state regulators, also operates the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System to license and register non-depository financial service providers in the mortgage, money services businesses, consumer finance and debt industries.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','UT Martin banking team wins national bank case study competition','The Conference of State Bank Supervisors named a student team from the University of Tennessee at Martin as winner of the 2023 Community Bank Case Study Competition.','publish','closed','closed','','ut-martin-banking-team-wins-national-bank-case-study-competition','','','2023-07-20 08:48:41','2023-07-20 13:48:41','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4939',0,'post','',0),(4940,7,'2023-07-20 08:47:59','2023-07-20 13:47:59','','UTM Banking Team cropped','','inherit','closed','closed','','utm-banking-team-cropped','','','2023-07-20 08:47:59','2023-07-20 13:47:59','',4939,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/UTM-Banking-Team-cropped.jpeg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4941,7,'2023-07-20 08:48:25','2023-07-20 13:48:25','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The&nbsp;Conference of State Bank Supervisors named a student team from the University of Tennessee at Martin as winner of the 2023 Community Bank Case Study Competition.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The announcement came from the&nbsp;Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) on July 12.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Teams from Iowa State University and Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, placed second and third, respectively.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“The work of these three teams was top-rate, and we are pleased to see such in-depth findings,” said CSBS Executive Vice President for Policy and Supervision Karen Lawson. “The University of Tennessee at Martin’s case study earned top honors due to its particularly rich insight and detail as well as its excellent executive summary.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The annual competition is open to undergraduate students in all fields of study as an opportunity to gain valuable first-hand knowledge of the banking industry.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This year, 34 student teams representing 28 colleges and universities entered the competition. The teams examined how local community banks are recruiting and retaining talent, approaching succession planning and using technology to advance operations.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In the competition, the student team partners with a bank.&nbsp;The top officers of the bank tell the students their story and background information related to the topic of the case study provided by CSBS.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The UTM team partnered with Commercial Bank &amp; Trust Company of Paris and its officers, President/COO Clint Davis, Human Resource and Professional Development Director Jennifer Starks, Chief Financial Officer Brent Stoots and Chief IT Officer Scott Freschi.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Clark is the interim director of the UTM Horace and Sara Dunagan Chair of Excellence in Banking, while Davis is an associate professor of information systems and Farley is an assistant professor of finance.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The members of the UT Martin team are May 2023 graduates Dan Hoffman of McKenzie, Cole Hollis of Trenton and Abbey Strong of Cookeville and December 2023 graduates Ben Arnold of Henderson and Libby Rushton of Waverly. John Clark, Dr. Lajuan Davis and Dr. Mark Farley served as faculty advisors.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The winning team will present its findings at the&nbsp;Community Banking Research Conference&nbsp;in St. Louis in early October. Each member will receive a $1,000 scholarship.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The second-place Iowa State University team members will each receive a $750 scholarship, and the third-place Messiah University team members will each receive a $500 scholarship.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The top three case studies are available at&nbsp;www.csbs.org/bankcasestudy&nbsp;and will be published in the CSBS Journal of Community Bank Case Studies, available in October.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Conference of State Bank Supervisors is the national organization of bank regulators from all 50 states, American Samoa, District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>State regulators supervise roughly three-quarters of all U.S. banks and a variety of non-depository financial services. CSBS, on behalf of state regulators, also operates the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System to license and register non-depository financial service providers in the mortgage, money services businesses, consumer finance and debt industries.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','UT Martin banking team wins national bank case study competition','The Conference of State Bank Supervisors named a student team from the University of Tennessee at Martin as winner of the 2023 Community Bank Case Study Competition.','inherit','closed','closed','','4939-revision-v1','','','2023-07-20 08:48:25','2023-07-20 13:48:25','',4939,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4941',0,'revision','',0),(4942,8,'2023-07-20 09:37:35','2023-07-20 14:37:35','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Four faculty and staff members at the University of Tennessee at Martin were the recipients of 2023 President’s Awards, announced by UT System President Dr. Randy Boyd during the annual UT Board of Trustees meeting on June 30 in Memphis.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A total of 14 faculty and staff members from across the UT System received awards to celebrate their accomplishments and dedication to the Be One UT values.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>These values are intended to shape culture across the system, build purpose, improve team cohesion and create a shared sense of commitment in the workplace.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The four President’s Award winners from UT Martin were the most for any UT System entity this year.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>UT Martin faculty and staff selected to receive a 2023 President’s Award were: &nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Embrace Diversity Award, faculty: Henrietta Giles, a lecturer in the Department of Mass Media and Strategic Communications.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Giles served as co-creator and producer of the CMT/MTV Networks film “Waiting in the Wings: African Americans in Country Music,” which brought attention to underrepresented voices. In 2015, Giles received an Emmy Award for Best Documentary for her work on “Reflect, Reclaim, Rejoice: Preserving the Gift of Black Sacred Music.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Giles\'s collaborative work with civil rights icon the Rev. Joseph Lowery on his biographical project, “Singing the Lord\'s Song in a Strange Land,” amplifies marginalized narratives.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Since 2015, she has been involved in coordinating the annual UT Martin Civil Rights Conference and chaired the 2023 event. In her classes, Giles creates assignments that prompt students to analyze and document pressing issues and dilemmas facing the world. Through interviews with experts, peers and family members, students develop compelling features that explore perceptions and opinions. Completing Giles’s class requires a thoughtful inspection of the world and a deep exploration of the differences that shape interactions with others.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Excel in All We Do Award, faculty: Dr. Stephanie Kolitsch, the interim provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs as well as the director of accreditation and liaison to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Kolitsch has been a valued member of the UT Martin community for almost 30 years, beginning her tenure in 1994 as a professor of mathematics. She has gone above and beyond in serving the university and is the perfect example of how to excel in all we do. She has been leading UT Martin’s reaffirmation of the accreditation process and has successfully developed the quality enhancement plan, which is part of the SACS review process and the foundations of excellence self-study.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Kolitsch pioneered a monthly assessment campus-wide newsletter. It highlights outstanding work from departments, keeps deadlines at the forefront of individuals’ minds and challenges them to continue to think about how good assessment provides data-driven decisions. Kolitsch\'s pursuit of excellence, exceptional leadership and outstanding performance, as well as her commitment to the university\'s mission and vision, has cemented her status as a visionary leader.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Optimistic and Visionary Employees Award, staff: Destin Tucker, the director of undergraduate admissions.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Tucker has demonstrated great dedication and commitment to her role for the past seven years as director of undergraduate admissions at UT Martin. With nearly 17 years of experience in the field of admissions, Tucker’s expertise shines through in every aspect of her work.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Tucker also serves as the strategic enrollment management chair at UT Martin, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the institution’s strategic plan. She turned around a struggling admissions office through bold leadership, intuitive intelligence, willingness to ask questions and integrity. The outbreak of COVID-19 presented recruitment obstacles, including school closures and restricted visits by admissions counselors. The ambiguity of campus operations made it difficult to relieve worries of families.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Orientation shifted to an online format, which made it demanding to maintain a personal touch. Tucker rallied and supported her staff as they navigated circumstances none had experienced before. She possesses a keen ability to anticipate obstacles and establishes meaningful relationships with a grateful heart.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• United and Connected Award, faculty: Dr. Clinton Smith, a professor and chair of the department of educational studies.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Smith embodies a commitment to service that elevates UT Martin. Joining its faculty in 2012, he has risen to special education professor and chair in the department of educational studies. He engages in service to the university, his profession and the community while also making significant contributions to research and scholarship. Smith has authored 17 publications and three book chapters and delivered 57 international presentations and 26 state presentations.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The leadership roles that Smith has assumed are a testament to others recognizing his exceptional qualities and inviting him to serve. Those who have had the privilege of working with him quickly learn to admire his commitment to excellence, his embodiment of dedication, focus and integrity in all interactions.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>President’s Award recipients were nominated by campus and institute leaders and are selected annually from a system-wide pool.&nbsp; They will be honored by the president and his Be One UT cabinet at a special luncheon on Aug. 3 in Nashville.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“We are certainly proud to have more President’s Award winners than any other UT System entity this year. The UTM faculty and staff who earned these awards are definitely deserving and represent our campus well. They embody the spirit of Be One UT as well as the growth and progress that our campus is seeing. My congratulations to these outstanding individuals.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Our ‘Be One UT’ values are not just a philosophy but a concrete way we define our culture and way of doing business,” Boyd said. “These award recipients exemplify who we are as well as who we continually aspire to be in serving the people of Tennessee.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The President’s Awards were established in 2016 to annually recognize the accomplishments of faculty and staff from across the UT System with the mission to educate, discover and connect. Additionally, the awards celebrate and acknowledge outstanding contributions in the areas of support and diversity.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The President’s Awards are the highest honor a UT employee can receive from the university. Winners receive commemorative plaques and a monetary award of $3,000.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Award recipients represent UT Martin, UT Knoxville, UT Health Science Center, UT Chattanooga, UT Institute of Agriculture, UT Institute for Public Service and UT System Administration.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Four UTM faculty, staff members earn President\'s Awards','Four faculty and staff members at the University of Tennessee at Martin were the recipients of 2023 President’s Awards, announced by UT System President Dr. Randy Boyd during the annual UT Board of Trustees meeting on June 30 in Memphis.','publish','closed','closed','','four-utm-faculty-staff-members-earn-presidents-awards','','','2023-07-20 09:37:35','2023-07-20 14:37:35','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4942',0,'post','',0),(4943,7,'2023-07-20 09:33:19','2023-07-20 14:33:19','','PresidentsAwards (1)','','inherit','closed','closed','','presidentsawards-1','','','2023-07-20 09:33:19','2023-07-20 14:33:19','',4942,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/PresidentsAwards-1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4944,7,'2023-07-20 09:33:47','2023-07-20 14:33:47','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Four faculty and staff members at the University of Tennessee at Martin were the recipients of 2023 President’s Awards, announced by UT System President Dr. Randy Boyd during the annual UT Board of Trustees meeting on June 30 in Memphis.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A total of 14 faculty and staff members from across the UT System received awards to celebrate their accomplishments and dedication to the Be One UT values.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>These values are intended to shape culture across the system, build purpose, improve team cohesion and create a shared sense of commitment in the workplace.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The four President’s Award winners from UT Martin were the most for any UT System entity this year.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>UT Martin faculty and staff selected to receive a 2023 President’s Award were: &nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Embrace Diversity Award, faculty: Henrietta Giles, a lecturer in the Department of Mass Media and Strategic Communications.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Giles served as co-creator and producer of the CMT/MTV Networks film “Waiting in the Wings: African Americans in Country Music,” which brought attention to underrepresented voices. In 2015, Giles received an Emmy Award for Best Documentary for her work on “Reflect, Reclaim, Rejoice: Preserving the Gift of Black Sacred Music.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Giles\'s collaborative work with civil rights icon the Rev. Joseph Lowery on his biographical project, “Singing the Lord\'s Song in a Strange Land,” amplifies marginalized narratives.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Since 2015, she has been involved in coordinating the annual UT Martin Civil Rights Conference and chaired the 2023 event. In her classes, Giles creates assignments that prompt students to analyze and document pressing issues and dilemmas facing the world. Through interviews with experts, peers and family members, students develop compelling features that explore perceptions and opinions. Completing Giles’s class requires a thoughtful inspection of the world and a deep exploration of the differences that shape interactions with others.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Excel in All We Do Award, faculty: Dr. Stephanie Kolitsch, the interim provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs as well as the director of accreditation and liaison to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Kolitsch has been a valued member of the UT Martin community for almost 30 years, beginning her tenure in 1994 as a professor of mathematics. She has gone above and beyond in serving the university and is the perfect example of how to excel in all we do. She has been leading UT Martin’s reaffirmation of the accreditation process and has successfully developed the quality enhancement plan, which is part of the SACS review process and the foundations of excellence self-study.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Kolitsch pioneered a monthly assessment campus-wide newsletter. It highlights outstanding work from departments, keeps deadlines at the forefront of individuals’ minds and challenges them to continue to think about how good assessment provides data-driven decisions. Kolitsch\'s pursuit of excellence, exceptional leadership and outstanding performance, as well as her commitment to the university\'s mission and vision, has cemented her status as a visionary leader.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Optimistic and Visionary Employees Award, staff: Destin Tucker, the director of undergraduate admissions.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Tucker has demonstrated great dedication and commitment to her role for the past seven years as director of undergraduate admissions at UT Martin. With nearly 17 years of experience in the field of admissions, Tucker’s expertise shines through in every aspect of her work.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Tucker also serves as the strategic enrollment management chair at UT Martin, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the institution’s strategic plan. She turned around a struggling admissions office through bold leadership, intuitive intelligence, willingness to ask questions and integrity. The outbreak of COVID-19 presented recruitment obstacles, including school closures and restricted visits by admissions counselors. The ambiguity of campus operations made it difficult to relieve worries of families.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Orientation shifted to an online format, which made it demanding to maintain a personal touch. Tucker rallied and supported her staff as they navigated circumstances none had experienced before. She possesses a keen ability to anticipate obstacles and establishes meaningful relationships with a grateful heart.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• United and Connected Award, faculty: Dr. Clinton Smith, a professor and chair of the department of educational studies.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Smith embodies a commitment to service that elevates UT Martin. Joining its faculty in 2012, he has risen to special education professor and chair in the department of educational studies. He engages in service to the university, his profession and the community while also making significant contributions to research and scholarship. Smith has authored 17 publications and three book chapters and delivered 57 international presentations and 26 state presentations.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The leadership roles that Smith has assumed are a testament to others recognizing his exceptional qualities and inviting him to serve. Those who have had the privilege of working with him quickly learn to admire his commitment to excellence, his embodiment of dedication, focus and integrity in all interactions.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>President’s Award recipients were nominated by campus and institute leaders and are selected annually from a system-wide pool.&nbsp; They will be honored by the president and his Be One UT cabinet at a special luncheon on Aug. 3 in Nashville.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“We are certainly proud to have more President’s Award winners than any other UT System entity this year. The UTM faculty and staff who earned these awards are definitely deserving and represent our campus well. They embody the spirit of Be One UT as well as the growth and progress that our campus is seeing. My congratulations to these outstanding individuals.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Our ‘Be One UT’ values are not just a philosophy but a concrete way we define our culture and way of doing business,” Boyd said. “These award recipients exemplify who we are as well as who we continually aspire to be in serving the people of Tennessee.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The President’s Awards were established in 2016 to annually recognize the accomplishments of faculty and staff from across the UT System with the mission to educate, discover and connect. Additionally, the awards celebrate and acknowledge outstanding contributions in the areas of support and diversity.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The President’s Awards are the highest honor a UT employee can receive from the university. Winners receive commemorative plaques and a monetary award of $3,000.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Award recipients represent UT Martin, UT Knoxville, UT Health Science Center, UT Chattanooga, UT Institute of Agriculture, UT Institute for Public Service and UT System Administration.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Four UTM faculty, staff members earn President\'s Awards','Four faculty and staff members at the University of Tennessee at Martin were the recipients of 2023 President’s Awards, announced by UT System President Dr. Randy Boyd during the annual UT Board of Trustees meeting on June 30 in Memphis.','inherit','closed','closed','','4942-revision-v1','','','2023-07-20 09:33:47','2023-07-20 14:33:47','',4942,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4944',0,'revision','',0),(4945,2,'2023-07-24 13:46:51','2023-07-24 18:46:51','','04262023_MissTennesseeVolunteerAd067','UT Martin representatives in the 2023 Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant shown wearing their sashes and crowns, include (from left) Miss Northwest Tennessee Volunteer Emily Pennington, Miss Springtime Volunteer Maleia Bigham, Miss Tennessee Soybean Festival Volunteer Kareena Rainey, Miss TriStar Volunteer Meghan Poore, Miss UT Martin Volunteer Caleigh Jo Erwin, Miss Paris Volunteer Alyssa Wade and Miss MidTown Volunteer D’Ambrah Watts. Not pictured are Miss McNairy County Volunteer Sable Estes, Miss West Tennessee Volunteer Kim Gordon and Miss Davidson County Volunteer Carsyn Hughes.','inherit','closed','closed','','04262023_misstennesseevolunteerad067','','','2023-07-24 13:57:37','2023-07-24 18:57:37','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/04262023_MissTennesseeVolunteerAd067.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4946,2,'2023-07-24 13:51:45','2023-07-24 18:51:45','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Ten women who are either students or alumnae of the University of Tennessee at Martin will take part in the 2023 Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The winner of the pageant will qualify for the Miss Volunteer America Pageant held June 19-22, 2024, in Jackson, Tennessee. All 50 states take part in that national pageant. The winner of the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant crown will also serve as the governor’s spokesperson for character education and receive $25,000 in scholarship money.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant began its interviews with the contestants on July 24 and will continue through July 29. Preliminary competitions will be held July 26-28 at 7 p.m. nightly at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson. The finals will begin at 6:45 p.m. July 29.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Contestants must win one of 36 preliminary regional pageants to qualify for the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The five current UTM students taking part in the pageant this week – along with their regional pageant title and pageant platform – are:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Senior Kareena Caralee Rainey of Adamsville, Miss Tennessee Soybean Festival Volunteer, American Red Cross</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Senior Alyssa Kaye Wade of Paris, Miss Paris Volunteer, Better Health, Better Wealth: Promoting Enrichment in Mental Health</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore Maleia Raine Bigham of Turtletown, Miss Springtime Volunteer, Advocating for the Arts</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore D’Ambrah T. Watts of Jackson, Miss., Miss Midtown Volunteer, Understand Beforehand</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore Carsyn Hughes of Franklin, Miss Davidson County Volunteer, Every Girl Counts</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The five UTM alumnae taking part in the pageant week – along with their regional pageant title and pageant platform – are:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sable Leigh Estes, Class of 2019, of Trenton, Miss McNairy County Volunteer, Building Resilience</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Caleigh Jo Erwin, Class of 2021, of Dyersburg, Miss UT Martin Volunteer, LUPUS: Living Under Pressure Ultimately Surviving</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Kim Gordon, Class of 2022, of Brooksville, Miss West Tennessee Volunteer, Happy Smiles</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Meghan K. Poore, Class of 2022, of Medina, Miss TriStar Volunteer, The Gift of Time</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Emily F. Pennington, Class of 2023, of McMinnville, Miss Northwest Tennessee Volunteer, Embracing the Elderly</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Volunteer Pageant program began in January 2019. Christine Williamson, who had been crowned Miss Tennessee 2018, vacated her crown and became the first Miss Tennessee Volunteer.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The following year, Kerri Arnold, a UTM junior who had also won Miss Scenic City, became the first winner of the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The reigning Miss Tennessee Volunteer is Paige Clark, who had previously won Miss Knoxville and was a student at Johns Hopkins University.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant awards scholarships to its participants. Each contestant will receive a $1,000 scholarship just for competing at the state level. Additional scholarships are awarded based on how the contestants finish. Other scholarships are awarded in categories like community service, academics and congeniality.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The 60th Miss UT Martin Pageant is scheduled to be held Sept. 10 at Watkins Auditorium in the Boling University Center.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Ten UTM representatives to vie for Miss Tennessee Volunteer','Ten women who are either students or alumnae of the University of Tennessee at Martin will take part in the 2023 Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.','publish','closed','closed','','ten-utm-representatives-to-vie-for-miss-tennessee-volunteer','','','2023-08-23 15:58:52','2023-08-23 20:58:52','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4946',0,'post','',0),(4947,2,'2023-07-24 13:47:59','2023-07-24 18:47:59','','Ten UTM representatives to vie for Miss Tennessee Volunteer','','inherit','closed','closed','','4946-revision-v1','','','2023-07-24 13:47:59','2023-07-24 18:47:59','',4946,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4947',0,'revision','',0),(4948,2,'2023-07-24 13:49:46','2023-07-24 18:49:46','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Ten women who are either students or alumnae of the University of Tennessee at Martin will take part in the 2023 Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The winner of the pageant will qualify for the Miss Volunteer America Pageant held June 19-22, 2024, in Jackson, Tennessee. All 50 states take part in that national pageant. The winner of the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant crown will also serve as the governor’s spokesperson for character education and receive $25,000 in scholarship money.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant began its interviews with the contestants on July 24 and will continue through July 29. Preliminary competitions will be held July 26-28 at 7 p.m. nightly at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson. The finals will begin at 6:45 p.m. July 29.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Contestants must win one of 36 preliminary regional pageants to qualify for the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The five current UTM students taking part in the pageant this week – along with their regional pageant title and pageant platform – are:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Senior Kareena Caralee Rainey of Adamsville, Miss Tennessee Soybean Festival Volunteer, American Red Cross</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Senior Alyssa Kaye Wade of Paris, Miss Paris Volunteer, Better Health, Better Wealth: Promoting Enrichment in Mental Health</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore Maleia Raine Bigham of Turtletown, Miss Springtime Volunteer, Advocating for the Arts</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore D’Ambrah T. Watts of Jackson, Miss., Miss Midtown Volunteer, Understand Beforehand</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore Carsyn Hughes of Franklin, Miss Davidson County Volunteer, Every Girl Counts</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The five UTM alumnae taking part in the pageant week – along with their regional pageant title and pageant platform – are:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sable Leigh Estes, Class of 2019, of Trenton, Miss McNairy County Volunteer, Building Resilience</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Caleigh Jo Erwin, Class of 2021, of Dyersburg, Miss UT Martin Volunteer, LUPUS: Living Under Pressure Ultimately Surviving</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Kim Gordon, Class of 2022, of Brooksville, Miss West Tennessee Volunteer, Happy Smiles</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Meghan K. Poore, Class of 2022, of Medina. Miss TriStar Volunteer, The Gift of Time</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Emily F. Pennington, Class of 2023, of McMinnville, Miss Northwest Tennessee Volunteer, Embracing the Elderly</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Volunteer Pageant program began in January 2019. Christine Williamson, who had been crowned Miss Tennessee 2018, vacated her crown and became the first Miss Tennessee Volunteer.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The following year, Kerri Arnold, a UTM junior who had also won Miss Scenic City, became the first winner of the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The reigning Miss Tennessee Volunteer is Paige Clark, who had previously won Miss Knoxville and was a student at Johns Hopkins University.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant awards scholarships to its participants. Each contestant will receive a $1,000 scholarship just for competing at the state level. Additional scholarships are awarded based on how the contestants finish. Other scholarships are awarded in categories like community service, academics and congeniality.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The 60th Miss UT Martin Pageant is scheduled to be held Sept. 10 at Watkins Auditorium in the Boling University Center.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Ten UTM representatives to vie for Miss Tennessee Volunteer','','inherit','closed','closed','','4946-revision-v1','','','2023-07-24 13:49:46','2023-07-24 18:49:46','',4946,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4948',0,'revision','',0),(4951,2,'2023-07-24 13:55:32','2023-07-24 18:55:32','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Ten women who are either students or alumnae of the University of Tennessee at Martin will take part in the 2023 Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The winner of the pageant will qualify for the Miss Volunteer America Pageant held June 19-22, 2024, in Jackson, Tennessee. All 50 states take part in that national pageant. The winner of the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant crown will also serve as the governor’s spokesperson for character education and receive $25,000 in scholarship money.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant began its interviews with the contestants on July 24 and will continue through July 29. Preliminary competitions will be held July 26-28 at 7 p.m. nightly at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson. The finals will begin at 6:45 p.m. July 29.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Contestants must win one of 36 preliminary regional pageants to qualify for the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The five current UTM students taking part in the pageant this week – along with their regional pageant title and pageant platform – are:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Senior Kareena Caralee Rainey of Adamsville, Miss Tennessee Soybean Festival Volunteer, American Red Cross</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Senior Alyssa Kaye Wade of Paris, Miss Paris Volunteer, Better Health, Better Wealth: Promoting Enrichment in Mental Health</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore Maleia Raine Bigham of Turtletown, Miss Springtime Volunteer, Advocating for the Arts</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore D’Ambrah T. Watts of Jackson, Miss., Miss Midtown Volunteer, Understand Beforehand</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore Carsyn Hughes of Franklin, Miss Davidson County Volunteer, Every Girl Counts</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The five UTM alumnae taking part in the pageant week – along with their regional pageant title and pageant platform – are:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sable Leigh Estes, Class of 2019, of Trenton, Miss McNairy County Volunteer, Building Resilience</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Caleigh Jo Erwin, Class of 2021, of Dyersburg, Miss UT Martin Volunteer, LUPUS: Living Under Pressure Ultimately Surviving</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Kim Gordon, Class of 2022, of Brooksville, Miss West Tennessee Volunteer, Happy Smiles</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Meghan K. Poore, Class of 2022, of Medina. Miss TriStar Volunteer, The Gift of Time</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Emily F. Pennington, Class of 2023, of McMinnville, Miss Northwest Tennessee Volunteer, Embracing the Elderly</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":4945,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/04262023_MissTennesseeVolunteerAd067-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4945\"/><figcaption><sub>UT Martin representatives in the 2023 Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant shown wearing their sashes and crowns, include (from left) Miss Northwest Tennessee Volunteer Emily Pennington, Miss Springtime Volunteer Maleia Bigham, Miss Tennessee Soybean Festival Volunteer Kareena Rainey, Miss TriStar Volunteer Meghan Poore, Miss UT Martin Volunteer Caleigh Jo Erwin, Miss Paris Volunteer Alyssa Wade and Miss MidTown Volunteer D’Ambrah Watts. Not pictured are Miss McNairy County Volunteer Sable Estes, Miss West Tennessee Volunteer Kim Gordon and Miss Davidson County Volunteer Carsyn Hughes.</sub></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Volunteer Pageant program began in January 2019. Christine Williamson, who had been crowned Miss Tennessee 2018, vacated her crown and became the first Miss Tennessee Volunteer.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The following year, Kerri Arnold, a UTM junior who had also won Miss Scenic City, became the first winner of the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The reigning Miss Tennessee Volunteer is Paige Clark, who had previously won Miss Knoxville and was a student at Johns Hopkins University.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant awards scholarships to its participants. Each contestant will receive a $1,000 scholarship just for competing at the state level. Additional scholarships are awarded based on how the contestants finish. Other scholarships are awarded in categories like community service, academics and congeniality.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The 60th Miss UT Martin Pageant is scheduled to be held Sept. 10 at Watkins Auditorium in the Boling University Center.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Ten UTM representatives to vie for Miss Tennessee Volunteer','','inherit','closed','closed','','4946-revision-v1','','','2023-07-24 13:55:32','2023-07-24 18:55:32','',4946,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4951',0,'revision','',0),(4950,2,'2023-07-24 13:53:41','2023-07-24 18:53:41','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Ten women who are either students or alumnae of the University of Tennessee at Martin will take part in the 2023 Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The winner of the pageant will qualify for the Miss Volunteer America Pageant held June 19-22, 2024, in Jackson, Tennessee. All 50 states take part in that national pageant. The winner of the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant crown will also serve as the governor’s spokesperson for character education and receive $25,000 in scholarship money.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant began its interviews with the contestants on July 24 and will continue through July 29. Preliminary competitions will be held July 26-28 at 7 p.m. nightly at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson. The finals will begin at 6:45 p.m. July 29.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Contestants must win one of 36 preliminary regional pageants to qualify for the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The five current UTM students taking part in the pageant this week – along with their regional pageant title and pageant platform – are:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Senior Kareena Caralee Rainey of Adamsville, Miss Tennessee Soybean Festival Volunteer, American Red Cross</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Senior Alyssa Kaye Wade of Paris, Miss Paris Volunteer, Better Health, Better Wealth: Promoting Enrichment in Mental Health</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore Maleia Raine Bigham of Turtletown, Miss Springtime Volunteer, Advocating for the Arts</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore D’Ambrah T. Watts of Jackson, Miss., Miss Midtown Volunteer, Understand Beforehand</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore Carsyn Hughes of Franklin, Miss Davidson County Volunteer, Every Girl Counts</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The five UTM alumnae taking part in the pageant week – along with their regional pageant title and pageant platform – are:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sable Leigh Estes, Class of 2019, of Trenton, Miss McNairy County Volunteer, Building Resilience</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Caleigh Jo Erwin, Class of 2021, of Dyersburg, Miss UT Martin Volunteer, LUPUS: Living Under Pressure Ultimately Surviving</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Kim Gordon, Class of 2022, of Brooksville, Miss West Tennessee Volunteer, Happy Smiles</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Meghan K. Poore, Class of 2022, of Medina. Miss TriStar Volunteer, The Gift of Time</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Emily F. Pennington, Class of 2023, of McMinnville, Miss Northwest Tennessee Volunteer, Embracing the Elderly</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":4945,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/04262023_MissTennesseeVolunteerAd067-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4945\"/><figcaption>UT Martin representatives in the 2023 Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant shown wearing their sashes and crowns, include (from left) Miss Northwest Tennessee Volunteer Emily Pennington, Miss Springtime Volunteer Maleia Bigham, Miss Tennessee Soybean Festival Volunteer Kareena Rainey, Miss TriStar Volunteer Meghan Poore, Miss UT Martin Volunteer Caleigh Jo Erwin, Miss Paris Volunteer Alyssa Wade and Miss MidTown Volunteer D’Ambrah Watts. Not pictured are Miss McNairy County Volunteer Sable Estes, Miss West Tennessee Volunteer Kim Gordon and Miss Davidson County Volunteer Carsyn Hughes.</figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Volunteer Pageant program began in January 2019. Christine Williamson, who had been crowned Miss Tennessee 2018, vacated her crown and became the first Miss Tennessee Volunteer.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The following year, Kerri Arnold, a UTM junior who had also won Miss Scenic City, became the first winner of the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The reigning Miss Tennessee Volunteer is Paige Clark, who had previously won Miss Knoxville and was a student at Johns Hopkins University.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant awards scholarships to its participants. Each contestant will receive a $1,000 scholarship just for competing at the state level. Additional scholarships are awarded based on how the contestants finish. Other scholarships are awarded in categories like community service, academics and congeniality.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The 60th Miss UT Martin Pageant is scheduled to be held Sept. 10 at Watkins Auditorium in the Boling University Center.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Ten UTM representatives to vie for Miss Tennessee Volunteer','','inherit','closed','closed','','4946-revision-v1','','','2023-07-24 13:53:41','2023-07-24 18:53:41','',4946,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4950',0,'revision','',0),(4952,2,'2023-07-24 13:55:42','2023-07-24 18:55:42','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Ten women who are either students or alumnae of the University of Tennessee at Martin will take part in the 2023 Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The winner of the pageant will qualify for the Miss Volunteer America Pageant held June 19-22, 2024, in Jackson, Tennessee. All 50 states take part in that national pageant. The winner of the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant crown will also serve as the governor’s spokesperson for character education and receive $25,000 in scholarship money.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant began its interviews with the contestants on July 24 and will continue through July 29. Preliminary competitions will be held July 26-28 at 7 p.m. nightly at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson. The finals will begin at 6:45 p.m. July 29.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Contestants must win one of 36 preliminary regional pageants to qualify for the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The five current UTM students taking part in the pageant this week – along with their regional pageant title and pageant platform – are:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Senior Kareena Caralee Rainey of Adamsville, Miss Tennessee Soybean Festival Volunteer, American Red Cross</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Senior Alyssa Kaye Wade of Paris, Miss Paris Volunteer, Better Health, Better Wealth: Promoting Enrichment in Mental Health</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore Maleia Raine Bigham of Turtletown, Miss Springtime Volunteer, Advocating for the Arts</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore D’Ambrah T. Watts of Jackson, Miss., Miss Midtown Volunteer, Understand Beforehand</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore Carsyn Hughes of Franklin, Miss Davidson County Volunteer, Every Girl Counts</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The five UTM alumnae taking part in the pageant week – along with their regional pageant title and pageant platform – are:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sable Leigh Estes, Class of 2019, of Trenton, Miss McNairy County Volunteer, Building Resilience</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Caleigh Jo Erwin, Class of 2021, of Dyersburg, Miss UT Martin Volunteer, LUPUS: Living Under Pressure Ultimately Surviving</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Kim Gordon, Class of 2022, of Brooksville, Miss West Tennessee Volunteer, Happy Smiles</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Meghan K. Poore, Class of 2022, of Medina. Miss TriStar Volunteer, The Gift of Time</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Emily F. Pennington, Class of 2023, of McMinnville, Miss Northwest Tennessee Volunteer, Embracing the Elderly</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":4945,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/04262023_MissTennesseeVolunteerAd067-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4945\"/><figcaption><sub><sup>UT Martin representatives in the 2023 Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant shown wearing their sashes and crowns, include (from left) Miss Northwest Tennessee Volunteer Emily Pennington, Miss Springtime Volunteer Maleia Bigham, Miss Tennessee Soybean Festival Volunteer Kareena Rainey, Miss TriStar Volunteer Meghan Poore, Miss UT Martin Volunteer Caleigh Jo Erwin, Miss Paris Volunteer Alyssa Wade and Miss MidTown Volunteer D’Ambrah Watts. Not pictured are Miss McNairy County Volunteer Sable Estes, Miss West Tennessee Volunteer Kim Gordon and Miss Davidson County Volunteer Carsyn Hughes.</sup></sub></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Volunteer Pageant program began in January 2019. Christine Williamson, who had been crowned Miss Tennessee 2018, vacated her crown and became the first Miss Tennessee Volunteer.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The following year, Kerri Arnold, a UTM junior who had also won Miss Scenic City, became the first winner of the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The reigning Miss Tennessee Volunteer is Paige Clark, who had previously won Miss Knoxville and was a student at Johns Hopkins University.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant awards scholarships to its participants. Each contestant will receive a $1,000 scholarship just for competing at the state level. Additional scholarships are awarded based on how the contestants finish. Other scholarships are awarded in categories like community service, academics and congeniality.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The 60th Miss UT Martin Pageant is scheduled to be held Sept. 10 at Watkins Auditorium in the Boling University Center.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Ten UTM representatives to vie for Miss Tennessee Volunteer','','inherit','closed','closed','','4946-revision-v1','','','2023-07-24 13:55:42','2023-07-24 18:55:42','',4946,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4952',0,'revision','',0),(4955,2,'2023-07-24 13:57:40','2023-07-24 18:57:40','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Ten women who are either students or alumnae of the University of Tennessee at Martin will take part in the 2023 Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The winner of the pageant will qualify for the Miss Volunteer America Pageant held June 19-22, 2024, in Jackson, Tennessee. All 50 states take part in that national pageant. The winner of the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant crown will also serve as the governor’s spokesperson for character education and receive $25,000 in scholarship money.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant began its interviews with the contestants on July 24 and will continue through July 29. Preliminary competitions will be held July 26-28 at 7 p.m. nightly at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson. The finals will begin at 6:45 p.m. July 29.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Contestants must win one of 36 preliminary regional pageants to qualify for the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The five current UTM students taking part in the pageant this week – along with their regional pageant title and pageant platform – are:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Senior Kareena Caralee Rainey of Adamsville, Miss Tennessee Soybean Festival Volunteer, American Red Cross</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Senior Alyssa Kaye Wade of Paris, Miss Paris Volunteer, Better Health, Better Wealth: Promoting Enrichment in Mental Health</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore Maleia Raine Bigham of Turtletown, Miss Springtime Volunteer, Advocating for the Arts</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore D’Ambrah T. Watts of Jackson, Miss., Miss Midtown Volunteer, Understand Beforehand</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore Carsyn Hughes of Franklin, Miss Davidson County Volunteer, Every Girl Counts</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The five UTM alumnae taking part in the pageant week – along with their regional pageant title and pageant platform – are:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sable Leigh Estes, Class of 2019, of Trenton, Miss McNairy County Volunteer, Building Resilience</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Caleigh Jo Erwin, Class of 2021, of Dyersburg, Miss UT Martin Volunteer, LUPUS: Living Under Pressure Ultimately Surviving</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Kim Gordon, Class of 2022, of Brooksville, Miss West Tennessee Volunteer, Happy Smiles</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Meghan K. Poore, Class of 2022, of Medina. Miss TriStar Volunteer, The Gift of Time</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Emily F. Pennington, Class of 2023, of McMinnville, Miss Northwest Tennessee Volunteer, Embracing the Elderly</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":4945,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/04262023_MissTennesseeVolunteerAd067-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4945\"/><figcaption>UT Martin representatives in the 2023 Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant shown wearing their sashes and crowns, include (from left) Miss Northwest Tennessee Volunteer Emily Pennington, Miss Springtime Volunteer Maleia Bigham, Miss Tennessee Soybean Festival Volunteer Kareena Rainey, Miss TriStar Volunteer Meghan Poore, Miss UT Martin Volunteer Caleigh Jo Erwin, Miss Paris Volunteer Alyssa Wade and Miss MidTown Volunteer D’Ambrah Watts. Not pictured are Miss McNairy County Volunteer Sable Estes, Miss West Tennessee Volunteer Kim Gordon and Miss Davidson County Volunteer Carsyn Hughes.</figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Volunteer Pageant program began in January 2019. Christine Williamson, who had been crowned Miss Tennessee 2018, vacated her crown and became the first Miss Tennessee Volunteer.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The following year, Kerri Arnold, a UTM junior who had also won Miss Scenic City, became the first winner of the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The reigning Miss Tennessee Volunteer is Paige Clark, who had previously won Miss Knoxville and was a student at Johns Hopkins University.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant awards scholarships to its participants. Each contestant will receive a $1,000 scholarship just for competing at the state level. Additional scholarships are awarded based on how the contestants finish. Other scholarships are awarded in categories like community service, academics and congeniality.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The 60th Miss UT Martin Pageant is scheduled to be held Sept. 10 at Watkins Auditorium in the Boling University Center.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Ten UTM representatives to vie for Miss Tennessee Volunteer','','inherit','closed','closed','','4946-revision-v1','','','2023-07-24 13:57:40','2023-07-24 18:57:40','',4946,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4955',0,'revision','',0),(4953,2,'2023-07-24 13:56:26','2023-07-24 18:56:26','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Ten women who are either students or alumnae of the University of Tennessee at Martin will take part in the 2023 Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The winner of the pageant will qualify for the Miss Volunteer America Pageant held June 19-22, 2024, in Jackson, Tennessee. All 50 states take part in that national pageant. The winner of the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant crown will also serve as the governor’s spokesperson for character education and receive $25,000 in scholarship money.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant began its interviews with the contestants on July 24 and will continue through July 29. Preliminary competitions will be held July 26-28 at 7 p.m. nightly at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson. The finals will begin at 6:45 p.m. July 29.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Contestants must win one of 36 preliminary regional pageants to qualify for the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The five current UTM students taking part in the pageant this week – along with their regional pageant title and pageant platform – are:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Senior Kareena Caralee Rainey of Adamsville, Miss Tennessee Soybean Festival Volunteer, American Red Cross</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Senior Alyssa Kaye Wade of Paris, Miss Paris Volunteer, Better Health, Better Wealth: Promoting Enrichment in Mental Health</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore Maleia Raine Bigham of Turtletown, Miss Springtime Volunteer, Advocating for the Arts</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore D’Ambrah T. Watts of Jackson, Miss., Miss Midtown Volunteer, Understand Beforehand</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore Carsyn Hughes of Franklin, Miss Davidson County Volunteer, Every Girl Counts</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The five UTM alumnae taking part in the pageant week – along with their regional pageant title and pageant platform – are:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sable Leigh Estes, Class of 2019, of Trenton, Miss McNairy County Volunteer, Building Resilience</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Caleigh Jo Erwin, Class of 2021, of Dyersburg, Miss UT Martin Volunteer, LUPUS: Living Under Pressure Ultimately Surviving</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Kim Gordon, Class of 2022, of Brooksville, Miss West Tennessee Volunteer, Happy Smiles</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Meghan K. Poore, Class of 2022, of Medina. Miss TriStar Volunteer, The Gift of Time</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Emily F. Pennington, Class of 2023, of McMinnville, Miss Northwest Tennessee Volunteer, Embracing the Elderly</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:cover {\"url\":\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/04262023_MissTennesseeVolunteerAd067-scaled.jpg\",\"id\":4945,\"dimRatio\":50,\"isDark\":false,\"style\":{\"color\":{}}} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover is-light\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim\"></span><img class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-4945\" alt=\"\" src=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/04262023_MissTennesseeVolunteerAd067-scaled.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\"/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container\"><!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\",\"fontSize\":\"large\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\"><sub><sup>UT Martin representatives in the 2023 Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant shown wearing their sashes and crowns, include (from left) Miss Northwest Tennessee Volunteer Emily Pennington, Miss Springtime Volunteer Maleia Bigham, Miss Tennessee Soybean Festival Volunteer Kareena Rainey, Miss TriStar Volunteer Meghan Poore, Miss UT Martin Volunteer Caleigh Jo Erwin, Miss Paris Volunteer Alyssa Wade and Miss MidTown Volunteer D’Ambrah Watts. Not pictured are Miss McNairy County Volunteer Sable Estes, Miss West Tennessee Volunteer Kim Gordon and Miss Davidson County Volunteer Carsyn Hughes.</sup></sub></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph --></div></div>\n<!-- /wp:cover -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Volunteer Pageant program began in January 2019. Christine Williamson, who had been crowned Miss Tennessee 2018, vacated her crown and became the first Miss Tennessee Volunteer.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The following year, Kerri Arnold, a UTM junior who had also won Miss Scenic City, became the first winner of the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The reigning Miss Tennessee Volunteer is Paige Clark, who had previously won Miss Knoxville and was a student at Johns Hopkins University.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant awards scholarships to its participants. Each contestant will receive a $1,000 scholarship just for competing at the state level. Additional scholarships are awarded based on how the contestants finish. Other scholarships are awarded in categories like community service, academics and congeniality.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The 60th Miss UT Martin Pageant is scheduled to be held Sept. 10 at Watkins Auditorium in the Boling University Center.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Ten UTM representatives to vie for Miss Tennessee Volunteer','','inherit','closed','closed','','4946-revision-v1','','','2023-07-24 13:56:26','2023-07-24 18:56:26','',4946,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4953',0,'revision','',0),(5091,2,'2023-08-23 15:58:40','2023-08-23 20:58:40','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Ten women who are either students or alumnae of the University of Tennessee at Martin will take part in the 2023 Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The winner of the pageant will qualify for the Miss Volunteer America Pageant held June 19-22, 2024, in Jackson, Tennessee. All 50 states take part in that national pageant. The winner of the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant crown will also serve as the governor’s spokesperson for character education and receive $25,000 in scholarship money.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant began its interviews with the contestants on July 24 and will continue through July 29. Preliminary competitions will be held July 26-28 at 7 p.m. nightly at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson. The finals will begin at 6:45 p.m. July 29.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Contestants must win one of 36 preliminary regional pageants to qualify for the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The five current UTM students taking part in the pageant this week – along with their regional pageant title and pageant platform – are:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Senior Kareena Caralee Rainey of Adamsville, Miss Tennessee Soybean Festival Volunteer, American Red Cross</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Senior Alyssa Kaye Wade of Paris, Miss Paris Volunteer, Better Health, Better Wealth: Promoting Enrichment in Mental Health</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore Maleia Raine Bigham of Turtletown, Miss Springtime Volunteer, Advocating for the Arts</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore D’Ambrah T. Watts of Jackson, Miss., Miss Midtown Volunteer, Understand Beforehand</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore Carsyn Hughes of Franklin, Miss Davidson County Volunteer, Every Girl Counts</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The five UTM alumnae taking part in the pageant week – along with their regional pageant title and pageant platform – are:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sable Leigh Estes, Class of 2019, of Trenton, Miss McNairy County Volunteer, Building Resilience</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Caleigh Jo Erwin, Class of 2021, of Dyersburg, Miss UT Martin Volunteer, LUPUS: Living Under Pressure Ultimately Surviving</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Kim Gordon, Class of 2022, of Brooksville, Miss West Tennessee Volunteer, Happy Smiles</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Meghan K. Poore, Class of 2022, of Medina, Miss TriStar Volunteer, The Gift of Time</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Emily F. Pennington, Class of 2023, of McMinnville, Miss Northwest Tennessee Volunteer, Embracing the Elderly</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Volunteer Pageant program began in January 2019. Christine Williamson, who had been crowned Miss Tennessee 2018, vacated her crown and became the first Miss Tennessee Volunteer.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The following year, Kerri Arnold, a UTM junior who had also won Miss Scenic City, became the first winner of the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The reigning Miss Tennessee Volunteer is Paige Clark, who had previously won Miss Knoxville and was a student at Johns Hopkins University.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant awards scholarships to its participants. Each contestant will receive a $1,000 scholarship just for competing at the state level. Additional scholarships are awarded based on how the contestants finish. Other scholarships are awarded in categories like community service, academics and congeniality.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The 60th Miss UT Martin Pageant is scheduled to be held Sept. 10 at Watkins Auditorium in the Boling University Center.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Ten UTM representatives to vie for Miss Tennessee Volunteer','Ten women who are either students or alumnae of the University of Tennessee at Martin will take part in the 2023 Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.','inherit','closed','closed','','4946-revision-v1','','','2023-08-23 15:58:40','2023-08-23 20:58:40','',4946,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=5091',0,'revision','',0),(4959,2,'2023-07-24 14:00:52','2023-07-24 19:00:52','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Ten women who are either students or alumnae of the University of Tennessee at Martin will take part in the 2023 Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The winner of the pageant will qualify for the Miss Volunteer America Pageant held June 19-22, 2024, in Jackson, Tennessee. All 50 states take part in that national pageant. The winner of the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant crown will also serve as the governor’s spokesperson for character education and receive $25,000 in scholarship money.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant began its interviews with the contestants on July 24 and will continue through July 29. Preliminary competitions will be held July 26-28 at 7 p.m. nightly at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson. The finals will begin at 6:45 p.m. July 29.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Contestants must win one of 36 preliminary regional pageants to qualify for the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The five current UTM students taking part in the pageant this week – along with their regional pageant title and pageant platform – are:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Senior Kareena Caralee Rainey of Adamsville, Miss Tennessee Soybean Festival Volunteer, American Red Cross</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Senior Alyssa Kaye Wade of Paris, Miss Paris Volunteer, Better Health, Better Wealth: Promoting Enrichment in Mental Health</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore Maleia Raine Bigham of Turtletown, Miss Springtime Volunteer, Advocating for the Arts</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore D’Ambrah T. Watts of Jackson, Miss., Miss Midtown Volunteer, Understand Beforehand</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore Carsyn Hughes of Franklin, Miss Davidson County Volunteer, Every Girl Counts</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The five UTM alumnae taking part in the pageant week – along with their regional pageant title and pageant platform – are:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sable Leigh Estes, Class of 2019, of Trenton, Miss McNairy County Volunteer, Building Resilience</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Caleigh Jo Erwin, Class of 2021, of Dyersburg, Miss UT Martin Volunteer, LUPUS: Living Under Pressure Ultimately Surviving</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Kim Gordon, Class of 2022, of Brooksville, Miss West Tennessee Volunteer, Happy Smiles</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Meghan K. Poore, Class of 2022, of Medina. Miss TriStar Volunteer, The Gift of Time</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Emily F. Pennington, Class of 2023, of McMinnville, Miss Northwest Tennessee Volunteer, Embracing the Elderly</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:group -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":4945,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/04262023_MissTennesseeVolunteerAd067-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4945\"/><figcaption><sup><em>UT Martin representatives in the 2023 Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant shown wearing their sashes and crowns, include (from left) Miss Northwest Tennessee Volunteer Emily Pennington, Miss Springtime Volunteer Maleia Bigham, Miss Tennessee Soybean Festival Volunteer Kareena Rainey, Miss TriStar Volunteer Meghan Poore, Miss UT Martin Volunteer Caleigh Jo Erwin, Miss Paris Volunteer Alyssa Wade and Miss MidTown Volunteer D’Ambrah Watts. Not pictured are Miss McNairy County Volunteer Sable Estes, Miss West Tennessee Volunteer Kim Gordon and Miss Davidson County Volunteer Carsyn Hughes.</em></sup></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image --></div>\n<!-- /wp:group -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Volunteer Pageant program began in January 2019. Christine Williamson, who had been crowned Miss Tennessee 2018, vacated her crown and became the first Miss Tennessee Volunteer.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The following year, Kerri Arnold, a UTM junior who had also won Miss Scenic City, became the first winner of the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The reigning Miss Tennessee Volunteer is Paige Clark, who had previously won Miss Knoxville and was a student at Johns Hopkins University.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant awards scholarships to its participants. Each contestant will receive a $1,000 scholarship just for competing at the state level. Additional scholarships are awarded based on how the contestants finish. Other scholarships are awarded in categories like community service, academics and congeniality.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The 60th Miss UT Martin Pageant is scheduled to be held Sept. 10 at Watkins Auditorium in the Boling University Center.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Ten UTM representatives to vie for Miss Tennessee Volunteer','Ten women who are either students or alumnae of the University of Tennessee at Martin will take part in the 2023 Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.','inherit','closed','closed','','4946-revision-v1','','','2023-07-24 14:00:52','2023-07-24 19:00:52','',4946,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4959',0,'revision','',0),(4956,2,'2023-07-24 13:58:01','2023-07-24 18:58:01','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Ten women who are either students or alumnae of the University of Tennessee at Martin will take part in the 2023 Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The winner of the pageant will qualify for the Miss Volunteer America Pageant held June 19-22, 2024, in Jackson, Tennessee. All 50 states take part in that national pageant. The winner of the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant crown will also serve as the governor’s spokesperson for character education and receive $25,000 in scholarship money.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant began its interviews with the contestants on July 24 and will continue through July 29. Preliminary competitions will be held July 26-28 at 7 p.m. nightly at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson. The finals will begin at 6:45 p.m. July 29.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Contestants must win one of 36 preliminary regional pageants to qualify for the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The five current UTM students taking part in the pageant this week – along with their regional pageant title and pageant platform – are:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Senior Kareena Caralee Rainey of Adamsville, Miss Tennessee Soybean Festival Volunteer, American Red Cross</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Senior Alyssa Kaye Wade of Paris, Miss Paris Volunteer, Better Health, Better Wealth: Promoting Enrichment in Mental Health</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore Maleia Raine Bigham of Turtletown, Miss Springtime Volunteer, Advocating for the Arts</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore D’Ambrah T. Watts of Jackson, Miss., Miss Midtown Volunteer, Understand Beforehand</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore Carsyn Hughes of Franklin, Miss Davidson County Volunteer, Every Girl Counts</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The five UTM alumnae taking part in the pageant week – along with their regional pageant title and pageant platform – are:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sable Leigh Estes, Class of 2019, of Trenton, Miss McNairy County Volunteer, Building Resilience</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Caleigh Jo Erwin, Class of 2021, of Dyersburg, Miss UT Martin Volunteer, LUPUS: Living Under Pressure Ultimately Surviving</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Kim Gordon, Class of 2022, of Brooksville, Miss West Tennessee Volunteer, Happy Smiles</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Meghan K. Poore, Class of 2022, of Medina. Miss TriStar Volunteer, The Gift of Time</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Emily F. Pennington, Class of 2023, of McMinnville, Miss Northwest Tennessee Volunteer, Embracing the Elderly</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":4945,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/04262023_MissTennesseeVolunteerAd067-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4945\"/><figcaption><sup>UT Martin representatives in the 2023 Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant shown wearing their sashes and crowns, include (from left) Miss Northwest Tennessee Volunteer Emily Pennington, Miss Springtime Volunteer Maleia Bigham, Miss Tennessee Soybean Festival Volunteer Kareena Rainey, Miss TriStar Volunteer Meghan Poore, Miss UT Martin Volunteer Caleigh Jo Erwin, Miss Paris Volunteer Alyssa Wade and Miss MidTown Volunteer D’Ambrah Watts. Not pictured are Miss McNairy County Volunteer Sable Estes, Miss West Tennessee Volunteer Kim Gordon and Miss Davidson County Volunteer Carsyn Hughes.</sup></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Volunteer Pageant program began in January 2019. Christine Williamson, who had been crowned Miss Tennessee 2018, vacated her crown and became the first Miss Tennessee Volunteer.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The following year, Kerri Arnold, a UTM junior who had also won Miss Scenic City, became the first winner of the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The reigning Miss Tennessee Volunteer is Paige Clark, who had previously won Miss Knoxville and was a student at Johns Hopkins University.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant awards scholarships to its participants. Each contestant will receive a $1,000 scholarship just for competing at the state level. Additional scholarships are awarded based on how the contestants finish. Other scholarships are awarded in categories like community service, academics and congeniality.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The 60th Miss UT Martin Pageant is scheduled to be held Sept. 10 at Watkins Auditorium in the Boling University Center.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Ten UTM representatives to vie for Miss Tennessee Volunteer','','inherit','closed','closed','','4946-revision-v1','','','2023-07-24 13:58:01','2023-07-24 18:58:01','',4946,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4956',0,'revision','',0),(4957,2,'2023-07-24 13:58:55','2023-07-24 18:58:55','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Ten women who are either students or alumnae of the University of Tennessee at Martin will take part in the 2023 Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The winner of the pageant will qualify for the Miss Volunteer America Pageant held June 19-22, 2024, in Jackson, Tennessee. All 50 states take part in that national pageant. The winner of the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant crown will also serve as the governor’s spokesperson for character education and receive $25,000 in scholarship money.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant began its interviews with the contestants on July 24 and will continue through July 29. Preliminary competitions will be held July 26-28 at 7 p.m. nightly at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson. The finals will begin at 6:45 p.m. July 29.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Contestants must win one of 36 preliminary regional pageants to qualify for the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The five current UTM students taking part in the pageant this week – along with their regional pageant title and pageant platform – are:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Senior Kareena Caralee Rainey of Adamsville, Miss Tennessee Soybean Festival Volunteer, American Red Cross</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Senior Alyssa Kaye Wade of Paris, Miss Paris Volunteer, Better Health, Better Wealth: Promoting Enrichment in Mental Health</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore Maleia Raine Bigham of Turtletown, Miss Springtime Volunteer, Advocating for the Arts</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore D’Ambrah T. Watts of Jackson, Miss., Miss Midtown Volunteer, Understand Beforehand</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore Carsyn Hughes of Franklin, Miss Davidson County Volunteer, Every Girl Counts</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The five UTM alumnae taking part in the pageant week – along with their regional pageant title and pageant platform – are:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sable Leigh Estes, Class of 2019, of Trenton, Miss McNairy County Volunteer, Building Resilience</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Caleigh Jo Erwin, Class of 2021, of Dyersburg, Miss UT Martin Volunteer, LUPUS: Living Under Pressure Ultimately Surviving</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Kim Gordon, Class of 2022, of Brooksville, Miss West Tennessee Volunteer, Happy Smiles</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Meghan K. Poore, Class of 2022, of Medina. Miss TriStar Volunteer, The Gift of Time</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Emily F. Pennington, Class of 2023, of McMinnville, Miss Northwest Tennessee Volunteer, Embracing the Elderly</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:group -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":4945,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/04262023_MissTennesseeVolunteerAd067-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4945\"/><figcaption><sup>UT Martin representatives in the 2023 Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant shown wearing their sashes and crowns, include (from left) Miss Northwest Tennessee Volunteer Emily Pennington, Miss Springtime Volunteer Maleia Bigham, Miss Tennessee Soybean Festival Volunteer Kareena Rainey, Miss TriStar Volunteer Meghan Poore, Miss UT Martin Volunteer Caleigh Jo Erwin, Miss Paris Volunteer Alyssa Wade and Miss MidTown Volunteer D’Ambrah Watts. Not pictured are Miss McNairy County Volunteer Sable Estes, Miss West Tennessee Volunteer Kim Gordon and Miss Davidson County Volunteer Carsyn Hughes.</sup></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image --></div>\n<!-- /wp:group -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Volunteer Pageant program began in January 2019. Christine Williamson, who had been crowned Miss Tennessee 2018, vacated her crown and became the first Miss Tennessee Volunteer.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The following year, Kerri Arnold, a UTM junior who had also won Miss Scenic City, became the first winner of the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The reigning Miss Tennessee Volunteer is Paige Clark, who had previously won Miss Knoxville and was a student at Johns Hopkins University.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant awards scholarships to its participants. Each contestant will receive a $1,000 scholarship just for competing at the state level. Additional scholarships are awarded based on how the contestants finish. Other scholarships are awarded in categories like community service, academics and congeniality.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The 60th Miss UT Martin Pageant is scheduled to be held Sept. 10 at Watkins Auditorium in the Boling University Center.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Ten UTM representatives to vie for Miss Tennessee Volunteer','','inherit','closed','closed','','4946-revision-v1','','','2023-07-24 13:58:55','2023-07-24 18:58:55','',4946,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4957',0,'revision','',0),(4958,2,'2023-07-24 13:59:15','2023-07-24 18:59:15','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Ten women who are either students or alumnae of the University of Tennessee at Martin will take part in the 2023 Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The winner of the pageant will qualify for the Miss Volunteer America Pageant held June 19-22, 2024, in Jackson, Tennessee. All 50 states take part in that national pageant. The winner of the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant crown will also serve as the governor’s spokesperson for character education and receive $25,000 in scholarship money.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant began its interviews with the contestants on July 24 and will continue through July 29. Preliminary competitions will be held July 26-28 at 7 p.m. nightly at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson. The finals will begin at 6:45 p.m. July 29.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Contestants must win one of 36 preliminary regional pageants to qualify for the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The five current UTM students taking part in the pageant this week – along with their regional pageant title and pageant platform – are:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Senior Kareena Caralee Rainey of Adamsville, Miss Tennessee Soybean Festival Volunteer, American Red Cross</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Senior Alyssa Kaye Wade of Paris, Miss Paris Volunteer, Better Health, Better Wealth: Promoting Enrichment in Mental Health</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore Maleia Raine Bigham of Turtletown, Miss Springtime Volunteer, Advocating for the Arts</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore D’Ambrah T. Watts of Jackson, Miss., Miss Midtown Volunteer, Understand Beforehand</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore Carsyn Hughes of Franklin, Miss Davidson County Volunteer, Every Girl Counts</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The five UTM alumnae taking part in the pageant week – along with their regional pageant title and pageant platform – are:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sable Leigh Estes, Class of 2019, of Trenton, Miss McNairy County Volunteer, Building Resilience</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Caleigh Jo Erwin, Class of 2021, of Dyersburg, Miss UT Martin Volunteer, LUPUS: Living Under Pressure Ultimately Surviving</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Kim Gordon, Class of 2022, of Brooksville, Miss West Tennessee Volunteer, Happy Smiles</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Meghan K. Poore, Class of 2022, of Medina. Miss TriStar Volunteer, The Gift of Time</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Emily F. Pennington, Class of 2023, of McMinnville, Miss Northwest Tennessee Volunteer, Embracing the Elderly</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:group -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":4945,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/04262023_MissTennesseeVolunteerAd067-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4945\"/><figcaption><sup><em>UT Martin representatives in the 2023 Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant shown wearing their sashes and crowns, include (from left) Miss Northwest Tennessee Volunteer Emily Pennington, Miss Springtime Volunteer Maleia Bigham, Miss Tennessee Soybean Festival Volunteer Kareena Rainey, Miss TriStar Volunteer Meghan Poore, Miss UT Martin Volunteer Caleigh Jo Erwin, Miss Paris Volunteer Alyssa Wade and Miss MidTown Volunteer D’Ambrah Watts. Not pictured are Miss McNairy County Volunteer Sable Estes, Miss West Tennessee Volunteer Kim Gordon and Miss Davidson County Volunteer Carsyn Hughes.</em></sup></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image --></div>\n<!-- /wp:group -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Volunteer Pageant program began in January 2019. Christine Williamson, who had been crowned Miss Tennessee 2018, vacated her crown and became the first Miss Tennessee Volunteer.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The following year, Kerri Arnold, a UTM junior who had also won Miss Scenic City, became the first winner of the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The reigning Miss Tennessee Volunteer is Paige Clark, who had previously won Miss Knoxville and was a student at Johns Hopkins University.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant awards scholarships to its participants. Each contestant will receive a $1,000 scholarship just for competing at the state level. Additional scholarships are awarded based on how the contestants finish. Other scholarships are awarded in categories like community service, academics and congeniality.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The 60th Miss UT Martin Pageant is scheduled to be held Sept. 10 at Watkins Auditorium in the Boling University Center.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Ten UTM representatives to vie for Miss Tennessee Volunteer','','inherit','closed','closed','','4946-revision-v1','','','2023-07-24 13:59:15','2023-07-24 18:59:15','',4946,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4958',0,'revision','',0),(4960,2,'2023-07-24 14:09:37','2023-07-24 19:09:37','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Ten women who are either students or alumnae of the University of Tennessee at Martin will take part in the 2023 Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The winner of the pageant will qualify for the Miss Volunteer America Pageant held June 19-22, 2024, in Jackson, Tennessee. All 50 states take part in that national pageant. The winner of the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant crown will also serve as the governor’s spokesperson for character education and receive $25,000 in scholarship money.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant began its interviews with the contestants on July 24 and will continue through July 29. Preliminary competitions will be held July 26-28 at 7 p.m. nightly at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson. The finals will begin at 6:45 p.m. July 29.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Contestants must win one of 36 preliminary regional pageants to qualify for the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The five current UTM students taking part in the pageant this week – along with their regional pageant title and pageant platform – are:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Senior Kareena Caralee Rainey of Adamsville, Miss Tennessee Soybean Festival Volunteer, American Red Cross</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Senior Alyssa Kaye Wade of Paris, Miss Paris Volunteer, Better Health, Better Wealth: Promoting Enrichment in Mental Health</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore Maleia Raine Bigham of Turtletown, Miss Springtime Volunteer, Advocating for the Arts</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore D’Ambrah T. Watts of Jackson, Miss., Miss Midtown Volunteer, Understand Beforehand</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sophomore Carsyn Hughes of Franklin, Miss Davidson County Volunteer, Every Girl Counts</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The five UTM alumnae taking part in the pageant week – along with their regional pageant title and pageant platform – are:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Sable Leigh Estes, Class of 2019, of Trenton, Miss McNairy County Volunteer, Building Resilience</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Caleigh Jo Erwin, Class of 2021, of Dyersburg, Miss UT Martin Volunteer, LUPUS: Living Under Pressure Ultimately Surviving</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Kim Gordon, Class of 2022, of Brooksville, Miss West Tennessee Volunteer, Happy Smiles</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Meghan K. Poore, Class of 2022, of Medina, Miss TriStar Volunteer, The Gift of Time</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Emily F. Pennington, Class of 2023, of McMinnville, Miss Northwest Tennessee Volunteer, Embracing the Elderly</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:group -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":4945,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/04262023_MissTennesseeVolunteerAd067-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4945\"/><figcaption><sup><em>UT Martin representatives in the 2023 Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant shown wearing their sashes and crowns, include (from left) Miss Northwest Tennessee Volunteer Emily Pennington, Miss Springtime Volunteer Maleia Bigham, Miss Tennessee Soybean Festival Volunteer Kareena Rainey, Miss TriStar Volunteer Meghan Poore, Miss UT Martin Volunteer Caleigh Jo Erwin, Miss Paris Volunteer Alyssa Wade and Miss MidTown Volunteer D’Ambrah Watts. Not pictured are Miss McNairy County Volunteer Sable Estes, Miss West Tennessee Volunteer Kim Gordon and Miss Davidson County Volunteer Carsyn Hughes.</em></sup></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image --></div>\n<!-- /wp:group -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Volunteer Pageant program began in January 2019. Christine Williamson, who had been crowned Miss Tennessee 2018, vacated her crown and became the first Miss Tennessee Volunteer.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The following year, Kerri Arnold, a UTM junior who had also won Miss Scenic City, became the first winner of the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The reigning Miss Tennessee Volunteer is Paige Clark, who had previously won Miss Knoxville and was a student at Johns Hopkins University.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant awards scholarships to its participants. Each contestant will receive a $1,000 scholarship just for competing at the state level. Additional scholarships are awarded based on how the contestants finish. Other scholarships are awarded in categories like community service, academics and congeniality.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The 60th Miss UT Martin Pageant is scheduled to be held Sept. 10 at Watkins Auditorium in the Boling University Center.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Ten UTM representatives to vie for Miss Tennessee Volunteer','Ten women who are either students or alumnae of the University of Tennessee at Martin will take part in the 2023 Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant.','inherit','closed','closed','','4946-revision-v1','','','2023-07-24 14:09:37','2023-07-24 19:09:37','',4946,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4960',0,'revision','',0),(4961,2,'2023-07-25 11:13:14','2023-07-25 16:13:14','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The 25th Mid-South Agricultural Finance Conference will be held Aug. 9 in the Watkins Auditorium in the Boling University Center on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Martin.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The conference is mutually hosted by the UT Martin&nbsp;Gilbert Parker Chair of Excellence and the Horace and Sara Dunagan Chair of Excellence in Banking.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Featured speakers for this year’s conference will be:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Dr. David Kohl, professor emeritus from Virginia Tech, sponsored by Farm Credit Mid-America</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Eric Snodgrass, principal atmospheric scientist for Nutrien Ag Solutions, sponsored by Nutrien</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Richard Brock, Brock &amp; Associates</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Kohl will kick off the 25th anniversary event by discussing some of the commonalities and un-commonalities of business success. Before unveiling these traits, he will take attendees on a journey globally with stops in China, India, Europe and the United States to provide a real-time insight on the economic fortunes of the future.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":4962,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/David-Kohl-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4962\"/><figcaption><sup><em>Dr. David Kohl has taken part in all 25 Mid-South Agriculture Finance Conferences and will be a featured speaker at this year’s conference, taking place Aug. 9 in Watkins Auditorium at UT Martin’s Boling University Center.</em></sup></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Mid-South Agriculture Finance Conference was begun in 1998 by Sara Dunagan, the family founder of the Dunagan Chair of Excellence with a small group of lenders, producers and agricultural rural stakeholders. Today, it is the go-to summer event for the latest information for agricultural finance.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“It started with just 20 ag lenders,” said <strong>John Clark</strong>, the interim director of the Horace and Sara Dunagan Chair of Excellence in Banking. “As it grew, <strong>Dr. Joey Melhorn</strong> (professor and dean of graduate studies in the UTM Department of Agriculture, Geoscience and Natural Resources) got involved 20 years ago and has been involved ever since.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Clark added that over the years, 50% of the participants are people who are lending officers who deal with extending agriculture credit to agriculture businesses and producers.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“We have a lot of producers now who participate – 106 took part in last year’s conference,” he said. “Also, there are attorneys and real estate professionals. We’ve grown the audience and want to continue to grow the audience with individuals who have investments in agriculture.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Clark said that seven high schools brought their FFA officers and chapter members to take part in last year’s conference.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>For the last quarter-century, the Mid-South Agricultural Finance Conference has provided the most up-to-date and relevant information needed to grow agricultural bottom lines.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The mission of the conference is to deliver high-quality, timely, practical financial tools and economic information to anyone with significant investments in agriculture.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This conference has the most renowned and respected agricultural finance, economic, and weather experts in the U.S.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The annual conference attracts farmers, ag business owners, managers and family members who serve important roles in these operations, and is open to the public to attend.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Registration for this year’s conference will run through July 31. Registration information for the Mid-South Agriculture Finance Conference can be found at its page at <a href=\"http://www.utm.edu/agconference\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"www.utm.edu/agconference\">www.utm.edu/agconference</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','UT Martin to host 25th Agriculture Finance Conference','The 25th Mid-South Agricultural Finance Conference will be held Aug. 9 in the Watkins Auditorium in the Boling University Center on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Martin.','publish','closed','closed','','ut-martin-to-host-25th-agriculture-finance-conference','','','2023-08-07 17:05:18','2023-08-07 22:05:18','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4961',0,'post','',0),(4962,2,'2023-07-25 11:10:46','2023-07-25 16:10:46','','David Kohl 3','','inherit','closed','closed','','david-kohl-3','','','2023-07-25 11:10:46','2023-07-25 16:10:46','',4961,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/David-Kohl-3.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4963,2,'2023-07-25 11:13:14','2023-07-25 16:13:14','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The 25th Mid-South Agricultural Finance Conference will be held Aug. 9 in the Watkins Auditorium in the Boling University Center on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Martin.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The conference is mutually hosted by the UT Martin&nbsp;Gilbert Parker Chair of Excellence and the Horace and Sara Dunagan Chair of Excellence in Banking.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Featured speakers for this year’s conference will be:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Dr. David Kohl, professor emeritus from Virginia Tech, sponsored by Farm Credit Mid-America</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Eric Snodgrass, principal atmospheric scientist for Nutrien Ag Solutions, sponsored by Nutrien</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Richard Brock, Brock &amp; Associates</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Kohl will kick off the 25th anniversary event by discussing some of the commonalities and un-commonalities of business success. Before unveiling these traits, he will take attendees on a journey globally with stops in China, India, Europe and the United States to provide a real-time insight on the economic fortunes of the future.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":4962,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/David-Kohl-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4962\"/><figcaption><sup><em>Dr. David Kohl has taken part in all 25 Mid-South Agriculture Finance Conferences and will be a featured speaker at this year’s conference, taking place Aug. 9 in Watkins Auditorium at UT Martin’s Boling University Center.</em></sup></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Mid-South Agriculture Finance Conference was begun in 1998 by Sara Dunagan, the family founder of the Dunagan Chair of Excellence with a small group of lenders, producers and agricultural rural stakeholders. Today, it is the go-to summer event for the latest information for agricultural finance.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“It started with just 20 ag lenders,” said <strong>John Clark</strong>, the interim director of the Horace and Sara Dunagan Chair of Excellence in Banking. “As it grew, <strong>Dr. Joey Melhorn</strong> (professor and dean of graduate studies in the UTM Department of Agriculture, Geoscience and Natural Resources) got involved 20 years ago and has been involved ever since.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Clark added that over the years, 50% of the participants are people who are lending officers who deal with extending agriculture credit to agriculture businesses and producers.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“We have a lot of producers now who participate – 106 took part in last year’s conference,” he said. “Also, there are attorneys and real estate professionals. We’ve grown the audience and want to continue to grow the audience with individuals who have investments in agriculture.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Clark said that seven high schools brought their FFA officers and chapter members to take part in last year’s conference.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>For the last quarter-century, the Mid-South Agricultural Finance Conference has provided the most up-to-date and relevant information needed to grow agricultural bottom lines.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The mission of the conference is to deliver high-quality, timely, practical financial tools and economic information to anyone with significant investments in agriculture.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This conference has the most renowned and respected agricultural finance, economic, and weather experts in the U.S.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The annual conference attracts farmers, ag business owners, managers and family members who serve important roles in these operations, and is open to the public to attend.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Registration for this year’s conference will run through July 31. Registration information for the Mid-South Agriculture Finance Conference can be found at its page at <a href=\"http://www.utm.edu/agconference\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"www.utm.edu/agconference\">www.utm.edu/agconference</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','UT Martin to host 25th Agriculture Finance Conference','','inherit','closed','closed','','4961-revision-v1','','','2023-07-25 11:13:14','2023-07-25 16:13:14','',4961,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4963',0,'revision','',0),(4964,2,'2023-07-25 11:13:58','2023-07-25 16:13:58','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The 25th Mid-South Agricultural Finance Conference will be held Aug. 9 in the Watkins Auditorium in the Boling University Center on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Martin.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The conference is mutually hosted by the UT Martin&nbsp;Gilbert Parker Chair of Excellence and the Horace and Sara Dunagan Chair of Excellence in Banking.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Featured speakers for this year’s conference will be:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Dr. David Kohl, professor emeritus from Virginia Tech, sponsored by Farm Credit Mid-America</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Eric Snodgrass, principal atmospheric scientist for Nutrien Ag Solutions, sponsored by Nutrien</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Richard Brock, Brock &amp; Associates</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Kohl will kick off the 25th anniversary event by discussing some of the commonalities and un-commonalities of business success. Before unveiling these traits, he will take attendees on a journey globally with stops in China, India, Europe and the United States to provide a real-time insight on the economic fortunes of the future.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":4962,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/David-Kohl-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4962\"/><figcaption><sup><em>Dr. David Kohl has taken part in all 25 Mid-South Agriculture Finance Conferences and will be a featured speaker at this year’s conference, taking place Aug. 9 in Watkins Auditorium at UT Martin’s Boling University Center.</em></sup></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Mid-South Agriculture Finance Conference was begun in 1998 by Sara Dunagan, the family founder of the Dunagan Chair of Excellence with a small group of lenders, producers and agricultural rural stakeholders. Today, it is the go-to summer event for the latest information for agricultural finance.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“It started with just 20 ag lenders,” said <strong>John Clark</strong>, the interim director of the Horace and Sara Dunagan Chair of Excellence in Banking. “As it grew, <strong>Dr. Joey Melhorn</strong> (professor and dean of graduate studies in the UTM Department of Agriculture, Geoscience and Natural Resources) got involved 20 years ago and has been involved ever since.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Clark added that over the years, 50% of the participants are people who are lending officers who deal with extending agriculture credit to agriculture businesses and producers.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“We have a lot of producers now who participate – 106 took part in last year’s conference,” he said. “Also, there are attorneys and real estate professionals. We’ve grown the audience and want to continue to grow the audience with individuals who have investments in agriculture.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Clark said that seven high schools brought their FFA officers and chapter members to take part in last year’s conference.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>For the last quarter-century, the Mid-South Agricultural Finance Conference has provided the most up-to-date and relevant information needed to grow agricultural bottom lines.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The mission of the conference is to deliver high-quality, timely, practical financial tools and economic information to anyone with significant investments in agriculture.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This conference has the most renowned and respected agricultural finance, economic, and weather experts in the U.S.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The annual conference attracts farmers, ag business owners, managers and family members who serve important roles in these operations, and is open to the public to attend.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Registration for this year’s conference will run through July 31. Registration information for the Mid-South Agriculture Finance Conference can be found at its page at <a href=\"http://www.utm.edu/agconference\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"www.utm.edu/agconference\">www.utm.edu/agconference</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','UT Martin to host 25th Agriculture Finance Conference','The 25th Mid-South Agricultural Finance Conference will be held Aug. 9 in the Watkins Auditorium in the Boling University Center on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Martin.','inherit','closed','closed','','4961-revision-v1','','','2023-07-25 11:13:58','2023-07-25 16:13:58','',4961,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4964',0,'revision','',0),(4965,2,'2023-07-25 11:15:35','2023-07-25 16:15:35','','David Kohl 3','','inherit','closed','closed','','david-kohl-3-2','','','2023-07-25 11:15:35','2023-07-25 16:15:35','',4961,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/David-Kohl-3-1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4967,2,'2023-07-25 11:17:15','2023-07-25 16:17:15','','08102022_AgBusinessConference022','','inherit','closed','closed','','08102022_agbusinessconference022','','','2023-07-25 11:17:15','2023-07-25 16:17:15','',4961,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/08102022_AgBusinessConference022.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4991,7,'2023-08-07 17:05:13','2023-08-07 22:05:13','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The 25th Mid-South Agricultural Finance Conference will be held Aug. 9 in the Watkins Auditorium in the Boling University Center on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Martin.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The conference is mutually hosted by the UT Martin&nbsp;Gilbert Parker Chair of Excellence and the Horace and Sara Dunagan Chair of Excellence in Banking.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Featured speakers for this year’s conference will be:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Dr. David Kohl, professor emeritus from Virginia Tech, sponsored by Farm Credit Mid-America</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Eric Snodgrass, principal atmospheric scientist for Nutrien Ag Solutions, sponsored by Nutrien</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Richard Brock, Brock &amp; Associates</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Kohl will kick off the 25th anniversary event by discussing some of the commonalities and un-commonalities of business success. Before unveiling these traits, he will take attendees on a journey globally with stops in China, India, Europe and the United States to provide a real-time insight on the economic fortunes of the future.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":4962,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/David-Kohl-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4962\"/><figcaption><sup><em>Dr. David Kohl has taken part in all 25 Mid-South Agriculture Finance Conferences and will be a featured speaker at this year’s conference, taking place Aug. 9 in Watkins Auditorium at UT Martin’s Boling University Center.</em></sup></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Mid-South Agriculture Finance Conference was begun in 1998 by Sara Dunagan, the family founder of the Dunagan Chair of Excellence with a small group of lenders, producers and agricultural rural stakeholders. Today, it is the go-to summer event for the latest information for agricultural finance.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“It started with just 20 ag lenders,” said <strong>John Clark</strong>, the interim director of the Horace and Sara Dunagan Chair of Excellence in Banking. “As it grew, <strong>Dr. Joey Melhorn</strong> (professor and dean of graduate studies in the UTM Department of Agriculture, Geoscience and Natural Resources) got involved 20 years ago and has been involved ever since.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Clark added that over the years, 50% of the participants are people who are lending officers who deal with extending agriculture credit to agriculture businesses and producers.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“We have a lot of producers now who participate – 106 took part in last year’s conference,” he said. “Also, there are attorneys and real estate professionals. We’ve grown the audience and want to continue to grow the audience with individuals who have investments in agriculture.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Clark said that seven high schools brought their FFA officers and chapter members to take part in last year’s conference.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>For the last quarter-century, the Mid-South Agricultural Finance Conference has provided the most up-to-date and relevant information needed to grow agricultural bottom lines.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The mission of the conference is to deliver high-quality, timely, practical financial tools and economic information to anyone with significant investments in agriculture.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This conference has the most renowned and respected agricultural finance, economic, and weather experts in the U.S.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The annual conference attracts farmers, ag business owners, managers and family members who serve important roles in these operations, and is open to the public to attend.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Registration for this year’s conference will run through July 31. Registration information for the Mid-South Agriculture Finance Conference can be found at its page at <a href=\"http://www.utm.edu/agconference\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"www.utm.edu/agconference\">www.utm.edu/agconference</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','UT Martin to host 25th Agriculture Finance Conference','The 25th Mid-South Agricultural Finance Conference will be held Aug. 9 in the Watkins Auditorium in the Boling University Center on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Martin.','inherit','closed','closed','','4961-autosave-v1','','','2023-08-07 17:05:13','2023-08-07 22:05:13','',4961,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4991',0,'revision','',0),(4990,7,'2023-08-07 17:05:02','2023-08-07 22:05:02','','04252023_Plant&SoilScienceClass026','','inherit','closed','closed','','04252023_plantsoilscienceclass026','','','2023-08-07 17:05:02','2023-08-07 22:05:02','',4961,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/04252023_PlantSoilScienceClass026.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4971,2,'2023-07-26 09:18:36','2023-07-26 14:18:36','','UR_WebPhoto_242','','inherit','closed','closed','','ur_webphoto_242','','','2023-07-26 09:18:36','2023-07-26 14:18:36','',4970,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/UR_WebPhoto_242.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4972,2,'2023-07-26 09:19:29','2023-07-26 14:19:29','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Dana Hagan has been named the next director of the physical plant at the University of Tennessee at Martin. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Hagan came to UT Martin in 2006 as a temporary employee under former Physical Plant Director <strong>Dr. Tim Nipp</strong>. She was selected to be a full-time project coordinator in July 2009, the first to fill that position, and assumed additional duties as the associate director in 2020.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I am honored to have been selected to lead the greatest people at UTM,” Hagan said. “I know their prayers and the prayers of others are what made the difference. I pray that I will be able to lead our team to make an impact as those leaders of the past have done and their investment in me will be fruitful.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Petra Rencher McPhearson, the senior vice chancellor for finance and administration, praised Hagan for her work in the physical plant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Dana has worked as an integral part of the physical plant team since 2006, serving as project coordinator and performing associate director duties in recent years,” McPhearson said. “She has contributed to several campus capital projects, including Clement Hall improvements, safety and security improvements, the campus master plan, the Latimer-Smith Engineering and Science Building, Elam Center lighting upgrades and bringing the Boling University Center restrooms into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Hagan was recognized with the UTM Outstanding Exempt Employee Award for Spring 2023.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Hagan, a resident of Union City, earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering technology from UT Martin in 1994 and a master of science degree in engineering management from UT Knoxville in 2015.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The UTM physical plant houses the university’s facilities crews for operations including building services, custodial services, grounds and greenhouse, recycling, transportation services, warehouse and heating, ventilation and air conditioning.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Nipp served as the director of the physical plant from 2004 to 2020, when he became the chair of the UTM Department of Engineering. <strong>Brad Burkett,</strong> the physical plants’s interim director since 2020, recently retired from the university.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Hagan named director of UTM physical plant','','inherit','closed','closed','','4970-revision-v1','','','2023-07-26 09:19:29','2023-07-26 14:19:29','',4970,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4972',0,'revision','',0),(4973,2,'2023-07-26 09:20:11','2023-07-26 14:20:11','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Dana Hagan has been named the next director of the physical plant at the University of Tennessee at Martin. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Hagan came to UT Martin in 2006 as a temporary employee under former Physical Plant Director Dr. Tim Nipp. She was selected to be a full-time project coordinator in July 2009, the first to fill that position, and assumed additional duties as the associate director in 2020.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I am honored to have been selected to lead the greatest people at UTM,” Hagan said. “I know their prayers and the prayers of others are what made the difference. I pray that I will be able to lead our team to make an impact as those leaders of the past have done and their investment in me will be fruitful.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Petra Rencher McPhearson, the senior vice chancellor for finance and administration, praised Hagan for her work in the physical plant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Dana has worked as an integral part of the physical plant team since 2006, serving as project coordinator and performing associate director duties in recent years,” McPhearson said. “She has contributed to several campus capital projects, including Clement Hall improvements, safety and security improvements, the campus master plan, the Latimer-Smith Engineering and Science Building, Elam Center lighting upgrades and bringing the Boling University Center restrooms into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Hagan was recognized with the UTM Outstanding Exempt Employee Award for Spring 2023.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Hagan, a resident of Union City, earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering technology from UT Martin in 1994 and a master of science degree in engineering management from UT Knoxville in 2015.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The UTM physical plant houses the university’s facilities crews for operations including building services, custodial services, grounds and greenhouse, recycling, transportation services, warehouse and heating, ventilation and air conditioning.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Nipp served as the director of the physical plant from 2004 to 2020, when he became the chair of the UTM Department of Engineering. Brad Burkett, the physical plants’s interim director since 2020, recently retired from the university.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Hagan named director of UTM physical plant','','inherit','closed','closed','','4970-revision-v1','','','2023-07-26 09:20:11','2023-07-26 14:20:11','',4970,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4973',0,'revision','',0),(4974,2,'2023-07-24 09:20:00','2023-07-24 14:20:00','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Anita Cannedy has been named director of the University of Tennessee at Martin Jackson Center.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Prior to attaining this position, she served as the director of Jackson Christian School secondary campus since 2017. Cannedy has been in Jackson since 2013, having moved to West Tennessee from central Texas.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Cannedy also served as a higher education teacher and trainer for Goodwill Career Solutions in Jackson from 2014 to 2015.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Cannedy said she was attracted to the position at the UTM Jackson Center because of her previous experience in college administration.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I had worked at a college previously, about seven years at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas,” she said. “I really just loved interacting with students. I love serving people; that’s where I have my fulfillment.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Erica Bell, the director for the UTM Office of Regional Centers and Online Programs, said Cannedy is a welcome addition to the Jackson Center.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"Anita\'s experience and passion for community engagement and student success are unquestionable,\" she said. \"We are eager for her leadership, and I am confident our students, JSCC colleagues and the Madison County and surrounding communities will benefit significantly from her contributions and addition to the UTM community.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Cannedy said that while universities have different departments, her job at the Jackson Center would have her wear many different hats, including marketing and academic advisory responsibilities.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I’ll be able to go out and meet the Jackson community even more and be able to participate in it and see how I can serve that community,” she said. “What can we do to partner together? A lot of it is really finding ways that we can do that.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The UTM Jackson Center is one of five regional centers for UT Martin. It was opened in 1992 and is located in the Ned R. McWherter Center on the campus of Jackson State Community College. The center offers 14 areas of study, including business management, criminal justice, psychology, social work, and hybrid MBA.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Cannedy named director of UTM Jackson Center','Anita Cannedy has been named director of the University of Tennessee at Martin Jackson Center.','publish','closed','closed','','cannedy-named-director-of-utm-jackson-center','','','2023-07-26 09:24:02','2023-07-26 14:24:02','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4974',0,'post','',0),(4975,2,'2023-07-26 09:22:43','2023-07-26 14:22:43','','UR_WebPhoto_24','','inherit','closed','closed','','ur_webphoto_24','','','2023-07-26 09:22:43','2023-07-26 14:22:43','',4974,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/UR_WebPhoto_24.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4976,2,'2023-07-26 09:23:05','2023-07-26 14:23:05','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Anita Cannedy has been named director of the University of Tennessee at Martin Jackson Center.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Prior to attaining this position, she served as the director of Jackson Christian School secondary campus since 2017. Cannedy has been in Jackson since 2013, having moved to West Tennessee from central Texas.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Cannedy also served as a higher education teacher and trainer for Goodwill Career Solutions in Jackson from 2014 to 2015.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Cannedy said she was attracted to the position at the UTM Jackson Center because of her previous experience in college administration.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I had worked at a college previously, about seven years at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas,” she said. “I really just loved interacting with students. I love serving people; that’s where I have my fulfillment.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Erica Bell, the director for the UTM Office of Regional Centers and Online Programs, said Cannedy is a welcome addition to the Jackson Center.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"Anita\'s experience and passion for community engagement and student success are unquestionable,\" she said. \"We are eager for her leadership, and I am confident our students, JSCC colleagues and the Madison County and surrounding communities will benefit significantly from her contributions and addition to the UTM community.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Cannedy said that while universities have different departments, her job at the Jackson Center would have her wear many different hats, including marketing and academic advisory responsibilities.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I’ll be able to go out and meet the Jackson community even more and be able to participate in it and see how I can serve that community,” she said. “What can we do to partner together? A lot of it is really finding ways that we can do that.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The UTM Jackson Center is one of five regional centers for UT Martin. It was opened in 1992 and is located in the Ned R. McWherter Center on the campus of Jackson State Community College. The center offers 14 areas of study, including business management, criminal justice, psychology, social work, and hybrid MBA.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Cannedy named director of UTM Jackson Center','','inherit','closed','closed','','4974-revision-v1','','','2023-07-26 09:23:05','2023-07-26 14:23:05','',4974,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4976',0,'revision','',0),(4977,2,'2023-07-26 09:23:50','2023-07-26 14:23:50','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Dana Hagan has been named the next director of the physical plant at the University of Tennessee at Martin.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Hagan came to UT Martin in 2006 as a temporary employee under former Physical Plant Director Dr. Tim Nipp. She was selected to be a full-time project coordinator in July 2009, the first to fill that position, and assumed additional duties as the associate director in 2020.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I am honored to have been selected to lead the greatest people at UTM,” Hagan said. “I know their prayers and the prayers of others are what made the difference. I pray that I will be able to lead our team to make an impact as those leaders of the past have done and their investment in me will be fruitful.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Petra Rencher McPhearson, the senior vice chancellor for finance and administration, praised Hagan for her work in the physical plant.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Dana has worked as an integral part of the physical plant team since 2006, serving as project coordinator and performing associate director duties in recent years,” McPhearson said. “She has contributed to several campus capital projects, including Clement Hall improvements, safety and security improvements, the campus master plan, the Latimer-Smith Engineering and Science Building, Elam Center lighting upgrades and bringing the Boling University Center restrooms into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Hagan was recognized with the UTM Outstanding Exempt Employee Award for Spring 2023.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Hagan, a resident of Union City, earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering technology from UT Martin in 1994 and a master of science degree in engineering management from UT Knoxville in 2015.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The UTM physical plant houses the university’s facilities crews for operations including building services, custodial services, grounds and greenhouse, recycling, transportation services, warehouse and heating, ventilation and air conditioning.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Nipp served as the director of the physical plant from 2004 to 2020, when he became the chair of the UTM Department of Engineering. Brad Burkett, the physical plants’s interim director since 2020, recently retired from the university.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Hagan named director of UTM physical plant','Dana Hagan has been named the next director of the physical plant at the University of Tennessee at Martin.','inherit','closed','closed','','4970-revision-v1','','','2023-07-26 09:23:50','2023-07-26 14:23:50','',4970,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4977',0,'revision','',0),(4978,2,'2023-07-26 09:24:02','2023-07-26 14:24:02','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Anita Cannedy has been named director of the University of Tennessee at Martin Jackson Center.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Prior to attaining this position, she served as the director of Jackson Christian School secondary campus since 2017. Cannedy has been in Jackson since 2013, having moved to West Tennessee from central Texas.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Cannedy also served as a higher education teacher and trainer for Goodwill Career Solutions in Jackson from 2014 to 2015.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Cannedy said she was attracted to the position at the UTM Jackson Center because of her previous experience in college administration.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I had worked at a college previously, about seven years at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas,” she said. “I really just loved interacting with students. I love serving people; that’s where I have my fulfillment.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Erica Bell, the director for the UTM Office of Regional Centers and Online Programs, said Cannedy is a welcome addition to the Jackson Center.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"Anita\'s experience and passion for community engagement and student success are unquestionable,\" she said. \"We are eager for her leadership, and I am confident our students, JSCC colleagues and the Madison County and surrounding communities will benefit significantly from her contributions and addition to the UTM community.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Cannedy said that while universities have different departments, her job at the Jackson Center would have her wear many different hats, including marketing and academic advisory responsibilities.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I’ll be able to go out and meet the Jackson community even more and be able to participate in it and see how I can serve that community,” she said. “What can we do to partner together? A lot of it is really finding ways that we can do that.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The UTM Jackson Center is one of five regional centers for UT Martin. It was opened in 1992 and is located in the Ned R. McWherter Center on the campus of Jackson State Community College. The center offers 14 areas of study, including business management, criminal justice, psychology, social work, and hybrid MBA.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Cannedy named director of UTM Jackson Center','Anita Cannedy has been named director of the University of Tennessee at Martin Jackson Center.','inherit','closed','closed','','4974-revision-v1','','','2023-07-26 09:24:02','2023-07-26 14:24:02','',4974,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4978',0,'revision','',0),(4980,2,'2023-07-31 14:58:27','2023-07-31 19:58:27','','07_July 31, 2023','','inherit','closed','closed','','07_july-31-2023','','','2023-07-31 14:58:27','2023-07-31 19:58:27','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/07_July-31-2023.pdf',0,'attachment','application/pdf',0),(4987,7,'2023-08-07 16:36:52','2023-08-07 21:36:52','','SOAR - Eva Dabbs, Lynda Dabbs and Amya Dabbs','','inherit','closed','closed','','soar-eva-dabbs-lynda-dabbs-and-amya-dabbs','','','2023-08-07 16:36:52','2023-08-07 21:36:52','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/SOAR-Eva-Dabbs-Lynda-Dabbs-and-Amya-Dabbs.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5083,2,'2023-08-23 15:40:35','2023-08-23 20:40:35','{\n    \"old_sidebars_widgets_data\": {\n        \"value\": {\n            \"wp_inactive_widgets\": [\n                \"archives-2\",\n                \"meta-2\",\n                \"search-2\",\n                \"categories-2\",\n                \"recent-posts-2\",\n                \"recent-comments-2\",\n                \"recent-posts-4\",\n                \"recent-posts-5\"\n            ],\n            \"sidebar-1\": [],\n            \"sidebar-2\": []\n        },\n        \"type\": \"global_variable\",\n        \"user_id\": 2,\n        \"date_modified_gmt\": \"2023-08-23 20:40:35\"\n    },\n    \"fox::nav_menu_locations[primary]\": {\n        \"value\": 2,\n        \"type\": \"theme_mod\",\n        \"user_id\": 2,\n        \"date_modified_gmt\": \"2023-08-23 20:40:35\"\n    },\n    \"fox::nav_menu_locations[mobile]\": {\n        \"value\": 0,\n        \"type\": \"theme_mod\",\n        \"user_id\": 2,\n        \"date_modified_gmt\": \"2023-08-23 20:40:35\"\n    },\n    \"fox::nav_menu_locations[footer]\": {\n        \"value\": 0,\n        \"type\": \"theme_mod\",\n        \"user_id\": 2,\n        \"date_modified_gmt\": \"2023-08-23 20:40:35\"\n    },\n    \"fox::nav_menu_locations[search-menu]\": {\n        \"value\": 0,\n        \"type\": \"theme_mod\",\n        \"user_id\": 2,\n        \"date_modified_gmt\": \"2023-08-23 20:40:35\"\n    }\n}','','','trash','closed','closed','','4f660929-7564-41ba-a9d8-8825a4caff5c','','','2023-08-23 15:40:35','2023-08-23 20:40:35','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/2023/08/23/4f660929-7564-41ba-a9d8-8825a4caff5c/',0,'customize_changeset','',0),(4993,8,'2023-08-08 09:19:46','2023-08-08 14:19:46','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The University of Tennessee at Martin will host a celebration event for the conclusion of the university’s RISE campaign, to be held Friday, Aug. 11, at Dinosaur Hall in the Discovery Park of America in Union City. Admission to the event is by invitation only.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A reception will be held at 5:30 p.m. with the event beginning at 6:30 p.m.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Remarks will be given by University of Tennessee President Randy Boyd, incoming Chancellor Dr. Yancy Freeman and UT Foundation Chief Executive Officer Kerry Witcher. UTM Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Dr. Charley Deal will give the closing comments. The guest speaker will be 1987 and 1988 UT Martin alumnus Jerry Reese.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Freeman’s first official day as UT Martin chancellor will be Wednesday, Aug. 9.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The fundraising campaign set the largest goal in UT Martin history and surpassed the $175 million goal in June. The RISE campaign was the fourth fundraising campaign in the university’s 123-year history.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"We are so appreciative of the support of our alumni, donors and university and UT Foundation leadership who have made the RISE Campaign successful,” said Associate Vice Chancellor and RISE Campaign Director Jeanna C. Swofford. “We look forward to celebrating the success with everyone Friday evening.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In 2021, UTM completed its “Prepare for Takeoff” five-year strategic plan, which helped to guide the planning of the RISE campaign. The strategic plan was formed through an inclusive process involving more than 600 administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, students and members of surrounding communities.<br>The RISE campaign was announced on Sept. 11, 2021, at the Skyhawks’ home game against Samford.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The RISE campaign’s priorities aligned with the strategic plan and focused on two of its strategic themes:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Enhancing student outcomes through recruitment, retention and graduate students who are prepared to be responsible, informed and engaged citizens and leaders.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Strengthening engagement by being a model of responsible stewardship while improving the vitality and prosperity of West Tennessee and beyond.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Much of the funding raised through the RISE campaign will support student scholarships and help UT Martin offer programs in veterinary technology and veterinary science and animal science at the Wildwood Farm in Germantown.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>RISE campaign funding will also support athletics and capital projects at the university.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','RISE campaign celebration set for Aug. 11','The University of Tennessee at Martin will host a celebration event for the conclusion of the university’s RISE campaign, to be held Friday, Aug. 11, at Dinosaur Hall in the Discovery Park of America in Union City.','publish','closed','closed','','rise-campaign-celebration-set-for-aug-11','','','2023-08-10 08:45:46','2023-08-10 13:45:46','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4993',0,'post','',0),(4984,8,'2023-08-02 08:53:07','2023-08-02 13:53:07','<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/addenda-2022/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/addenda-2022/\">2022</a></h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2>2023</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/01_Jan-17-2023-1.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/01_Jan-17-2023-1.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of Jan. 16</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/01_Jan-23-2023-2.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/01_Jan-23-2023-2.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of Jan. 23</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/01_Jan-30-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of Jan. 30</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/02_Feb-6-2023.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/02_Feb-6-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of Feb. 6</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/02_Feb-13-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of Feb. 13</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/02_Feb-20-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of Feb. 20</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/02_Feb-27-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of Feb. 27</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/03_March-13-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of March 6</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/03_March-13-2023-1.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of March 13</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/03_March-20-2023.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/03_March-20-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of March 20</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/03_March-27-2023-1.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/03_March-27-2023-1.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of March 27</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/04_April-3-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of April 3</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/04_April-10-2023.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/04_April-10-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of April 10</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/04_April-17-2023.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/04_April-17-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of April 17</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/04_April-24-2023.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/04_April-24-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of April 24</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/05_May-1-2023.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/05_May-1-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of May 1</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/05_May-8-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of May 8</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/06_June-5-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of June 5</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/06_June-20-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of June 20</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/07_July-5-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of July 5</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/07_July-17-2023.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/07_July-17-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of July 17</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/07_July-31-2023.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/07_July-31-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of July 31</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Addenda','','inherit','closed','closed','','4336-revision-v1','','','2023-08-02 08:53:07','2023-08-02 13:53:07','',4336,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4984',0,'revision','',0),(4994,8,'2023-08-08 09:15:57','2023-08-08 14:15:57','','RISE-logo','','inherit','closed','closed','','rise-logo-2','','','2023-08-08 09:15:57','2023-08-08 14:15:57','',4993,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/RISE-logo.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(4995,8,'2023-08-08 09:19:27','2023-08-08 14:19:27','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The University of Tennessee at Martin will host a celebration event for the conclusion of the university’s RISE campaign, to be held Friday, Aug. 11, at Dinosaur Hall in the Discovery Park of America in Union City. Admission to the event is by invitation only.<br>A reception will be held at 5:30 p.m. with the event beginning at 6:30 p.m.<br>Remarks will be given by University of Tennessee President Randy Boyd, incoming Chancellor Dr. Yancy Freeman and UT Foundation Chief Executive Officer Kerry Witcher. UTM Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Dr. Charley Deal will give the closing comments. The guest speaker will be 1987 and 1988 UT Martin alumnus Jerry Reese.<br>Freeman’s first official day as UT Martin chancellor will be Wednesday, Aug. 9.<br>The fundraising campaign set the largest goal in UT Martin history and surpassed the $175 million goal in June. The RISE campaign was the fourth fundraising campaign in the university’s 123-year history.<br>\"We are so appreciative of the support of our alumni, donors and university and UT Foundation leadership who have made the RISE Campaign successful,” said Associate Vice Chancellor and RISE Campaign Director Jeanna C. Swofford. “We look forward to celebrating the success with everyone Friday evening.\"<br>In 2021, UTM completed its “Prepare for Takeoff” five-year strategic plan, which helped to guide the planning of the RISE campaign. The strategic plan was formed through an inclusive process involving more than 600 administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, students and members of surrounding communities.<br>The RISE campaign was announced on Sept. 11, 2021, at the Skyhawks’ home game against Samford.<br>The RISE campaign’s priorities aligned with the strategic plan and focused on two of its strategic themes:<br>• Enhancing student outcomes through recruitment, retention and graduate students who are prepared to be responsible, informed and engaged citizens and leaders.<br>• Strengthening engagement by being a model of responsible stewardship while improving the vitality and prosperity of West Tennessee and beyond.<br>Much of the funding raised through the RISE campaign will support student scholarships and help UT Martin offer programs in veterinary technology and veterinary science and animal science at the Wildwood Farm in Germantown.<br>RISE campaign funding will also support athletics and capital projects at the university.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','RISE campaign celebration set for Aug. 11','','inherit','closed','closed','','4993-revision-v1','','','2023-08-08 09:19:27','2023-08-08 14:19:27','',4993,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4995',0,'revision','',0),(5002,8,'2023-08-08 09:32:24','2023-08-08 14:32:24','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The University of Tennessee at Martin will host a celebration event for the conclusion of the university’s RISE campaign, to be held Friday, Aug. 11, at Dinosaur Hall in the Discovery Park of America in Union City. Admission to the event is by invitation only.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A reception will be held at 5:30 p.m. with the event beginning at 6:30 p.m.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Remarks will be given by University of Tennessee President Randy Boyd, incoming Chancellor Dr. Yancy Freeman and UT Foundation Chief Executive Officer Kerry Witcher. UTM Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Dr. Charley Deal will give the closing comments. The guest speaker will be 1987 and 1988 UT Martin alumnus Jerry Reese.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Freeman’s first official day as UT Martin chancellor will be Wednesday, Aug. 9.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The fundraising campaign set the largest goal in UT Martin history and surpassed the $175 million goal in June. The RISE campaign was the fourth fundraising campaign in the university’s 123-year history.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"We are so appreciative of the support of our alumni, donors and university and UT Foundation leadership who have made the RISE Campaign successful,” said Associate Vice Chancellor and RISE Campaign Director Jeanna C. Swofford. “We look forward to celebrating the success with everyone Friday evening.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In 2021, UTM completed its “Prepare for Takeoff” five-year strategic plan, which helped to guide the planning of the RISE campaign. The strategic plan was formed through an inclusive process involving more than 600 administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, students and members of surrounding communities.<br>The RISE campaign was announced on Sept. 11, 2021, at the Skyhawks’ home game against Samford.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The RISE campaign’s priorities aligned with the strategic plan and focused on two of its strategic themes:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Enhancing student outcomes through recruitment, retention and graduate students who are prepared to be responsible, informed and engaged citizens and leaders.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Strengthening engagement by being a model of responsible stewardship while improving the vitality and prosperity of West Tennessee and beyond.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Much of the funding raised through the RISE campaign will support student scholarships and help UT Martin offer programs in veterinary technology and veterinary science and animal science at the Wildwood Farm in Germantown.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>RISE campaign funding will also support athletics and capital projects at the university.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','RISE campaign celebration set for Aug. 11','','inherit','closed','closed','','4993-revision-v1','','','2023-08-08 09:32:24','2023-08-08 14:32:24','',4993,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=5002',0,'revision','',0),(4999,8,'2023-08-08 09:30:54','2023-08-08 14:30:54','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The University of Tennessee at Martin will host a celebration event for the conclusion of the university’s RISE campaign, to be held Friday, Aug. 11, at Dinosaur Hall in the Discovery Park of America in Union City. Admission to the event is by invitation only.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>A reception will be held at 5:30 p.m. with the event beginning at 6:30 p.m.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>Remarks will be given by University of Tennessee President Randy Boyd, incoming Chancellor Dr. Yancy Freeman and UT Foundation Chief Executive Officer Kerry Witcher. UTM Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Dr. Charley Deal will give the closing comments. The guest speaker will be 1987 and 1988 UT Martin alumnus Jerry Reese.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>Freeman’s first official day as UT Martin chancellor will be Wednesday, Aug. 9.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>The fundraising campaign set the largest goal in UT Martin history and surpassed the $175 million goal in June. The RISE campaign was the fourth fundraising campaign in the university’s 123-year history.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>\"We are so appreciative of the support of our alumni, donors and university and UT Foundation leadership who have made the RISE Campaign successful,” said Associate Vice Chancellor and RISE Campaign Director Jeanna C. Swofford. “We look forward to celebrating the success with everyone Friday evening.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>In 2021, UTM completed its “Prepare for Takeoff” five-year strategic plan, which helped to guide the planning of the RISE campaign. The strategic plan was formed through an inclusive process involving more than 600 administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, students and members of surrounding communities.<br>The RISE campaign was announced on Sept. 11, 2021, at the Skyhawks’ home game against Samford.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>The RISE campaign’s priorities aligned with the strategic plan and focused on two of its strategic themes:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>• Enhancing student outcomes through recruitment, retention and graduate students who are prepared to be responsible, informed and engaged citizens and leaders.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>• Strengthening engagement by being a model of responsible stewardship while improving the vitality and prosperity of West Tennessee and beyond.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>Much of the funding raised through the RISE campaign will support student scholarships and help UT Martin offer programs in veterinary technology and veterinary science and animal science at the Wildwood Farm in Germantown.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>RISE campaign funding will also support athletics and capital projects at the university.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','RISE campaign celebration set for Aug. 11 at Discovery Park','','inherit','closed','closed','','4993-revision-v1','','','2023-08-08 09:30:54','2023-08-08 14:30:54','',4993,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4999',0,'revision','',0),(4998,8,'2023-08-08 09:29:54','2023-08-08 14:29:54','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The University of Tennessee at Martin will host a celebration event for the conclusion of the university’s RISE campaign, to be held Friday, Aug. 11, at Dinosaur Hall in the Discovery Park of America in Union City. Admission to the event is by invitation only.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>A reception will be held at 5:30 p.m. with the event beginning at 6:30 p.m.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>Remarks will be given by University of Tennessee President Randy Boyd, incoming Chancellor Dr. Yancy Freeman and UT Foundation Chief Executive Officer Kerry Witcher. UTM Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Dr. Charley Deal will give the closing comments. The guest speaker will be 1987 and 1988 UT Martin alumnus Jerry Reese.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>Freeman’s first official day as UT Martin chancellor will be Wednesday, Aug. 9.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>The fundraising campaign set the largest goal in UT Martin history and surpassed the $175 million goal in June. The RISE campaign was the fourth fundraising campaign in the university’s 123-year history.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>\"We are so appreciative of the support of our alumni, donors and university and UT Foundation leadership who have made the RISE Campaign successful,” said Associate Vice Chancellor and RISE Campaign Director Jeanna C. Swofford. “We look forward to celebrating the success with everyone Friday evening.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>In 2021, UTM completed its “Prepare for Takeoff” five-year strategic plan, which helped to guide the planning of the RISE campaign. The strategic plan was formed through an inclusive process involving more than 600 administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, students and members of surrounding communities.<br>The RISE campaign was announced on Sept. 11, 2021, at the Skyhawks’ home game against Samford.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>The RISE campaign’s priorities aligned with the strategic plan and focused on two of its strategic themes:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>• Enhancing student outcomes through recruitment, retention and graduate students who are prepared to be responsible, informed and engaged citizens and leaders.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>• Strengthening engagement by being a model of responsible stewardship while improving the vitality and prosperity of West Tennessee and beyond.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>Much of the funding raised through the RISE campaign will support student scholarships and help UT Martin offer programs in veterinary technology and veterinary science and animal science at the Wildwood Farm in Germantown.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>RISE campaign funding will also support athletics and capital projects at the university.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','RISE campaign celebration set for Aug. 11','','inherit','closed','closed','','4993-revision-v1','','','2023-08-08 09:29:54','2023-08-08 14:29:54','',4993,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=4998',0,'revision','',0),(5000,8,'2023-08-08 09:31:20','2023-08-08 14:31:20','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The University of Tennessee at Martin will host a celebration event for the conclusion of the university’s RISE campaign, to be held Friday, Aug. 11, at Dinosaur Hall in the Discovery Park of America in Union City. Admission to the event is by invitation only.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>A reception will be held at 5:30 p.m. with the event beginning at 6:30 p.m.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>Remarks will be given by University of Tennessee President Randy Boyd, incoming Chancellor Dr. Yancy Freeman and UT Foundation Chief Executive Officer Kerry Witcher. UTM Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Dr. Charley Deal will give the closing comments. The guest speaker will be 1987 and 1988 UT Martin alumnus Jerry Reese.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>Freeman’s first official day as UT Martin chancellor will be Wednesday, Aug. 9.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>The fundraising campaign set the largest goal in UT Martin history and surpassed the $175 million goal in June. The RISE campaign was the fourth fundraising campaign in the university’s 123-year history.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>\"We are so appreciative of the support of our alumni, donors and university and UT Foundation leadership who have made the RISE Campaign successful,” said Associate Vice Chancellor and RISE Campaign Director Jeanna C. Swofford. “We look forward to celebrating the success with everyone Friday evening.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>In 2021, UTM completed its “Prepare for Takeoff” five-year strategic plan, which helped to guide the planning of the RISE campaign. The strategic plan was formed through an inclusive process involving more than 600 administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, students and members of surrounding communities.<br>The RISE campaign was announced on Sept. 11, 2021, at the Skyhawks’ home game against Samford.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>The RISE campaign’s priorities aligned with the strategic plan and focused on two of its strategic themes:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>• Enhancing student outcomes through recruitment, retention and graduate students who are prepared to be responsible, informed and engaged citizens and leaders.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>• Strengthening engagement by being a model of responsible stewardship while improving the vitality and prosperity of West Tennessee and beyond.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>Much of the funding raised through the RISE campaign will support student scholarships and help UT Martin offer programs in veterinary technology and veterinary science and animal science at the Wildwood Farm in Germantown.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>RISE campaign funding will also support athletics and capital projects at the university.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','RISE campaign celebration set for Aug. 11','','inherit','closed','closed','','4993-revision-v1','','','2023-08-08 09:31:20','2023-08-08 14:31:20','',4993,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=5000',0,'revision','',0),(5003,8,'2023-08-08 09:50:06','2023-08-08 14:50:06','','RISE-campaign','','inherit','closed','closed','','rise-campaign','','','2023-08-08 09:50:06','2023-08-08 14:50:06','',4993,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/RISE-campaign.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5004,8,'2023-08-08 10:06:37','2023-08-08 15:06:37','','RISE-CAMPAIGN-1','','inherit','closed','closed','','rise-campaign-1','','','2023-08-08 10:06:37','2023-08-08 15:06:37','',4993,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/RISE-CAMPAIGN-1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5007,7,'2023-08-08 16:51:34','2023-08-08 21:51:34','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Students at Volunteer State Community College in Springfield have a new pathway to earning a bachelor’s degree thanks to an introduction of a new university partner with the University of Tennessee at Martin at the Vol State Springfield campus location. This agreement is pending THEC and SACSCOC approval with an anticipated finalization date of December 2023. Students would begin taking classes on this pathway Spring Semester 2024.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>Nicholas Bishop, Vol State Community College vice president for economic development and regional centers states, “We’re excited to partner with the UT System via the addition of the UT Martin Campus as our new university partner to serve as their regional center for Middle Tennessee.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>The partnership will focus on agriculture, health care, and technology sector pathways with agriculture business degrees being the first phase focus. Vol State will focus on delivering technical certificates and associate degrees, while UTM will focus on bachelor\'s and master\'s degrees. The concept is aimed at creating the ability for individuals to earn their associate up to a graduate level degree without having to leave Robertson County or the surrounding communities.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>Bishop further adds, “We think this partnership will be a positive boost for Northern Middle Tennessee and Robertson County’s economic and workforce development progress. UTM and Vol State are finalizing a dual admissions agreement that will allow students to be enrolled in both institutions simultaneously and receive support from both as they progress through multiple degree and training levels.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"align\":\"center\",\"id\":5009,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img src=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Vol-State_Springfield-2023-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5009\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>“We are excited about this new partnership with Vol State-Springfield,\" said Dr. Todd Winters, dean, College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences. \"With the help of the UT Highland Rim AgResearch and Education Center for laboratories, we can offer a wide variety of agriculture courses leading to a degree, in some cases without even coming to the Martin campus.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>The agreement defines academic and administrative coordination between both institutions specifically at the Vol State Springfield campus location. Robertson County is the third-highest agricultural-producing county in Tennessee. Vol State has been hopeful to bring a partnership to fruition that would allow for deliverables in agricultural education opportunities in Robertson County. The UTM partnership brings this long-coming endeavor to life. In addition to UTM serving as the official university partner at the Vol State Springfield campus, the institutions will also partner with the UT Institute of Agriculture to conduct hands-on training at UT’s Highland Rim AgResearch and Education Center located in Springfield. The center will offer students experience in both crop and livestock production and research. UTM has been offering dual enrollment opportunities to Robertson County high school students via an online format. With this partnership in place, the three institutions can now work together to deliver agriculture based courses in person/on the ground in Robertson County.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>“UTM is excited as we work to develop a strong partnership with Vol State – Springfield Campus,\" said Erica Bell, executive director, UT Martin Regional Centers and Online Programs. \"The partnership is focused on increasing access to a high-quality education close to home, aimed at creating seamless transfer pathways and providing exceptional career support to open the pipeline for deserving students of Robertson County and today’s future workforce.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br><strong>About Vol State Community College</strong><br>Volunteer State Community College is a public, two-year community college located just north of Nashville, Tennessee. Since 1971, the college has grown to four campus locations in Gallatin, Livingston, Cookeville, and Springfield with over 100 areas of study offered. With over 7,000 students, Vol State is a leading higher education provider for eleven counties in middle Tennessee. For more information or to apply online, visit <a href=\"http://www.volstate.edu/admissions\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"www.volstate.edu/admissions\">www.volstate.edu/admissions</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br><strong>About the University of Tennessee at Martin</strong><br>UT Martin is a primary regional campus in the University of Tennessee System. The university serves more than 6,800 students through its main campus in Martin, five West Tennessee regional centers and UT Martin Online. Bachelor’s degrees, majors, concentrations and options are offered in more than 150 specialized fields along with seven graduate degrees. Learn more at <a href=\"http://www.utm.edu/admissions\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"www.utm.edu/admissions\">www.utm.edu/admissions</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br><strong>About the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture</strong><br>Through its land-grant mission of research, teaching and extension, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) provides Real. Life. Solutions. to some of society’s most issues. We serve all Tennessee citizens and beyond through the pressing work of world-renowned researchers, teachers, and experts.<br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','UT Martin, Vol State announce partnership to provide pathway to bachelor\'s degree in Springfield, TN','Students at Volunteer State Community College in Springfield have a new pathway to earning a bachelor’s degree thanks to an introduction of a new university partner with the University of Tennessee at Martin at the Vol State Springfield campus location.','publish','closed','closed','','ut-martin-vol-state-announce-partnership-to-provide-pathway-to-bachelors-degree-in-springfield-tn','','','2023-08-23 16:13:14','2023-08-23 21:13:14','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=5007',0,'post','',0),(5006,8,'2023-08-08 10:08:23','2023-08-08 15:08:23','','RISE-CAMPAIGN-2','','inherit','closed','closed','','rise-campaign-2','','','2023-08-08 10:08:23','2023-08-08 15:08:23','',4993,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/RISE-CAMPAIGN-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5008,7,'2023-08-08 16:47:31','2023-08-08 21:47:31','','Vol-State-UTM-Partnership-Winters-2023','','inherit','closed','closed','','vol-state-utm-partnership-winters-2023','','','2023-08-08 16:47:31','2023-08-08 21:47:31','',5007,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Vol-State-UTM-Partnership-Winters-2023.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5009,7,'2023-08-08 16:48:11','2023-08-08 21:48:11','Image of Vol State Springfield. ','Image of Vol State Springfield.','Image of Vol State Springfield. ','inherit','closed','closed','','vol-state_springfield-2023','','','2023-08-08 16:52:44','2023-08-08 21:52:44','',5007,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Vol-State_Springfield-2023.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5010,7,'2023-08-08 16:50:05','2023-08-08 21:50:05','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Students at Volunteer State Community College in Springfield have a new pathway to earning a bachelor’s degree thanks to an introduction of a new university partner with the University of Tennessee at Martin at the Vol State Springfield campus location. This agreement is pending THEC and SACSCOC approval with an anticipated finalization date of December 2023. Students would begin taking classes on this pathway Spring Semester 2024.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>Nicholas Bishop, Vol State Community College vice president for economic development and<br>regional centers states, “We’re excited to partner with the UT System via the addition of the UT<br>Martin Campus as our new university partner to serve as their regional center for Middle<br>Tennessee.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>The partnership will focus on agriculture, health care, and technology sector pathways with<br>agriculture business degrees being the first phase focus. Vol State will focus on delivering<br>technical certificates and associate degrees, while UTM will focus on bachelor\'s and master\'s<br>degrees. The concept is aimed at creating the ability for individuals to earn their associate up to<br>a graduate level degree without having to leave Robertson County or the surrounding<br>communities.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>Bishop further adds, “We think this partnership will be a positive boost for Northern Middle<br>Tennessee and Robertson County’s economic and workforce development progress. UTM and<br>Vol State are finalizing a dual admissions agreement that will allow students to be enrolled in<br>both institutions simultaneously and receive support from both as they progress through<br>multiple degree and training levels.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":5009,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Vol-State_Springfield-2023-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5009\"/><figcaption>Image of Vol State Springfield.</figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>“We are excited about this new partnership with Vol State-Springfield,\" said Dr. Todd Winters,<br>dean, College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences. \"With the help of the UT Highland Rim<br>AgResearch and Education Center for laboratories, we can offer a wide variety of agriculture<br>courses leading to a degree, in some cases without even coming to the Martin campus.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>The agreement defines academic and administrative coordination between both institutions<br>specifically at the Vol State Springfield campus location. Robertson County is the third-highest<br>agricultural-producing county in Tennessee. Vol State has been hopeful to bring a partnership<br>to fruition that would allow for deliverables in agricultural education opportunities in Robertson<br>County. The UTM partnership brings this long-coming endeavor to life. In addition to UTM<br>serving as the official university partner at the Vol State Springfield campus, the institutions will<br>also partner with the UT Institute of Agriculture to conduct hands-on training at UT’s Highland<br>Rim AgResearch and Education Center located in Springfield. The center will offer students<br>experience in both crop and livestock production and research. UTM has been offering dual<br>enrollment opportunities to Robertson County high school students via an online format. With<br>this partnership in place, the three institutions can now work together to deliver agriculture based courses in person/on the ground in Robertson County.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>“UTM is excited as we work to develop a strong partnership with Vol State – Springfield<br>Campus,\" said Erica Bell, executive director, UT Martin Regional Centers and Online Programs.<br>\"The partnership is focused on increasing access to a high-quality education close to home,<br>aimed at creating seamless transfer pathways and providing exceptional career support to open<br>the pipeline for deserving students of Robertson County and today’s future workforce.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br><strong>About Vol State Community College</strong><br>Volunteer State Community College is a public, two-year community college located just north<br>of Nashville, Tennessee. Since 1971, the college has grown to four campus locations in Gallatin,<br>Livingston, Cookeville, and Springfield with over 100 areas of study offered. With over 7,000<br>students, Vol State is a leading higher education provider for eleven counties in middle<br>Tennessee. For more information or to apply online, visit <a href=\"http://www.volstate.edu/admissions\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"www.volstate.edu/admissions\">www.volstate.edu/admissions</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br><strong>About the University of Tennessee at Martin</strong><br>UT Martin is a primary regional campus in the University of Tennessee System. The university<br>serves more than 6,800 students through its main campus in Martin, five West Tennessee<br>regional centers and UT Martin Online. Bachelor’s degrees, majors, concentrations and<br>options are offered in more than 150 specialized fields along with seven graduate degrees.<br>Learn more at <a href=\"http://www.utm.edu/admissions\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"www.utm.edu/admissions\">www.utm.edu/admissions</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br><strong>About the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture</strong><br>Through its land-grant mission of research, teaching and extension, the University of<br>Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) provides Real. Life. Solutions. to some of society’s<br>most issues. We serve all Tennessee citizens and beyond through the pressing work of world-renowned<br>researchers, teachers, and experts.<br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','UT Martin, Vol State announce partnership to provide pathway to bachelor\'s degree in Springfield, TN','Students at Volunteer State Community College in Springfield have a new pathway to earning a bachelor’s degree thanks to an introduction of a new university partner with the University of Tennessee at Martin at the Vol State Springfield campus location.','inherit','closed','closed','','5007-revision-v1','','','2023-08-08 16:50:05','2023-08-08 21:50:05','',5007,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=5010',0,'revision','',0),(5011,7,'2023-08-08 16:51:13','2023-08-08 21:51:13','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Students at Volunteer State Community College in Springfield have a new pathway to earning a bachelor’s degree thanks to an introduction of a new university partner with the University of Tennessee at Martin at the Vol State Springfield campus location. This agreement is pending THEC and SACSCOC approval with an anticipated finalization date of December 2023. Students would begin taking classes on this pathway Spring Semester 2024.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>Nicholas Bishop, Vol State Community College vice president for economic development and<br>regional centers states, “We’re excited to partner with the UT System via the addition of the UT<br>Martin Campus as our new university partner to serve as their regional center for Middle<br>Tennessee.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>The partnership will focus on agriculture, health care, and technology sector pathways with<br>agriculture business degrees being the first phase focus. Vol State will focus on delivering<br>technical certificates and associate degrees, while UTM will focus on bachelor\'s and master\'s<br>degrees. The concept is aimed at creating the ability for individuals to earn their associate up to<br>a graduate level degree without having to leave Robertson County or the surrounding<br>communities.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>Bishop further adds, “We think this partnership will be a positive boost for Northern Middle<br>Tennessee and Robertson County’s economic and workforce development progress. UTM and<br>Vol State are finalizing a dual admissions agreement that will allow students to be enrolled in<br>both institutions simultaneously and receive support from both as they progress through<br>multiple degree and training levels.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"align\":\"center\",\"id\":5009,\"width\":633,\"height\":422,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img src=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Vol-State_Springfield-2023-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5009\" width=\"633\" height=\"422\"/><figcaption>Image of Vol State Springfield.</figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>“We are excited about this new partnership with Vol State-Springfield,\" said Dr. Todd Winters,<br>dean, College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences. \"With the help of the UT Highland Rim<br>AgResearch and Education Center for laboratories, we can offer a wide variety of agriculture<br>courses leading to a degree, in some cases without even coming to the Martin campus.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>The agreement defines academic and administrative coordination between both institutions<br>specifically at the Vol State Springfield campus location. Robertson County is the third-highest<br>agricultural-producing county in Tennessee. Vol State has been hopeful to bring a partnership<br>to fruition that would allow for deliverables in agricultural education opportunities in Robertson<br>County. The UTM partnership brings this long-coming endeavor to life. In addition to UTM<br>serving as the official university partner at the Vol State Springfield campus, the institutions will<br>also partner with the UT Institute of Agriculture to conduct hands-on training at UT’s Highland<br>Rim AgResearch and Education Center located in Springfield. The center will offer students<br>experience in both crop and livestock production and research. UTM has been offering dual<br>enrollment opportunities to Robertson County high school students via an online format. With<br>this partnership in place, the three institutions can now work together to deliver agriculture based courses in person/on the ground in Robertson County.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>“UTM is excited as we work to develop a strong partnership with Vol State – Springfield<br>Campus,\" said Erica Bell, executive director, UT Martin Regional Centers and Online Programs.<br>\"The partnership is focused on increasing access to a high-quality education close to home,<br>aimed at creating seamless transfer pathways and providing exceptional career support to open<br>the pipeline for deserving students of Robertson County and today’s future workforce.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br><strong>About Vol State Community College</strong><br>Volunteer State Community College is a public, two-year community college located just north<br>of Nashville, Tennessee. Since 1971, the college has grown to four campus locations in Gallatin,<br>Livingston, Cookeville, and Springfield with over 100 areas of study offered. With over 7,000<br>students, Vol State is a leading higher education provider for eleven counties in middle<br>Tennessee. For more information or to apply online, visit <a href=\"http://www.volstate.edu/admissions\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"www.volstate.edu/admissions\">www.volstate.edu/admissions</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br><strong>About the University of Tennessee at Martin</strong><br>UT Martin is a primary regional campus in the University of Tennessee System. The university<br>serves more than 6,800 students through its main campus in Martin, five West Tennessee<br>regional centers and UT Martin Online. Bachelor’s degrees, majors, concentrations and<br>options are offered in more than 150 specialized fields along with seven graduate degrees.<br>Learn more at <a href=\"http://www.utm.edu/admissions\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"www.utm.edu/admissions\">www.utm.edu/admissions</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br><strong>About the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture</strong><br>Through its land-grant mission of research, teaching and extension, the University of<br>Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) provides Real. Life. Solutions. to some of society’s<br>most issues. We serve all Tennessee citizens and beyond through the pressing work of world-renowned<br>researchers, teachers, and experts.<br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','UT Martin, Vol State announce partnership to provide pathway to bachelor\'s degree in Springfield, TN','Students at Volunteer State Community College in Springfield have a new pathway to earning a bachelor’s degree thanks to an introduction of a new university partner with the University of Tennessee at Martin at the Vol State Springfield campus location.','inherit','closed','closed','','5007-revision-v1','','','2023-08-08 16:51:13','2023-08-08 21:51:13','',5007,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=5011',0,'revision','',0),(5093,2,'2023-08-23 16:02:47','2023-08-23 21:02:47','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Students at Volunteer State Community College in Springfield have a new pathway to earning a bachelor’s degree thanks to an introduction of a new university partner with the University of Tennessee at Martin at the Vol State Springfield campus location. This agreement is pending THEC and SACSCOC approval with an anticipated finalization date of December 2023. Students would begin taking classes on this pathway Spring Semester 2024.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>Nicholas Bishop, Vol State Community College vice president for economic development and regional centers states, “We’re excited to partner with the UT System via the addition of the UT Martin Campus as our new university partner to serve as their regional center for Middle Tennessee.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>The partnership will focus on agriculture, health care, and technology sector pathways with agriculture business degrees being the first phase focus. Vol State will focus on delivering technical certificates and associate degrees, while UTM will focus on bachelor\'s and master\'s degrees. The concept is aimed at creating the ability for individuals to earn their associate up to a graduate level degree without having to leave Robertson County or the surrounding communities.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>Bishop further adds, “We think this partnership will be a positive boost for Northern Middle Tennessee and Robertson County’s economic and workforce development progress. UTM and Vol State are finalizing a dual admissions agreement that will allow students to be enrolled in both institutions simultaneously and receive support from both as they progress through multiple degree and training levels.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"align\":\"center\",\"id\":5009,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img src=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Vol-State_Springfield-2023-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5009\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>“We are excited about this new partnership with Vol State-Springfield,\" said Dr. Todd Winters, dean, College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences. \"With the help of the UT Highland Rim AgResearch and Education Center for laboratories, we can offer a wide variety of agriculture courses leading to a degree, in some cases without even coming to the Martin campus.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>The agreement defines academic and administrative coordination between both institutions specifically at the Vol State Springfield campus location. Robertson County is the third-highest agricultural-producing county in Tennessee. Vol State has been hopeful to bring a partnership to fruition that would allow for deliverables in agricultural education opportunities in Robertson County. The UTM partnership brings this long-coming endeavor to life. In addition to UTM serving as the official university partner at the Vol State Springfield campus, the institutions will also partner with the UT Institute of Agriculture to conduct hands-on training at UT’s Highland Rim AgResearch and Education Center located in Springfield. The center will offer students experience in both crop and livestock production and research. UTM has been offering dual enrollment opportunities to Robertson County high school students via an online format. With this partnership in place, the three institutions can now work together to deliver agriculture based courses in person/on the ground in Robertson County.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>“UTM is excited as we work to develop a strong partnership with Vol State – Springfield Campus,\" said Erica Bell, executive director, UT Martin Regional Centers and Online Programs. \"The partnership is focused on increasing access to a high-quality education close to home, aimed at creating seamless transfer pathways and providing exceptional career support to open the pipeline for deserving students of Robertson County and today’s future workforce.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br><strong>About Vol State Community College</strong><br>Volunteer State Community College is a public, two-year community college located just north of Nashville, Tennessee. Since 1971, the college has grown to four campus locations in Gallatin, Livingston, Cookeville, and Springfield with over 100 areas of study offered. With over 7,000 students, Vol State is a leading higher education provider for eleven counties in middle Tennessee. For more information or to apply online, visit <a href=\"http://www.volstate.edu/admissions\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"www.volstate.edu/admissions\">www.volstate.edu/admissions</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br><strong>About the University of Tennessee at Martin</strong><br>UT Martin is a primary regional campus in the University of Tennessee System. The university serves more than 6,800 students through its main campus in Martin, five West Tennessee regional centers and UT Martin Online. Bachelor’s degrees, majors, concentrations and options are offered in more than 150 specialized fields along with seven graduate degrees. Learn more at <a href=\"http://www.utm.edu/admissions\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"www.utm.edu/admissions\">www.utm.edu/admissions</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br><strong>About the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture</strong><br>Through its land-grant mission of research, teaching and extension, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) provides Real. Life. Solutions. to some of society’s most issues. We serve all Tennessee citizens and beyond through the pressing work of world-renowned researchers, teachers, and experts.<br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','UT Martin, Vol State announce partnership to provide pathway to bachelor\'s degree in Springfield, TN','Students at Volunteer State Community College in Springfield have a new pathway to earning a bachelor’s degree thanks to an introduction of a new university partner with the University of Tennessee at Martin at the Vol State Springfield campus location.','inherit','closed','closed','','5007-revision-v1','','','2023-08-23 16:02:47','2023-08-23 21:02:47','',5007,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=5093',0,'revision','',0),(5012,7,'2023-08-08 16:52:12','2023-08-08 21:52:12','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Students at Volunteer State Community College in Springfield have a new pathway to earning a bachelor’s degree thanks to an introduction of a new university partner with the University of Tennessee at Martin at the Vol State Springfield campus location. This agreement is pending THEC and SACSCOC approval with an anticipated finalization date of December 2023. Students would begin taking classes on this pathway Spring Semester 2024.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>Nicholas Bishop, Vol State Community College vice president for economic development and<br>regional centers states, “We’re excited to partner with the UT System via the addition of the UT<br>Martin Campus as our new university partner to serve as their regional center for Middle<br>Tennessee.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>The partnership will focus on agriculture, health care, and technology sector pathways with<br>agriculture business degrees being the first phase focus. Vol State will focus on delivering<br>technical certificates and associate degrees, while UTM will focus on bachelor\'s and master\'s<br>degrees. The concept is aimed at creating the ability for individuals to earn their associate up to<br>a graduate level degree without having to leave Robertson County or the surrounding<br>communities.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>Bishop further adds, “We think this partnership will be a positive boost for Northern Middle<br>Tennessee and Robertson County’s economic and workforce development progress. UTM and<br>Vol State are finalizing a dual admissions agreement that will allow students to be enrolled in<br>both institutions simultaneously and receive support from both as they progress through<br>multiple degree and training levels.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"align\":\"center\",\"id\":5009,\"width\":633,\"height\":422,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img src=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Vol-State_Springfield-2023-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5009\" width=\"633\" height=\"422\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>“We are excited about this new partnership with Vol State-Springfield,\" said Dr. Todd Winters,<br>dean, College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences. \"With the help of the UT Highland Rim<br>AgResearch and Education Center for laboratories, we can offer a wide variety of agriculture<br>courses leading to a degree, in some cases without even coming to the Martin campus.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>The agreement defines academic and administrative coordination between both institutions<br>specifically at the Vol State Springfield campus location. Robertson County is the third-highest<br>agricultural-producing county in Tennessee. Vol State has been hopeful to bring a partnership<br>to fruition that would allow for deliverables in agricultural education opportunities in Robertson<br>County. The UTM partnership brings this long-coming endeavor to life. In addition to UTM<br>serving as the official university partner at the Vol State Springfield campus, the institutions will<br>also partner with the UT Institute of Agriculture to conduct hands-on training at UT’s Highland<br>Rim AgResearch and Education Center located in Springfield. The center will offer students<br>experience in both crop and livestock production and research. UTM has been offering dual<br>enrollment opportunities to Robertson County high school students via an online format. With<br>this partnership in place, the three institutions can now work together to deliver agriculture based courses in person/on the ground in Robertson County.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>“UTM is excited as we work to develop a strong partnership with Vol State – Springfield<br>Campus,\" said Erica Bell, executive director, UT Martin Regional Centers and Online Programs.<br>\"The partnership is focused on increasing access to a high-quality education close to home,<br>aimed at creating seamless transfer pathways and providing exceptional career support to open<br>the pipeline for deserving students of Robertson County and today’s future workforce.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br><strong>About Vol State Community College</strong><br>Volunteer State Community College is a public, two-year community college located just north<br>of Nashville, Tennessee. Since 1971, the college has grown to four campus locations in Gallatin,<br>Livingston, Cookeville, and Springfield with over 100 areas of study offered. With over 7,000<br>students, Vol State is a leading higher education provider for eleven counties in middle<br>Tennessee. For more information or to apply online, visit <a href=\"http://www.volstate.edu/admissions\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"www.volstate.edu/admissions\">www.volstate.edu/admissions</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br><strong>About the University of Tennessee at Martin</strong><br>UT Martin is a primary regional campus in the University of Tennessee System. The university<br>serves more than 6,800 students through its main campus in Martin, five West Tennessee<br>regional centers and UT Martin Online. Bachelor’s degrees, majors, concentrations and<br>options are offered in more than 150 specialized fields along with seven graduate degrees.<br>Learn more at <a href=\"http://www.utm.edu/admissions\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"www.utm.edu/admissions\">www.utm.edu/admissions</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br><strong>About the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture</strong><br>Through its land-grant mission of research, teaching and extension, the University of<br>Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) provides Real. Life. Solutions. to some of society’s<br>most issues. We serve all Tennessee citizens and beyond through the pressing work of world-renowned<br>researchers, teachers, and experts.<br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','UT Martin, Vol State announce partnership to provide pathway to bachelor\'s degree in Springfield, TN','Students at Volunteer State Community College in Springfield have a new pathway to earning a bachelor’s degree thanks to an introduction of a new university partner with the University of Tennessee at Martin at the Vol State Springfield campus location.','inherit','closed','closed','','5007-revision-v1','','','2023-08-08 16:52:12','2023-08-08 21:52:12','',5007,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=5012',0,'revision','',0),(5014,4,'2023-08-10 08:44:46','2023-08-10 13:44:46','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Wednesday wasn’t a typical day in the office for Dr. Yancy Freeman – instead, it was his first official day as the University of Tennessee at Martin’s new chancellor. The university’s 12<sup>th</sup> chief executive officer was confirmed July 14 for the position by the UT Board of Trustees after being recommended for the position by UT President Randy Boyd. Freeman comes to UT Martin following 25 years in various roles at UT Chattanooga where he most recently held the post of vice chancellor for enrollment management and student affairs.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It\'s a significant change for Freeman and his family, although he’s no stranger to West Tennessee. Raised in Memphis and a Central High School alum, he went on to become a first-generation college graduate. His wife, Rafielle Boone Freeman, is a 1993 UT Martin nursing graduate. Freeman is the first African American chancellor at UT Martin.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Not surprising, Freeman’s first day included some notable “firsts,” including his first official campus welcome to participants at the 25<sup>th</sup> Mid-South Agricultural Finance Conference held in Watkins Auditorium. His brief appearance on the conference stage was just long enough for him to take his first on-the-job selfie with the audience of ag business attendees, producers and students in the background.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The new chancellor also scheduled 30 minutes to record a “First Day as UTM Chancellor” video featured later in the day on social media. The rest of the schedule included meetings and preparation for Monday’s university-wide opening meeting in Watkins Auditorium, which will be his first opportunity to address the university’s faculty and staff. Move-In Day is Aug. 17 for first-year students, Welcome Weekend begins Aug. 18, and the first day of UT Martin fall classes is Aug. 21.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Things are moving quickly now that he’s in Martin, but Freeman is accustomed to the pace and is clearly in his element following years of interacting and working with college students.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I am living my dream by coming to UTM and having an opportunity to work with the faculty and staff to help our students reach every single personal and professional goal in their lives,” he said. “I was in Chattanooga for a long time, and I felt like I did really good work.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“This is the chance for me to do more and give more. I view this opportunity as a chance to be more impactful and to help this community.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The next few weeks will be important as Freeman learns faculty and staff names, meets students and connects with alumni. Not surprising is his plan to engage as many people as he can and do plenty of listening as he walks the main campus, visits the university’s regional centers and travels in the region.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“There are some things I know already – that this is absolutely a family community, and we will keep that intact and keep it going,” he said. “The work that’s been done has been tremendous, and so I want to find ways that I can elevate that work in places where I can and celebrate our wins as we continue to progress. … Not significant changes as we go but just lots of listening to try to figure out how I can help.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A “Take Flight with Freeman Tour” is being planned in the coming weeks by the UT Martin Office of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving to introduce the new chancellor to the region. The tour is still adding dates and locations, but the current lineup of visits can be found at <a href=\"http://alumni.utm.edu/freeman\">alumni.utm.edu/freeman</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Yancy Freeman era begins at UT Martin','Wednesday wasn’t a typical day in the office for Dr. Yancy Freeman – instead, it was his first official day as the University of Tennessee at Martin’s new chancellor. ','publish','closed','closed','','yancy-freeman-era-begins-at-ut-martin','','','2023-08-10 11:12:15','2023-08-10 16:12:15','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=5014',0,'post','',0),(5015,7,'2023-08-10 08:43:34','2023-08-10 13:43:34','','Dr. Yancy Freeman_UT Martin','','inherit','closed','closed','','dr-yancy-freeman_ut-martin','','','2023-08-10 08:43:34','2023-08-10 13:43:34','',5014,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Dr.-Yancy-Freeman_UT-Martin.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5018,7,'2023-08-10 08:44:46','2023-08-10 13:44:46','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Wednesday wasn’t a typical day in the office for Dr. Yancy Freeman – instead, it was his first official day as the University of Tennessee at Martin’s new chancellor. The university’s 12<sup>th</sup> chief executive officer was confirmed July 14 for the position by the UT Board of Trustees after being recommended for the position by UT President Randy Boyd. Freeman comes to UT Martin following 25 years in various roles at UT Chattanooga where he most recently held the post of vice chancellor for enrollment management and student affairs.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It\'s a significant change for Freeman and his family, although he’s no stranger to West Tennessee. Raised in Memphis and a Central High School alum, he went on to become a first-generation college graduate. His wife, Rafielle Boone Freeman, is a 1993 UT Martin nursing graduate. Freeman is the first African American chancellor at UT Martin.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Not surprising, Freeman’s first day included some notable “firsts,” including his first official campus welcome to participants at the 25<sup>th</sup> Mid-South Agricultural Finance Conference held in Watkins Auditorium. His brief appearance on the conference stage was just long enough for him to take his first on-the-job selfie with the audience of ag business attendees, producers and students in the background.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The new chancellor also scheduled 30 minutes to record a “First Day as UTM Chancellor” video featured later in the day on social media. The rest of the schedule included meetings and preparation for Monday’s university-wide opening meeting in Watkins Auditorium, which will be his first opportunity to address the university’s faculty and staff. Move-In Day is Aug. 17 for first-year students, Welcome Weekend begins Aug. 18, and the first day of UT Martin fall classes is Aug. 21.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Things are moving quickly now that he’s in Martin, but Freeman is accustomed to the pace and is clearly in his element following years of interacting and working with college students.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I am living my dream by coming to UTM and having an opportunity to work with the faculty and staff to help our students reach every single personal and professional goal in their lives,” he said. “I was in Chattanooga for a long time, and I felt like I did really good work.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“This is the chance for me to do more and give more. I view this opportunity as a chance to be more impactful and to help this community.”           </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The next few weeks will be important as Freeman learns faculty and staff names, meets students and connects with alumni. Not surprising is his plan to engage as many people as he can and do plenty of listening as he walks the main campus, visits the university’s regional centers and travels in the region.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“There are some things I know already – that this is absolutely a family community, and we will keep that intact and keep it going,” he said. “The work that’s been done has been tremendous, and so I want to find ways that I can elevate that work in places where I can and celebrate our wins as we continue to progress. … Not significant changes as we go but just lots of listening to try to figure out how I can help.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A “Take Flight with Freeman Tour” is being planned in the coming weeks by the UT Martin Office of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving to introduce the new chancellor to the region. The tour is still adding dates and locations, but the current lineup of visits can be found at <a href=\"http://www.alumni.utm.edu/freeman\">alumni.utm.edu/freeman</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Yancy Freeman era begins at UT Martin','Wednesday wasn’t a typical day in the office for Dr. Yancy Freeman – instead, it was his first official day as the University of Tennessee at Martin’s new chancellor. ','inherit','closed','closed','','5014-revision-v1','','','2023-08-10 08:44:46','2023-08-10 13:44:46','',5014,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=5018',0,'revision','',0),(5016,7,'2023-08-10 08:44:20','2023-08-10 13:44:20','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Wednesday wasn’t a typical day in the office for Dr. Yancy Freeman – instead, it was his first official day as the University of Tennessee at Martin’s new chancellor. The university’s 12<sup>th</sup> chief executive officer was confirmed July 14 for the position by the UT Board of Trustees after being recommended for the position by UT President Randy Boyd. Freeman comes to UT Martin following 25 years in various roles at UT Chattanooga where he most recently held the post of vice chancellor for enrollment management and student affairs.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It\'s a significant change for Freeman and his family, although he’s no stranger to West Tennessee. Raised in Memphis and a Central High School alum, he went on to become a first-generation college graduate. His wife, Rafielle Boone Freeman, is a 1993 UT Martin nursing graduate. Freeman is the first African American chancellor at UT Martin.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Not surprising, Freeman’s first day included some notable “firsts,” including his first official campus welcome to participants at the 25<sup>th</sup> Mid-South Agricultural Finance Conference held in Watkins Auditorium. His brief appearance on the conference stage was just long enough for him to take his first on-the-job selfie with the audience of ag business attendees, producers and students in the background.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The new chancellor also scheduled 30 minutes to record a “First Day as UTM Chancellor” video featured later in the day on social media. The rest of the schedule included meetings and preparation for Monday’s university-wide opening meeting in Watkins Auditorium, which will be his first opportunity to address the university’s faculty and staff. Move-In Day is Aug. 17 for first-year students, Welcome Weekend begins Aug. 18, and the first day of UT Martin fall classes is Aug. 21.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Things are moving quickly now that he’s in Martin, but Freeman is accustomed to the pace and is clearly in his element following years of interacting and working with college students.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I am living my dream by coming to UTM and having an opportunity to work with the faculty and staff to help our students reach every single personal and professional goal in their lives,” he said. “I was in Chattanooga for a long time, and I felt like I did really good work.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“This is the chance for me to do more and give more. I view this opportunity as a chance to be more impactful and to help this community.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (more)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>FREEMAN ERA, PAGE 2</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The next few weeks will be important as Freeman learns faculty and staff names, meets students and connects with alumni. Not surprising is his plan to engage as many people as he can and do plenty of listening as he walks the main campus, visits the university’s regional centers and travels in the region.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“There are some things I know already – that this is absolutely a family community, and we will keep that intact and keep it going,” he said. “The work that’s been done has been tremendous, and so I want to find ways that I can elevate that work in places where I can and celebrate our wins as we continue to progress. … Not significant changes as we go but just lots of listening to try to figure out how I can help.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A “Take Flight with Freeman Tour” is being planned in the coming weeks by the UT Martin Office of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving to introduce the new chancellor to the region. The tour is still adding dates and locations, but the current lineup of visits can be found at <a href=\"http://www.alumni.utm.edu/freeman\">alumni.utm.edu/freeman</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Yancy Freeman era begins at UT Martin','Wednesday wasn’t a typical day in the office for Dr. Yancy Freeman – instead, it was his first official day as the University of Tennessee at Martin’s new chancellor. ','inherit','closed','closed','','5014-revision-v1','','','2023-08-10 08:44:20','2023-08-10 13:44:20','',5014,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=5016',0,'revision','',0),(5025,8,'2023-08-10 11:12:15','2023-08-10 16:12:15','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Wednesday wasn’t a typical day in the office for Dr. Yancy Freeman – instead, it was his first official day as the University of Tennessee at Martin’s new chancellor. The university’s 12<sup>th</sup> chief executive officer was confirmed July 14 for the position by the UT Board of Trustees after being recommended for the position by UT President Randy Boyd. Freeman comes to UT Martin following 25 years in various roles at UT Chattanooga where he most recently held the post of vice chancellor for enrollment management and student affairs.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It\'s a significant change for Freeman and his family, although he’s no stranger to West Tennessee. Raised in Memphis and a Central High School alum, he went on to become a first-generation college graduate. His wife, Rafielle Boone Freeman, is a 1993 UT Martin nursing graduate. Freeman is the first African American chancellor at UT Martin.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Not surprising, Freeman’s first day included some notable “firsts,” including his first official campus welcome to participants at the 25<sup>th</sup> Mid-South Agricultural Finance Conference held in Watkins Auditorium. His brief appearance on the conference stage was just long enough for him to take his first on-the-job selfie with the audience of ag business attendees, producers and students in the background.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The new chancellor also scheduled 30 minutes to record a “First Day as UTM Chancellor” video featured later in the day on social media. The rest of the schedule included meetings and preparation for Monday’s university-wide opening meeting in Watkins Auditorium, which will be his first opportunity to address the university’s faculty and staff. Move-In Day is Aug. 17 for first-year students, Welcome Weekend begins Aug. 18, and the first day of UT Martin fall classes is Aug. 21.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Things are moving quickly now that he’s in Martin, but Freeman is accustomed to the pace and is clearly in his element following years of interacting and working with college students.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I am living my dream by coming to UTM and having an opportunity to work with the faculty and staff to help our students reach every single personal and professional goal in their lives,” he said. “I was in Chattanooga for a long time, and I felt like I did really good work.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“This is the chance for me to do more and give more. I view this opportunity as a chance to be more impactful and to help this community.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The next few weeks will be important as Freeman learns faculty and staff names, meets students and connects with alumni. Not surprising is his plan to engage as many people as he can and do plenty of listening as he walks the main campus, visits the university’s regional centers and travels in the region.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“There are some things I know already – that this is absolutely a family community, and we will keep that intact and keep it going,” he said. “The work that’s been done has been tremendous, and so I want to find ways that I can elevate that work in places where I can and celebrate our wins as we continue to progress. … Not significant changes as we go but just lots of listening to try to figure out how I can help.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A “Take Flight with Freeman Tour” is being planned in the coming weeks by the UT Martin Office of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving to introduce the new chancellor to the region. The tour is still adding dates and locations, but the current lineup of visits can be found at <a href=\"http://alumni.utm.edu/freeman\">alumni.utm.edu/freeman</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Yancy Freeman era begins at UT Martin','Wednesday wasn’t a typical day in the office for Dr. Yancy Freeman – instead, it was his first official day as the University of Tennessee at Martin’s new chancellor. ','inherit','closed','closed','','5014-revision-v1','','','2023-08-10 11:12:15','2023-08-10 16:12:15','',5014,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=5025',0,'revision','',0),(5019,7,'2023-08-10 08:45:31','2023-08-10 13:45:31','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The University of Tennessee at Martin will host a celebration event for the conclusion of the university’s RISE campaign, to be held Friday, Aug. 11, at Dinosaur Hall in the Discovery Park of America in Union City. Admission to the event is by invitation only.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A reception will be held at 5:30 p.m. with the event beginning at 6:30 p.m.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Remarks will be given by University of Tennessee President Randy Boyd, incoming Chancellor Dr. Yancy Freeman and UT Foundation Chief Executive Officer Kerry Witcher. UTM Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Dr. Charley Deal will give the closing comments. The guest speaker will be 1987 and 1988 UT Martin alumnus Jerry Reese.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Freeman’s first official day as UT Martin chancellor will be Wednesday, Aug. 9.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The fundraising campaign set the largest goal in UT Martin history and surpassed the $175 million goal in June. The RISE campaign was the fourth fundraising campaign in the university’s 123-year history.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"We are so appreciative of the support of our alumni, donors and university and UT Foundation leadership who have made the RISE Campaign successful,” said Associate Vice Chancellor and RISE Campaign Director Jeanna C. Swofford. “We look forward to celebrating the success with everyone Friday evening.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In 2021, UTM completed its “Prepare for Takeoff” five-year strategic plan, which helped to guide the planning of the RISE campaign. The strategic plan was formed through an inclusive process involving more than 600 administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, students and members of surrounding communities.<br>The RISE campaign was announced on Sept. 11, 2021, at the Skyhawks’ home game against Samford.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The RISE campaign’s priorities aligned with the strategic plan and focused on two of its strategic themes:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Enhancing student outcomes through recruitment, retention and graduate students who are prepared to be responsible, informed and engaged citizens and leaders.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• Strengthening engagement by being a model of responsible stewardship while improving the vitality and prosperity of West Tennessee and beyond.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Much of the funding raised through the RISE campaign will support student scholarships and help UT Martin offer programs in veterinary technology and veterinary science and animal science at the Wildwood Farm in Germantown.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>RISE campaign funding will also support athletics and capital projects at the university.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','RISE campaign celebration set for Aug. 11','The University of Tennessee at Martin will host a celebration event for the conclusion of the university’s RISE campaign, to be held Friday, Aug. 11, at Dinosaur Hall in the Discovery Park of America in Union City.','inherit','closed','closed','','4993-revision-v1','','','2023-08-10 08:45:31','2023-08-10 13:45:31','',4993,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=5019',0,'revision','',0),(5020,8,'2023-08-10 10:55:10','2023-08-10 15:55:10','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Classes for the Fall 2023 semester begin Aug. 21, but before that happens, students returning to the University of Tennessee at Martin campus will have a celebration centered on move-in days and getting acclimated – or re-acclimated – to campus life.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Welcome Weekend event begins with “Move-In Mania” on Thursday, Aug. 17, when students move into their campus residences. The inaugural Welcome Home Picnic later that day will help students relax after a busy day and enjoy food and fellowship with friends, family and faculty.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The First-Year Initiative program will host Welcome Weekend, and the UTM Office of Student Life and the Office of Housing will team up with other campus organizations and the City of Martin to provide entertainment and fun events for returning students and first-year students to enjoy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Director of Student Life Rachel Stephens said her office will coordinate Move-In Mania and several other Welcome Weekend events.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Move-In Mania is always lots of fun because we bring in our upperclassman students and a lot of our student organizations, fraternities and sororities come out and volunteer,” she said. “We help get all the first-year students moved in.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>For the first time, UT Martin will have a Welcome Back Picnic, to be set up between Ellington Hall and University Village II. The picnic will begin at 6 p.m. Aug. 17.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“This is a brand-new event; we have never done this before,” Stephens said. “One of the biggest bits of feedback we got was that Move-In Day is tiring – and it is. You’re here, you’ve just moved in and the last thing you want to do is go do something else and have some other type of mandatory program.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“It was actually the brain-child of John Abel, the assistant vice chancellor for student affairs. Campus rec is going to bring games out to the Ellington front lawn, we’re going to have a bunch of booths set up with door prizes, and the (Student Government Association) is going to be giving out Popsicles.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Faculty and staff will grill hot dogs and hamburgers with chips and cookies. Music will be provided to provide students with two hours of relaxation and fun.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Office of Student Life also advises Flight Crew members with coordinating the events for Saturday, Aug. 19, that include pep group meetings at 9 a.m., a free play time from 2 to 5 p.m., taking in comedian Brent Pella at 7 p.m. and viewing “Guardians of the Galaxy 3” at 9 p.m.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>All of these events are free to UTM students.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The City of Martin will welcome students to campus with the annual City of Martin Fair, to be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 21, in Festival Park in downtown Martin.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Downtown Martin is so pretty, and we want students to see everything that Martin has to offer,” Stephens said. “So, we partner with the city and actually set up inside the (Martin Public Library) and outside.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“We’ll have food trucks, and businesses will set up and hand out information to the students. They’ll have giveaways and give away free food, and it gives students the opportunity to focus on the businesses, nonprofits and churches – things like that in the community.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Campus Involvement Fair will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 22, in the campus quad.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Sodexo (Dining Services) has agreed to serve dinner on the back patio, so dinner is going to be outside that night on the north patio between the Boling University Center and the Paul Meek Library,” Stephens said. “I think they actually will close the dining hall that night, so all of dinner will be served outside.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Then, we’re having a wellness fair hosted by Student Health and Counseling and some partners. That will feed into the Campus Involvement Fair, where we’ll have 100 different student organizations, departments and areas set up. It’s like a big block party, and it’s open to all students.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The schedule of events for Welcome Weekend 2023 includes:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Thursday, Aug. 17</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 8 a.m.: Move-In Mania (housing move-in, First-Year Initiative check-in, Solution Central)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 6 p.m.: Welcome Home Picnic, Ellington Hall, University Village II</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Friday, Aug. 18</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 8 a.m.: Commuter check-in</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 9 am.: Pep group meetings</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 10 a.m. Convocation, Elam Center</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 11:30 a.m.: Pep groups, lunch (Blue Group), pep meeting (Orange Group)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 12:45 p.m. Pep groups, pep meeting (Blue Group), lunch (Orange Group)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 2 p.m.: Pep groups, “Getting Involved” (Blue Group), Watkins Auditorium, Bling University Center; Success Counselors (Orange Group), Duncan Ballroom in the Boling University Center, Gallien Auditorium in Gooch Hall, Campbell Auditorium in the Holt Humanities Building</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 3:30 p.m.: Pep groups, Success Counselors (Blue Group), “Getting Involved” (Orange Group)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 7 p.m.: Floor meetings</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 8 p.m.: Housing block party</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Saturday, Aug. 19</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 8 a.m.: Pep group meetings</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 9 a.m.: Pep groups, “Living the Skyhawk Creed” (Blue Group), Elam Center; Safe Flights (Orange Group), Watkins Auditorium, Boling University Center</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 10:15 a.m.: Pep groups, Safe Flights (Blue Group), Watkins Auditorium, Boling University Center; “Living the Skyhawk Creed” (Orange Group), Elam Center</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 11:30 a.m.: Pep groups, pep meeting (Blue Group), lunch (Orange Group)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 12:45 p.m. Pep groups, lunch (Blue Group), pep meeting (Orange Group)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 2 p.m.: Free play</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 7 p.m.: Comedian Brent Pella, Watkins Auditorium, Boling University Center</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 9 p.m. “Guardians of the Galaxy 3,” University Village I lawn</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Sunday, Aug. 20</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 1 p.m.: Pep group meetings, “Taking Care of Me” (Blue Group), Watkins Auditorium, Boling University Center; scavenger hunt (Orange Group), various locations</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 2:15 p.m.: Pep group meetings, scavenger hunt (Blue Group), various locations; “Taking Care of Me” (Orange Group), Watkins Auditorium, Boling University Center</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 3:30 p.m.: Kickoff to Classes, Hardy M. Graham Stadium (Elam Center is the rain site)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Monday, Aug. 21</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 6 p.m.: City of Martin Fair, Festival Park, adjacent to Martin Public Library</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Tuesday, Aug. 22</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 4:30 p.m.: Campus Involvement Fair, the UT Martin quad</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Welcome Weekend opens fall semester','Classes for the Fall 2023 semester begin Aug. 21, but before that happens, students returning to the University of Tennessee at Martin campus will have a celebration centered on move-in days and getting acclimated – or re-acclimated – to campus life.','publish','closed','closed','','welcome-weekend-opens-fall-semester','','','2023-08-23 15:33:49','2023-08-23 20:33:49','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=5020',0,'post','',0),(5021,8,'2023-08-10 10:52:16','2023-08-10 15:52:16','','Move-In-1','','inherit','closed','closed','','move-in-1','','','2023-08-10 10:52:16','2023-08-10 15:52:16','',5020,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Move-In-1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5022,8,'2023-08-10 10:53:20','2023-08-10 15:53:20','','Move-In-1-cropped','','inherit','closed','closed','','move-in-1-cropped','','','2023-08-10 10:53:20','2023-08-10 15:53:20','',5020,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Move-In-1-cropped.jpeg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5023,8,'2023-08-10 10:53:32','2023-08-10 15:53:32','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Classes for the Fall 2023 semester begin Aug. 21, but before that happens, students returning to the University of Tennessee at Martin campus will have a celebration centered on move-in days and getting acclimated – or re-acclimated – to campus life.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Welcome Weekend event begins with “Move-In Mania” on Thursday, Aug. 17, when students move into their campus residences. The inaugural Welcome Home Picnic later that day will help students relax after a busy day and enjoy food and fellowship with friends, family and faculty.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The First-Year Initiative program will host Welcome Weekend, and the UTM Office of Student Life and the Office of Housing will team up with other campus organizations and the City of Martin to provide entertainment and fun events for returning students and first-year students to enjoy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Director of Student Life Rachel Stephens said her office will coordinate Move-In Mania and several other Welcome Weekend events.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Move-In Mania is always lots of fun because we bring in our upperclassman students and a lot of our student organizations, fraternities and sororities come out and volunteer,” she said. “We help get all the first-year students moved in.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>For the first time, UT Martin will have a Welcome Back Picnic, to be set up between Ellington Hall and University Village II. The picnic will begin at 6 p.m. Aug. 17.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“This is a brand-new event; we have never done this before,” Stephens said. “One of the biggest bits of feedback we got was that Move-In Day is tiring – and it is. You’re here, you’ve just moved in and the last thing you want to do is go do something else and have some other type of mandatory program.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“It was actually the brain-child of John Abel, the assistant vice chancellor for student affairs. Campus rec is going to bring games out to the Ellington front lawn, we’re going to have a bunch of booths set up with door prizes, and the (Student Government Association) is going to be giving out Popsicles.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Faculty and staff will grill hot dogs and hamburgers with chips and cookies. Music will be provided to provide students with two hours of relaxation and fun.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Office of Student Life also advises Flight Crew members with coordinating the events for Saturday, Aug. 19, that include pep group meetings at 9 a.m., a free play time from 2 to 5 p.m., taking in comedian Brent Pella at 7 p.m. and viewing “Guardians of the Galaxy 3” at 9 p.m.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>All of these events are free to UTM students.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The City of Martin will welcome students to campus with the annual City of Martin Fair, to be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 21, in Festival Park in downtown Martin.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Downtown Martin is so pretty, and we want students to see everything that Martin has to offer,” Stephens said. “So, we partner with the city and actually set up inside the (Martin Public Library) and outside.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“We’ll have food trucks, and businesses will set up and hand out information to the students. They’ll have giveaways and give away free food, and it gives students the opportunity to focus on the businesses, nonprofits and churches – things like that in the community.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Campus Involvement Fair will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 22, in the campus quad.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Sodexo (Dining Services) has agreed to serve dinner on the back patio, so dinner is going to be outside that night on the north patio between the Boling University Center and the Paul Meek Library,” Stephens said. “I think they actually will close the dining hall that night, so all of dinner will be served outside.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Then, we’re having a wellness fair hosted by Student Health and Counseling and some partners. That will feed into the Campus Involvement Fair, where we’ll have 100 different student organizations, departments and areas set up. It’s like a big block party, and it’s open to all students.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The schedule of events for Welcome Weekend 2023 includes:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Thursday, Aug. 17</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 8 a.m.: Move-In Mania (housing move-in, First-Year Initiative check-in, Solution Central)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 6 p.m.: Welcome Home Picnic, Ellington Hall, University Village II</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Friday, Aug. 18</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 8 a.m.: Commuter check-in</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 9 am.: Pep group meetings</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 10 a.m. Convocation, Elam Center</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 11:30 a.m.: Pep groups, lunch (Blue Group), pep meeting (Orange Group)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 12:45 p.m. Pep groups, pep meeting (Blue Group), lunch (Orange Group)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 2 p.m.: Pep groups, “Getting Involved” (Blue Group), Watkins Auditorium, Bling University Center; Success Counselors (Orange Group), Duncan Ballroom in the Boling University Center, Gallien Auditorium in Gooch Hall, Campbell Auditorium in the Holt Humanities Building</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 3:30 p.m.: Pep groups, Success Counselors (Blue Group), “Getting Involved” (Orange Group)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 7 p.m.: Floor meetings</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 8 p.m.: Housing block party</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Saturday, Aug. 19</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 8 a.m.: Pep group meetings</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 9 a.m.: Pep groups, “Living the Skyhawk Creed” (Blue Group), Elam Center; Safe Flights (Orange Group), Watkins Auditorium, Boling University Center</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 10:15 a.m.: Pep groups, Safe Flights (Blue Group), Watkins Auditorium, Boling University Center; “Living the Skyhawk Creed” (Orange Group), Elam Center</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 11:30 a.m.: Pep groups, pep meeting (Blue Group), lunch (Orange Group)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 12:45 p.m. Pep groups, lunch (Blue Group), pep meeting (Orange Group)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 2 p.m.: Free play</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 7 p.m.: Comedian Brent Pella, Watkins Auditorium, Boling University Center</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 9 p.m. “Guardians of the Galaxy 3,” University Village I lawn</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Sunday, Aug. 20</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 1 p.m.: Pep group meetings, “Taking Care of Me” (Blue Group), Watkins Auditorium, Boling University Center; scavenger hunt (Orange Group), various locations</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 2:15 p.m.: Pep group meetings, scavenger hunt (Blue Group), various locations; “Taking Care of Me” (Orange Group), Watkins Auditorium, Boling University Center</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 3:30 p.m.: Kickoff to Classes, Hardy M. Graham Stadium (Elam Center is the rain site)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Monday, Aug. 21</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 6 p.m.: City of Martin Fair, Festival Park, adjacent to Martin Public Library</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Tuesday, Aug. 22</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 4:30 p.m.: Campus Involvement Fair, the UT Martin quad</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Welcome Weekend opens fall semester','','inherit','closed','closed','','5020-revision-v1','','','2023-08-10 10:53:32','2023-08-10 15:53:32','',5020,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=5023',0,'revision','',0),(5024,8,'2023-08-10 10:54:22','2023-08-10 15:54:22','','Move-In-1-cropped-1','','inherit','closed','closed','','move-in-1-cropped-1','','','2023-08-10 10:54:22','2023-08-10 15:54:22','',5020,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Move-In-1-cropped-1.jpeg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5026,8,'2023-08-10 11:49:45','2023-08-10 16:49:45','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The University of Tennessee at Martin will host its annual Family Weekend Sept. 8-10, featuring several events that will showcase the university and its community.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This year’s Family Weekend was planned to coincide with the 30th Tennessee Soybean Festival, which runs from Sept. 2 through Sept. 9 in Martin.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The city will have several fun events going on throughout the week and during Family Weekend for everyone to enjoy. A complete schedule of events for the festival can be found at tnsoybeanfestival.org.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>John Abel, the UTM assistant vice chancellor for student affairs and the dean of students, said this year’s Family Weekend date was selected with the added fun of the Soybean Festival in mind.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Three years ago, the Soybean Festival weekend was the only one that worked, and it went very well having Family Weekend and Soybean together, so we wanted to do that again,” he said.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Family Weekend is an opportunity for students and alumni and their families to get together and enjoy what UT Martin has to offer. The weekend is centered around the Skyhawks’ home-opening football game against Missouri State, but there is much more in store.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The weekend opens on Friday, Sept. 8, when people are welcomed by the City of Martin. The Family Weekend check-in takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Martin Public Library, where people can pick up their Family Weekend T-shirts and bundles.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>T-shirts cost $15 and must be pre-ordered by Aug. 28. They range in size from small to 3XL.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Family Weekend bundle includes a UTM Family Weekend T-shirt, a general admission football game ticket and a $5 voucher for the Friday night food trucks, all for $30. Bundles must also be pre-ordered by Aug. 28.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Information about the T-shirts and Family Weekend bundles –&nbsp;along with other information about Family Weekend – can be found at <a href=\"http://www.utm.edu/familyweekend\">www.utm.edu/familyweekend</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>At 7 p.m. Friday, downtown Martin will be the site for the Brothers Osborne concert at the WK&amp;T Amphitheater. Tickets range from $20 to $40 and can be purchased through the Family Weekend website.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>On Saturday, Sept. 9, things get going bright and early with the Family Weekend 5K on the lawn of the Elam Center. Registration begins at 7 a.m., and the 5K begins at 8 a.m. Registration is $10 for the 5K Run and $5 for the 5K Walk or the 1K Kids Run and Walk. Registration can be done through the Family Weekend website.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Paul Meek Library on campus will host “Donuts with Deans” from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. It’s a time to visit with UT Martin’s academic deans and enjoy donuts and coffee. This is a come-and-go event throughout the morning. People can also pick up their Family Weekend T-shirts and bundles at this event.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A barbecue lunch will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Skyhawk Dining Hall at the Boling University Center. The cost of the lunch is $9 per person plus tax and can be paid at the door.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Pacer Pond will showcase the Wildlife Society Fishing Derby from 1 to 3 p.m. Students from the UTM Wildlife Society will be on hand for this free event. Prizes will be awarded in several categories.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Also taking place from 1 to 3 p.m., Skyhawk Bingo can be found in the Duncan Ballroom at the Boling University Center, and the ballroom lobby will feature “Karaoke with Kam” with Kameron Echols, the UTM director of multicultural affairs.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“The Drop” game show will take place at 2 p.m. at Watkins Auditorium at the Boling University Center, with families competing head-to-head in a trivia contest and Minute-to-Win-It tasks to win cash awards.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A pregame tailgate party will get going from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Hardy Graham Stadium, featuring music, a nacho bar, a photo booth, caricature artist and more.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The highlight of Family Weekend, the Skyhawks’ game against Missouri State, gets under way at 6 p.m. inside the stadium. Tickets are $20 at the gate and UTM students get in free. The two-time defending Ohio Valley Conference champion Skyhawks will take on the Missouri State Bears in UTM’s 2023 home-opener.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Ticket information as well as information about Skyhawk football and UT Martin athletics can be found at utmsports.com.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Family Weekend will not be over after the football game. On Sunday, Sept. 10, there will be a student-led nondenominational worship service at 9:30 a.m. in Duncan Ballroom at the Boling University Center.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Afterward, the Skyhawk Dining Hall in the university center will have a brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The price is $13 plus tax for adults and $6 plus tax for those 12 and under.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss UTM Scholarship Pageant will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday in Watkins Auditorium in the university center. Admission is $12 at the door. The accepted method of payment is cash or check.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Information about the University of Tennessee at Martin can be found at <a href=\"http://www.utm.edu\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"www.utm.edu\">www.utm.edu</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Family Weekend to coincide with Soybean Festival','The University of Tennessee at Martin will host its annual Family Weekend Sept. 8-10, featuring several events that will showcase the university and its community.','publish','closed','closed','','family-weekend-to-coincide-with-soybean-festival','','','2023-08-23 16:24:43','2023-08-23 21:24:43','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=5026',0,'post','',0),(5027,8,'2023-08-10 11:49:21','2023-08-10 16:49:21','','Family-Weekend-2022-1','','inherit','closed','closed','','family-weekend-2022-1','','','2023-08-10 11:49:21','2023-08-10 16:49:21','',5026,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Family-Weekend-2022-1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5028,8,'2023-08-10 11:49:27','2023-08-10 16:49:27','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The University of Tennessee at Martin will host its annual Family Weekend Sept. 8-10, featuring several events that will showcase the university and its community.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This year’s Family Weekend was planned to coincide with the 30th Tennessee Soybean Festival, which runs from Sept. 2 through Sept. 9 in Martin.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The city will have several fun events going on throughout the week and during Family Weekend for everyone to enjoy. A complete schedule of events for the festival can be found at tnsoybeanfestival.org.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>John Abel, the UTM assistant vice chancellor for student affairs and the dean of students, said this year’s Family Weekend date was selected with the added fun of the Soybean Festival in mind.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Three years ago, the Soybean Festival weekend was the only one that worked, and it went very well having Family Weekend and Soybean together, so we wanted to do that again,” he said.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Family Weekend is an opportunity for students and alumni and their families to get together and enjoy what UT Martin has to offer. The weekend is centered around the Skyhawks’ home-opening football game against Missouri State, but there is much more in store.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The weekend opens on Friday, Sept. 8, when people are welcomed by the City of Martin. The Family Weekend check-in takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Martin Public Library, where people can pick up their Family Weekend T-shirts and bundles.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>T-shirts cost $15 and must be pre-ordered by Aug. 28. They range in size from small to 3XL.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Family Weekend bundle includes a UTM Family Weekend T-shirt, a general admission football game ticket and a $5 voucher for the Friday night food trucks, all for $30. Bundles must also be pre-ordered by Aug. 28.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Information about the T-shirts and Family Weekend bundles – along with other information about Family Weekend – can be found at <a href=\"http://www.utm.edu/familyweekend\">www.utm.edu/familyweekend</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>At 7 p.m. Friday, downtown Martin will be the site for the Brothers Osborne concert at the WK&amp;T Amphitheater. Tickets range from $20 to $40 and can be purchased through the Family Weekend website.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>On Saturday, Sept. 9, things get going bright and early with the Family Weekend 5K on the lawn of the Elam Center. Registration begins at 7 a.m., and the 5K begins at 8 a.m. Registration is $10 for the 5K Run and $5 for the 5K Walk or the 1K Kids Run and Walk. Registration can be done through the Family Weekend website.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Paul Meek Library on campus will host “Donuts with Deans” from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. It’s a time to visit with UT Martin’s academic deans and enjoy donuts and coffee. This is a come-and-go event throughout the morning. People can also pick up their Family Weekend T-shirts and bundles at this event.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A barbecue lunch will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Skyhawk Dining Hall at the Boling University Center. The cost of the lunch is $9 per person plus tax and can be paid at the door.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Pacer Pond will showcase the Wildlife Society Fishing Derby from 1 to 3 p.m. Students from the UTM Wildlife Society will be on hand for this free event. Prizes will be awarded in several categories.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Also taking place from 1 to 3 p.m., Skyhawk Bingo can be found in the Duncan Ballroom at the Boling University Center, and the ballroom lobby will feature “Karaoke with Kam” with Kameron Echols, the UTM director of multicultural affairs.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“The Drop” game show will take place at 2 p.m. at Watkins Auditorium at the Boling University Center, with families competing head-to-head in a trivia contest and Minute-to-Win-It tasks to win cash awards.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A pregame tailgate party will get going from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Hardy Graham Stadium, featuring music, a nacho bar, a photo booth, caricature artist and more.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The highlight of Family Weekend, the Skyhawks’ game against Missouri State, gets under way at 6 p.m. inside the stadium. Tickets are $20 at the gate and UTM students get in free. The two-time defending Ohio Valley Conference champion Skyhawks will take on the Missouri State Bears in UTM’s 2023 home-opener.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Ticket information as well as information about Skyhawk football and UT Martin athletics can be found at utmsports.com.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Family Weekend will not be over after the football game. On Sunday, Sept. 10, there will be a student-led nondenominational worship service at 9:30 a.m. in Duncan Ballroom at the Boling University Center.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Afterward, the Skyhawk Dining Hall in the university center will have a brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The price is $13 plus tax for adults and $6 plus tax for those 12 and under.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss UTM Scholarship Pageant will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday in Watkins Auditorium in the university center. Admission is $12 at the door. The accepted method of payment is cash or check.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Information about the University of Tennessee at Martin can be found at www.utm.edu.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Family Weekend to coincide with Soybean Festival','','inherit','closed','closed','','5026-revision-v1','','','2023-08-10 11:49:27','2023-08-10 16:49:27','',5026,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=5028',0,'revision','',0),(5098,2,'2023-08-23 16:24:43','2023-08-23 21:24:43','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The University of Tennessee at Martin will host its annual Family Weekend Sept. 8-10, featuring several events that will showcase the university and its community.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This year’s Family Weekend was planned to coincide with the 30th Tennessee Soybean Festival, which runs from Sept. 2 through Sept. 9 in Martin.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The city will have several fun events going on throughout the week and during Family Weekend for everyone to enjoy. A complete schedule of events for the festival can be found at tnsoybeanfestival.org.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>John Abel, the UTM assistant vice chancellor for student affairs and the dean of students, said this year’s Family Weekend date was selected with the added fun of the Soybean Festival in mind.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Three years ago, the Soybean Festival weekend was the only one that worked, and it went very well having Family Weekend and Soybean together, so we wanted to do that again,” he said.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Family Weekend is an opportunity for students and alumni and their families to get together and enjoy what UT Martin has to offer. The weekend is centered around the Skyhawks’ home-opening football game against Missouri State, but there is much more in store.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The weekend opens on Friday, Sept. 8, when people are welcomed by the City of Martin. The Family Weekend check-in takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Martin Public Library, where people can pick up their Family Weekend T-shirts and bundles.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>T-shirts cost $15 and must be pre-ordered by Aug. 28. They range in size from small to 3XL.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Family Weekend bundle includes a UTM Family Weekend T-shirt, a general admission football game ticket and a $5 voucher for the Friday night food trucks, all for $30. Bundles must also be pre-ordered by Aug. 28.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Information about the T-shirts and Family Weekend bundles –&nbsp;along with other information about Family Weekend – can be found at <a href=\"http://www.utm.edu/familyweekend\">www.utm.edu/familyweekend</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>At 7 p.m. Friday, downtown Martin will be the site for the Brothers Osborne concert at the WK&amp;T Amphitheater. Tickets range from $20 to $40 and can be purchased through the Family Weekend website.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>On Saturday, Sept. 9, things get going bright and early with the Family Weekend 5K on the lawn of the Elam Center. Registration begins at 7 a.m., and the 5K begins at 8 a.m. Registration is $10 for the 5K Run and $5 for the 5K Walk or the 1K Kids Run and Walk. Registration can be done through the Family Weekend website.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Paul Meek Library on campus will host “Donuts with Deans” from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. It’s a time to visit with UT Martin’s academic deans and enjoy donuts and coffee. This is a come-and-go event throughout the morning. People can also pick up their Family Weekend T-shirts and bundles at this event.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A barbecue lunch will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Skyhawk Dining Hall at the Boling University Center. The cost of the lunch is $9 per person plus tax and can be paid at the door.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Pacer Pond will showcase the Wildlife Society Fishing Derby from 1 to 3 p.m. Students from the UTM Wildlife Society will be on hand for this free event. Prizes will be awarded in several categories.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Also taking place from 1 to 3 p.m., Skyhawk Bingo can be found in the Duncan Ballroom at the Boling University Center, and the ballroom lobby will feature “Karaoke with Kam” with Kameron Echols, the UTM director of multicultural affairs.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“The Drop” game show will take place at 2 p.m. at Watkins Auditorium at the Boling University Center, with families competing head-to-head in a trivia contest and Minute-to-Win-It tasks to win cash awards.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A pregame tailgate party will get going from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Hardy Graham Stadium, featuring music, a nacho bar, a photo booth, caricature artist and more.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The highlight of Family Weekend, the Skyhawks’ game against Missouri State, gets under way at 6 p.m. inside the stadium. Tickets are $20 at the gate and UTM students get in free. The two-time defending Ohio Valley Conference champion Skyhawks will take on the Missouri State Bears in UTM’s 2023 home-opener.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Ticket information as well as information about Skyhawk football and UT Martin athletics can be found at utmsports.com.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Family Weekend will not be over after the football game. On Sunday, Sept. 10, there will be a student-led nondenominational worship service at 9:30 a.m. in Duncan Ballroom at the Boling University Center.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Afterward, the Skyhawk Dining Hall in the university center will have a brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The price is $13 plus tax for adults and $6 plus tax for those 12 and under.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss UTM Scholarship Pageant will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday in Watkins Auditorium in the university center. Admission is $12 at the door. The accepted method of payment is cash or check.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Information about the University of Tennessee at Martin can be found at <a href=\"http://www.utm.edu\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"www.utm.edu\">www.utm.edu</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Family Weekend to coincide with Soybean Festival','The University of Tennessee at Martin will host its annual Family Weekend Sept. 8-10, featuring several events that will showcase the university and its community.','inherit','closed','closed','','5026-revision-v1','','','2023-08-23 16:24:43','2023-08-23 21:24:43','',5026,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=5098',0,'revision','',0),(5030,8,'2023-08-10 14:28:14','2023-08-10 19:28:14','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The University of Tennessee at Martin will host its annual Family Weekend Sept. 8-10, featuring several events that will showcase the university and its community.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This year’s Family Weekend was planned to coincide with the 30th Tennessee Soybean Festival, which runs from Sept. 2 through Sept. 9 in Martin.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The city will have several fun events going on throughout the week and during Family Weekend for everyone to enjoy. A complete schedule of events for the festival can be found at tnsoybeanfestival.org.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>John Abel, the UTM assistant vice chancellor for student affairs and the dean of students, said this year’s Family Weekend date was selected with the added fun of the Soybean Festival in mind.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Three years ago, the Soybean Festival weekend was the only one that worked, and it went very well having Family Weekend and Soybean together, so we wanted to do that again,” he said.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Family Weekend is an opportunity for students and alumni and their families to get together and enjoy what UT Martin has to offer. The weekend is centered around the Skyhawks’ home-opening football game against Missouri State, but there is much more in store.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The weekend opens on Friday, Sept. 8, when people are welcomed by the City of Martin. The Family Weekend check-in takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Martin Public Library, where people can pick up their Family Weekend T-shirts and bundles.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>T-shirts cost $15 and must be pre-ordered by Aug. 28. They range in size from small to 3XL.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Family Weekend bundle includes a UTM Family Weekend T-shirt, a general admission football game ticket and a $5 voucher for the Friday night food trucks, all for $30. Bundles must also be pre-ordered by Aug. 28.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Information about the T-shirts and Family Weekend bundles –&nbsp;along with other information about Family Weekend – can be found at <a href=\"http://www.utm.edu/familyweekend\">www.utm.edu/familyweekend</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>At 7 p.m. Friday, downtown Martin will be the site for the Brothers Osborne concert at the WK&amp;T Amphitheater. Tickets range from $20 to $40 and can be purchased through the Family Weekend website.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>On Saturday, Sept. 9, things get going bright and early with the Family Weekend 5K on the lawn of the Elam Center. Registration begins at 7 a.m., and the 5K begins at 8 a.m. Registration is $10 for the 5K Run and $5 for the 5K Walk or the 1K Kids Run and Walk. Registration can be done through the Family Weekend website.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Paul Meek Library on campus will host “Donuts with Deans” from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. It’s a time to visit with UT Martin’s academic deans and enjoy donuts and coffee. This is a come-and-go event throughout the morning. People can also pick up their Family Weekend T-shirts and bundles at this event.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A barbecue lunch will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Skyhawk Dining Hall at the Boling University Center. The cost of the lunch is $9 per person plus tax and can be paid at the door.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Pacer Pond will showcase the Wildlife Society Fishing Derby from 1 to 3 p.m. Students from the UTM Wildlife Society will be on hand for this free event. Prizes will be awarded in several categories.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Also taking place from 1 to 3 p.m., Skyhawk Bingo can be found in the Duncan Ballroom at the Boling University Center, and the ballroom lobby will feature “Karaoke with Kam” with Kameron Echols, the UTM director of multicultural affairs.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“The Drop” game show will take place at 2 p.m. at Watkins Auditorium at the Boling University Center, with families competing head-to-head in a trivia contest and Minute-to-Win-It tasks to win cash awards.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A pregame tailgate party will get going from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Hardy Graham Stadium, featuring music, a nacho bar, a photo booth, caricature artist and more.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The highlight of Family Weekend, the Skyhawks’ game against Missouri State, gets under way at 6 p.m. inside the stadium. Tickets are $20 at the gate and UTM students get in free. The two-time defending Ohio Valley Conference champion Skyhawks will take on the Missouri State Bears in UTM’s 2023 home-opener.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Ticket information as well as information about Skyhawk football and UT Martin athletics can be found at utmsports.com.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Family Weekend will not be over after the football game. On Sunday, Sept. 10, there will be a student-led nondenominational worship service at 9:30 a.m. in Duncan Ballroom at the Boling University Center.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Afterward, the Skyhawk Dining Hall in the university center will have a brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The price is $13 plus tax for adults and $6 plus tax for those 12 and under.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Miss UTM Scholarship Pageant will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday in Watkins Auditorium in the university center. Admission is $12 at the door. The accepted method of payment is cash or check.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Information about the University of Tennessee at Martin can be found at www.utm.edu.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Family Weekend to coincide with Soybean Festival','The University of Tennessee at Martin will host its annual Family Weekend Sept. 8-10, featuring several events that will showcase the university and its community.','inherit','closed','closed','','5026-revision-v1','','','2023-08-10 14:28:14','2023-08-10 19:28:14','',5026,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=5030',0,'revision','',0),(5031,8,'2023-08-10 14:29:47','2023-08-10 19:29:47','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Classes for the Fall 2023 semester begin Aug. 21, but before that happens, students returning to the University of Tennessee at Martin campus will have a celebration centered on move-in days and getting acclimated – or re-acclimated – to campus life.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Welcome Weekend event begins with “Move-In Mania” on Thursday, Aug. 17, when students move into their campus residences. The inaugural Welcome Home Picnic later that day will help students relax after a busy day and enjoy food and fellowship with friends, family and faculty.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The First-Year Initiative program will host Welcome Weekend, and the UTM Office of Student Life and the Office of Housing will team up with other campus organizations and the City of Martin to provide entertainment and fun events for returning students and first-year students to enjoy.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Director of Student Life Rachel Stephens said her office will coordinate Move-In Mania and several other Welcome Weekend events.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Move-In Mania is always lots of fun because we bring in our upperclassman students and a lot of our student organizations, fraternities and sororities come out and volunteer,” she said. “We help get all the first-year students moved in.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>For the first time, UT Martin will have a Welcome Back Picnic, to be set up between Ellington Hall and University Village II. The picnic will begin at 6 p.m. Aug. 17.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“This is a brand-new event; we have never done this before,” Stephens said. “One of the biggest bits of feedback we got was that Move-In Day is tiring – and it is. You’re here, you’ve just moved in and the last thing you want to do is go do something else and have some other type of mandatory program.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“It was actually the brain-child of John Abel, the assistant vice chancellor for student affairs. Campus rec is going to bring games out to the Ellington front lawn, we’re going to have a bunch of booths set up with door prizes, and the (Student Government Association) is going to be giving out Popsicles.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Faculty and staff will grill hot dogs and hamburgers with chips and cookies. Music will be provided to provide students with two hours of relaxation and fun.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Office of Student Life also advises Flight Crew members with coordinating the events for Saturday, Aug. 19, that include pep group meetings at 9 a.m., a free play time from 2 to 5 p.m., taking in comedian Brent Pella at 7 p.m. and viewing “Guardians of the Galaxy 3” at 9 p.m.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>All of these events are free to UTM students.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The City of Martin will welcome students to campus with the annual City of Martin Fair, to be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 21, in Festival Park in downtown Martin.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Downtown Martin is so pretty, and we want students to see everything that Martin has to offer,” Stephens said. “So, we partner with the city and actually set up inside the (Martin Public Library) and outside.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“We’ll have food trucks, and businesses will set up and hand out information to the students. They’ll have giveaways and give away free food, and it gives students the opportunity to focus on the businesses, nonprofits and churches – things like that in the community.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Campus Involvement Fair will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 22, in the campus quad.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Sodexo (Dining Services) has agreed to serve dinner on the back patio, so dinner is going to be outside that night on the north patio between the Boling University Center and the Paul Meek Library,” Stephens said. “I think they actually will close the dining hall that night, so all of dinner will be served outside.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Then, we’re having a wellness fair hosted by Student Health and Counseling and some partners. That will feed into the Campus Involvement Fair, where we’ll have 100 different student organizations, departments and areas set up. It’s like a big block party, and it’s open to all students.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The schedule of events for Welcome Weekend 2023 includes:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Thursday, Aug. 17</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 8 a.m.: Move-In Mania (housing move-in, First-Year Initiative check-in, Solution Central)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 6 p.m.: Welcome Home Picnic, Ellington Hall, University Village II</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Friday, Aug. 18</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 8 a.m.: Commuter check-in</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 9 am.: Pep group meetings</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 10 a.m. Convocation, Elam Center</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 11:30 a.m.: Pep groups, lunch (Blue Group), pep meeting (Orange Group)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 12:45 p.m. Pep groups, pep meeting (Blue Group), lunch (Orange Group)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 2 p.m.: Pep groups, “Getting Involved” (Blue Group), Watkins Auditorium, Bling University Center; Success Counselors (Orange Group), Duncan Ballroom in the Boling University Center, Gallien Auditorium in Gooch Hall, Campbell Auditorium in the Holt Humanities Building</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 3:30 p.m.: Pep groups, Success Counselors (Blue Group), “Getting Involved” (Orange Group)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 7 p.m.: Floor meetings</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 8 p.m.: Housing block party</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Saturday, Aug. 19</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 8 a.m.: Pep group meetings</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 9 a.m.: Pep groups, “Living the Skyhawk Creed” (Blue Group), Elam Center; Safe Flights (Orange Group), Watkins Auditorium, Boling University Center</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 10:15 a.m.: Pep groups, Safe Flights (Blue Group), Watkins Auditorium, Boling University Center; “Living the Skyhawk Creed” (Orange Group), Elam Center</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 11:30 a.m.: Pep groups, pep meeting (Blue Group), lunch (Orange Group)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 12:45 p.m. Pep groups, lunch (Blue Group), pep meeting (Orange Group)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 2 p.m.: Free play</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 7 p.m.: Comedian Brent Pella, Watkins Auditorium, Boling University Center</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 9 p.m. “Guardians of the Galaxy 3,” University Village I lawn</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Sunday, Aug. 20</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 1 p.m.: Pep group meetings, “Taking Care of Me” (Blue Group), Watkins Auditorium, Boling University Center; scavenger hunt (Orange Group), various locations</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 2:15 p.m.: Pep group meetings, scavenger hunt (Blue Group), various locations; “Taking Care of Me” (Orange Group), Watkins Auditorium, Boling University Center</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 3:30 p.m.: Kickoff to Classes, Hardy M. Graham Stadium (Elam Center is the rain site)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Monday, Aug. 21</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 6 p.m.: City of Martin Fair, Festival Park, adjacent to Martin Public Library</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Tuesday, Aug. 22</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>• 4:30 p.m.: Campus Involvement Fair, the UT Martin quad</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Welcome Weekend opens fall semester','Classes for the Fall 2023 semester begin Aug. 21, but before that happens, students returning to the University of Tennessee at Martin campus will have a celebration centered on move-in days and getting acclimated – or re-acclimated – to campus life.','inherit','closed','closed','','5020-revision-v1','','','2023-08-10 14:29:47','2023-08-10 19:29:47','',5020,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=5031',0,'revision','',0),(5032,7,'2023-08-14 16:43:23','2023-08-14 21:43:23','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Raising $178.2 million is a good reason to celebrate, and the University of Tennessee at Martin’s friends and supporters did just that with a dinner and celebration event Friday evening, Aug. 11, at Discovery Park of America in Union City. The RISE Campaign, the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history, officially concluded as more than 150 guests gathered at Dinosaur Hall to thank campaign leadership and donors for exceeding the $175 million goal before the June 30 campaign close. A total of 14,751 donors contributed to the campaign that will support student scholarships, athletics, capital projects and more.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The RISE Campaign, the fourth capital campaign in UT Martin history, was announced Sept. 11, 2021, at Hardy M. Graham Stadium during UT Martin’s home football game with Samford University. Since then, the campaign has welcomed support that includes the future transfer of Wildwood Farm in Memphis to the university by Melanie Taylor and the Taylor family, the largest commitment in University of Tennessee System and UT Martin history. The property value and new construction at the farm is valued at $79.5 million.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Dr. Charley Deal, UT Martin vice chancellor for university advancement, emceed the event and made multiple introductions, including honorary campaign co-chairs Rosann Nunnelly of Nashville and Melanie Taylor and campaign co-chairs Bill Blankenship of Memphis and Charlie and Bettye Moore of Union City. Kerry Witcher, president and CEO of the University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc., was the first of several speakers to talk about the campaign and its impact. He thanked all who supported the campaign and noted that the RISE Campaign’s success contributed to record giving to the University of Tennessee.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“We just closed what I would argue was our best year in advancement in the history of the University of Tennessee,” Witcher said. “System-wide we had 86,000 donors make a gift to a UT campus somewhere. We generated $342 million in private support and had more alumni engaged than ever before in the history of the university.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":5033,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/RISE_Attendees-2023-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5033\"/><figcaption>Pictured at the event are (l, r) UT Martin football great Jerry Reese and his wife, Gwen, of Franklin, UT Martin Chancellor Yancy Freeman and UT System President Randy Boyd. Jerry Reese, the event’s main speaker, is pictured speaking to the crowd in DPA’s Dinosaur Hall.</figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>UT President Randy Boyd followed Witcher and gave an example of UT Martin’s impact by telling Alec Richardson’s story, a Perry County native who was recently appointed as a senior adviser to Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and a member of the governor’s cabinet. Boyd credited the university’s Parsons Center for providing Richardson the opportunity to earn a college degree. “If not for UT Martin, if not for Parsons … that story wouldn’t have been told, and there’s thousands of stories that are like that throughout West Tennessee because of UT Martin,” Boyd said. &nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Among his comments about the campaign, Boyd expressed his excitement at exceeding the campaign goal and credited many university supporters for the outcome. “What an incredible achievement. I just want to say thank you to everybody that donated, to everybody that contributed, which is everybody in this room,” he said. “It’s just an incredible accomplishment.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Boyd welcomed Dr. Yancy Freeman to the podium who joined the university Aug. 9 for his first official day at the university since being confirmed July 14 as UT Martin’s 12<sup>th</sup> chancellor. The RISE celebration provided the backdrop for his first major UT Martin event.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I do want to recognize again the tremendous work – $178 million is a fantastic and phenomenal goal,” he said. “To reach that goal, to surpass the $175 million goal is absolutely wonderful.” Although Freeman accepted no credit for the campaign’s success, which began during former chancellor Dr. Keith Carver’s administration, he thanked Charley Deal and the university advancement team for their successful campaign work. Carver left UT Martin earlier this year to become senior vice chancellor and senior vice president for the UT Institute of Agriculture.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>He also noted that $55 million of the campaign total is designated for student scholarships. “In order for us to continue to provide access, we have to do it in scholarship dollars,” he said. “Fifty-five million of the dollars that were raised will go toward scholarships to make it an affordable education. We thank you for your giving.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A 2021 video was shown that opened the RISE Campaign, and then Jerry Reese completed the evening’s speaker lineup by recalling how UT Martin had impacted his life. The Tiptonville native, high school and college football standout, UT Martin Athletics Hall of Fame member and 2009 inductee into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame spoke of the friends he made and how his time as a player and a coach shaped his ability to work 23 years in professional football with the New York Giants. He was the Giants’ general manager from 2007 to 2017, a time when the team won Super Bowls in 2008 and 2012.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“None of these things happen if I hadn’t gone to UT Martin,” Reese said, adding that the university is also where he met Gwen, his wife of 35 years, which he said was “the best thing that happened to me while I was at UT Martin.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Reese joined other speakers by thanking everyone present for supporting the university financially. He recalled his own experience as a 17-year-old student from Tiptonville, having the opportunity to attend college and said how giving is a difference maker in lives. “We talk about giving. I think about giving back,” he said. “That’s what’s important. … And if we give back, if we pay it forward, that’s the best thing we can do.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Before a final toast and singing of the alma mater, Deal closed by previewing UT Martin’s 125<sup>th</sup> birthday in 2025 and again thanked supporters for making the university’s mission of educating students possible.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“It is because of each person in this room tonight we can celebrate the success of our campaign and the impact it will have on future generations,” Deal said. &nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','UT Martin celebrates raising $178.2 million','Raising $178.2 million is a good reason to celebrate, and the University of Tennessee at Martin’s friends and supporters did just that with a dinner and celebration event Friday evening, Aug. 11, at Discovery Park of America in Union City. ','publish','closed','closed','','ut-martin-celebrates-raising-178-2-million','','','2023-08-23 13:59:20','2023-08-23 18:59:20','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=5032',0,'post','',0),(5034,7,'2023-08-14 16:41:16','2023-08-14 21:41:16','','RISE_Reese 2023','','inherit','closed','closed','','rise_reese-2023','','','2023-08-14 16:41:16','2023-08-14 21:41:16','',5032,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/RISE_Reese-2023.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5033,7,'2023-08-14 16:40:20','2023-08-14 21:40:20','','RISE_Attendees-2023','Pictured at the event are (l, r) UT Martin football great Jerry Reese and his wife, Gwen, of Franklin, UT Martin Chancellor Yancy Freeman and UT System President Randy Boyd. Jerry Reese, the event’s main speaker, is pictured speaking to the crowd in DPA’s Dinosaur Hall.','inherit','closed','closed','','rise_attendees-2023','','','2023-08-23 13:57:59','2023-08-23 18:57:59','',5032,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/RISE_Attendees-2023.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(5035,7,'2023-08-14 16:41:42','2023-08-14 21:41:42','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Raising $178.2 million is a good reason to celebrate, and the University of Tennessee at Martin’s friends and supporters did just that with a dinner and celebration event Friday evening, Aug. 11, at Discovery Park of America in Union City. The RISE Campaign, the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history, officially concluded as more than 150 guests gathered at Dinosaur Hall to thank campaign leadership and donors for exceeding the $175 million goal before the June 30 campaign close. A total of 14,751 donors contributed to the campaign that will support student scholarships, athletics, capital projects and more.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The RISE Campaign, the fourth capital campaign in UT Martin history, was announced Sept. 11, 2021, at Hardy M. Graham Stadium during UT Martin’s home football game with Samford University. Since then, the campaign has welcomed support that includes the future transfer of Wildwood Farm in Memphis to the university by Melanie Taylor and the Taylor family, the largest commitment in University of Tennessee System and UT Martin history. The property value and new construction at the farm is valued at $79.5 million.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Dr. Charley Deal, UT Martin vice chancellor for university advancement, emceed the event and made multiple introductions, including honorary campaign co-chairs Rosann Nunnelly of Nashville and Melanie Taylor and campaign co-chairs Bill Blankenship of Memphis and Charlie and Bettye Moore of Union City. Kerry Witcher, president and CEO of the University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc., was the first of several speakers to talk about the campaign and its impact. He thanked all who supported the campaign and noted that the RISE Campaign’s success contributed to record giving to the University of Tennessee.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“We just closed what I would argue was our best year in advancement in the history of the University of Tennessee,” Witcher said. “System-wide we had 86,000 donors make a gift to a UT campus somewhere. We generated $342 million in private support and had more alumni engaged than ever before in the history of the university.”                      </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"align\":\"center\",\"id\":5033,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img src=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/RISE_Attendees-2023-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5033\"/><figcaption>Pictured at the event are (l, r) UT Martin football great Jerry Reese and his wife, Gwen, of Franklin, UT Martin Chancellor Yancy Freeman and UT System President Randy Boyd. Jerry Reese, the event’s main speaker, is pictured speaking to the crowd in DPA’s Dinosaur Hall.</figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>UT President Randy Boyd followed Witcher and gave an example of UT Martin’s impact by telling Alec Richardson’s story, a Perry County native who was recently appointed as a senior adviser to Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and a member of the governor’s cabinet. Boyd credited the university’s Parsons Center for providing Richardson the opportunity to earn a college degree. “If not for UT Martin, if not for Parsons … that story wouldn’t have been told, and there’s thousands of stories that are like that throughout West Tennessee because of UT Martin,” Boyd said. &nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Among his comments about the campaign, Boyd expressed his excitement at exceeding the campaign goal and credited many university supporters for the outcome. “What an incredible achievement. I just want to say thank you to everybody that donated, to everybody that contributed, which is everybody in this room,” he said. “It’s just an incredible accomplishment.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Boyd welcomed Dr. Yancy Freeman to the podium who joined the university Aug. 9 for his first official day at the university since being confirmed July 14 as UT Martin’s 12<sup>th</sup> chancellor. The RISE celebration provided the backdrop for his first major UT Martin event.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I do want to recognize again the tremendous work – $178 million is a fantastic and phenomenal goal,” he said. “To reach that goal, to surpass the $175 million goal is absolutely wonderful.” Although Freeman accepted no credit for the campaign’s success, which began during former chancellor Dr. Keith Carver’s administration, he thanked Charley Deal and the university advancement team for their successful campaign work. Carver left UT Martin earlier this year to become senior vice chancellor and senior vice president for the UT Institute of Agriculture.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>He also noted that $55 million of the campaign total is designated for student scholarships. “In order for us to continue to provide access, we have to do it in scholarship dollars,” he said. “Fifty-five million of the dollars that were raised will go toward scholarships to make it an affordable education. We thank you for your giving.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A 2021 video was shown that opened the RISE campaign, and then Jerry Reese completed the evening’s speaker lineup by recalling how UT Martin had impacted his life. The Tiptonville native, high school and college football standout, UT Martin Athletics Hall of Fame member and 2009 inductee into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame spoke of the friends he made and how his time as a player and a coach shaped his ability to work 23 years in professional football with the New York Giants. He was the Giants’ general manager from 2007 to 2017, a time when the team won Super Bowls in 2008 and 2012.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“None of these things happen if I hadn’t gone to UT Martin,” Reese said, adding that the university is also where he met Gwen, his wife of 35 years, which he said was “the best thing that happened to me while I was at UT Martin.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Reese joined other speakers by thanking everyone present for supporting the university financially. He recalled his own experience as a 17-year-old student from Tiptonville, having the opportunity to attend college and said how giving is a difference maker in lives. “We talk about giving. I think about giving back,” he said. “That’s what’s important. … And if we give back, if we pay it forward, that’s the best thing we can do.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Before a final toast and singing of the alma mater, Deal closed by previewing UT Martin’s 125<sup>th</sup> birthday in 2025 and again thanked supporters for making the university’s mission of educating students possible.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“It is because of each person in this room tonight we can celebrate the success of our campaign and the impact it will have on future generations,” Deal said. &nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','UT Martin celebrates raising $178.2 million','Raising $178.2 million is a good reason to celebrate, and the University of Tennessee at Martin’s friends and supporters did just that with a dinner and celebration event Friday evening, Aug. 11, at Discovery Park of America in Union City. ','inherit','closed','closed','','5032-revision-v1','','','2023-08-14 16:41:42','2023-08-14 21:41:42','',5032,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=5035',0,'revision','',0),(5037,7,'2023-08-14 16:43:01','2023-08-14 21:43:01','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Raising $178.2 million is a good reason to celebrate, and the University of Tennessee at Martin’s friends and supporters did just that with a dinner and celebration event Friday evening, Aug. 11, at Discovery Park of America in Union City. The RISE Campaign, the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history, officially concluded as more than 150 guests gathered at Dinosaur Hall to thank campaign leadership and donors for exceeding the $175 million goal before the June 30 campaign close. A total of 14,751 donors contributed to the campaign that will support student scholarships, athletics, capital projects and more.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The RISE Campaign, the fourth capital campaign in UT Martin history, was announced Sept. 11, 2021, at Hardy M. Graham Stadium during UT Martin’s home football game with Samford University. Since then, the campaign has welcomed support that includes the future transfer of Wildwood Farm in Memphis to the university by Melanie Taylor and the Taylor family, the largest commitment in University of Tennessee System and UT Martin history. The property value and new construction at the farm is valued at $79.5 million.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Dr. Charley Deal, UT Martin vice chancellor for university advancement, emceed the event and made multiple introductions, including honorary campaign co-chairs Rosann Nunnelly of Nashville and Melanie Taylor and campaign co-chairs Bill Blankenship of Memphis and Charlie and Bettye Moore of Union City. Kerry Witcher, president and CEO of the University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc., was the first of several speakers to talk about the campaign and its impact. He thanked all who supported the campaign and noted that the RISE Campaign’s success contributed to record giving to the University of Tennessee.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“We just closed what I would argue was our best year in advancement in the history of the University of Tennessee,” Witcher said. “System-wide we had 86,000 donors make a gift to a UT campus somewhere. We generated $342 million in private support and had more alumni engaged than ever before in the history of the university.”                      </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":5033,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/RISE_Attendees-2023-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5033\"/><figcaption><sub><sup>Pictured at the event are (l, r) UT Martin football great Jerry Reese and his wife, Gwen, of Franklin, UT Martin Chancellor Yancy Freeman and UT System President Randy Boyd. Jerry Reese, the event’s main speaker, is pictured speaking to the crowd in DPA’s Dinosaur Hall.</sup></sub></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>UT President Randy Boyd followed Witcher and gave an example of UT Martin’s impact by telling Alec Richardson’s story, a Perry County native who was recently appointed as a senior adviser to Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and a member of the governor’s cabinet. Boyd credited the university’s Parsons Center for providing Richardson the opportunity to earn a college degree. “If not for UT Martin, if not for Parsons … that story wouldn’t have been told, and there’s thousands of stories that are like that throughout West Tennessee because of UT Martin,” Boyd said. &nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Among his comments about the campaign, Boyd expressed his excitement at exceeding the campaign goal and credited many university supporters for the outcome. “What an incredible achievement. I just want to say thank you to everybody that donated, to everybody that contributed, which is everybody in this room,” he said. “It’s just an incredible accomplishment.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Boyd welcomed Dr. Yancy Freeman to the podium who joined the university Aug. 9 for his first official day at the university since being confirmed July 14 as UT Martin’s 12<sup>th</sup> chancellor. The RISE celebration provided the backdrop for his first major UT Martin event.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I do want to recognize again the tremendous work – $178 million is a fantastic and phenomenal goal,” he said. “To reach that goal, to surpass the $175 million goal is absolutely wonderful.” Although Freeman accepted no credit for the campaign’s success, which began during former chancellor Dr. Keith Carver’s administration, he thanked Charley Deal and the university advancement team for their successful campaign work. Carver left UT Martin earlier this year to become senior vice chancellor and senior vice president for the UT Institute of Agriculture.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>He also noted that $55 million of the campaign total is designated for student scholarships. “In order for us to continue to provide access, we have to do it in scholarship dollars,” he said. “Fifty-five million of the dollars that were raised will go toward scholarships to make it an affordable education. We thank you for your giving.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A 2021 video was shown that opened the RISE campaign, and then Jerry Reese completed the evening’s speaker lineup by recalling how UT Martin had impacted his life. The Tiptonville native, high school and college football standout, UT Martin Athletics Hall of Fame member and 2009 inductee into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame spoke of the friends he made and how his time as a player and a coach shaped his ability to work 23 years in professional football with the New York Giants. He was the Giants’ general manager from 2007 to 2017, a time when the team won Super Bowls in 2008 and 2012.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“None of these things happen if I hadn’t gone to UT Martin,” Reese said, adding that the university is also where he met Gwen, his wife of 35 years, which he said was “the best thing that happened to me while I was at UT Martin.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Reese joined other speakers by thanking everyone present for supporting the university financially. He recalled his own experience as a 17-year-old student from Tiptonville, having the opportunity to attend college and said how giving is a difference maker in lives. “We talk about giving. I think about giving back,” he said. “That’s what’s important. … And if we give back, if we pay it forward, that’s the best thing we can do.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Before a final toast and singing of the alma mater, Deal closed by previewing UT Martin’s 125<sup>th</sup> birthday in 2025 and again thanked supporters for making the university’s mission of educating students possible.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“It is because of each person in this room tonight we can celebrate the success of our campaign and the impact it will have on future generations,” Deal said. &nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','UT Martin celebrates raising $178.2 million','Raising $178.2 million is a good reason to celebrate, and the University of Tennessee at Martin’s friends and supporters did just that with a dinner and celebration event Friday evening, Aug. 11, at Discovery Park of America in Union City. ','inherit','closed','closed','','5032-revision-v1','','','2023-08-14 16:43:01','2023-08-14 21:43:01','',5032,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=5037',0,'revision','',0),(5036,7,'2023-08-14 16:42:20','2023-08-14 21:42:20','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Raising $178.2 million is a good reason to celebrate, and the University of Tennessee at Martin’s friends and supporters did just that with a dinner and celebration event Friday evening, Aug. 11, at Discovery Park of America in Union City. The RISE Campaign, the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history, officially concluded as more than 150 guests gathered at Dinosaur Hall to thank campaign leadership and donors for exceeding the $175 million goal before the June 30 campaign close. A total of 14,751 donors contributed to the campaign that will support student scholarships, athletics, capital projects and more.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The RISE Campaign, the fourth capital campaign in UT Martin history, was announced Sept. 11, 2021, at Hardy M. Graham Stadium during UT Martin’s home football game with Samford University. Since then, the campaign has welcomed support that includes the future transfer of Wildwood Farm in Memphis to the university by Melanie Taylor and the Taylor family, the largest commitment in University of Tennessee System and UT Martin history. The property value and new construction at the farm is valued at $79.5 million.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Dr. Charley Deal, UT Martin vice chancellor for university advancement, emceed the event and made multiple introductions, including honorary campaign co-chairs Rosann Nunnelly of Nashville and Melanie Taylor and campaign co-chairs Bill Blankenship of Memphis and Charlie and Bettye Moore of Union City. Kerry Witcher, president and CEO of the University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc., was the first of several speakers to talk about the campaign and its impact. He thanked all who supported the campaign and noted that the RISE Campaign’s success contributed to record giving to the University of Tennessee.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“We just closed what I would argue was our best year in advancement in the history of the University of Tennessee,” Witcher said. “System-wide we had 86,000 donors make a gift to a UT campus somewhere. We generated $342 million in private support and had more alumni engaged than ever before in the history of the university.”                      </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"align\":\"center\",\"id\":5033,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img src=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/RISE_Attendees-2023-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5033\"/><figcaption><sub>Pictured at the event are (l, r) UT Martin football great Jerry Reese and his wife, Gwen, of Franklin, UT Martin Chancellor Yancy Freeman and UT System President Randy Boyd. Jerry Reese, the event’s main speaker, is pictured speaking to the crowd in DPA’s Dinosaur Hall.</sub></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>UT President Randy Boyd followed Witcher and gave an example of UT Martin’s impact by telling Alec Richardson’s story, a Perry County native who was recently appointed as a senior adviser to Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and a member of the governor’s cabinet. Boyd credited the university’s Parsons Center for providing Richardson the opportunity to earn a college degree. “If not for UT Martin, if not for Parsons … that story wouldn’t have been told, and there’s thousands of stories that are like that throughout West Tennessee because of UT Martin,” Boyd said. &nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Among his comments about the campaign, Boyd expressed his excitement at exceeding the campaign goal and credited many university supporters for the outcome. “What an incredible achievement. I just want to say thank you to everybody that donated, to everybody that contributed, which is everybody in this room,” he said. “It’s just an incredible accomplishment.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Boyd welcomed Dr. Yancy Freeman to the podium who joined the university Aug. 9 for his first official day at the university since being confirmed July 14 as UT Martin’s 12<sup>th</sup> chancellor. The RISE celebration provided the backdrop for his first major UT Martin event.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I do want to recognize again the tremendous work – $178 million is a fantastic and phenomenal goal,” he said. “To reach that goal, to surpass the $175 million goal is absolutely wonderful.” Although Freeman accepted no credit for the campaign’s success, which began during former chancellor Dr. Keith Carver’s administration, he thanked Charley Deal and the university advancement team for their successful campaign work. Carver left UT Martin earlier this year to become senior vice chancellor and senior vice president for the UT Institute of Agriculture.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>He also noted that $55 million of the campaign total is designated for student scholarships. “In order for us to continue to provide access, we have to do it in scholarship dollars,” he said. “Fifty-five million of the dollars that were raised will go toward scholarships to make it an affordable education. We thank you for your giving.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A 2021 video was shown that opened the RISE campaign, and then Jerry Reese completed the evening’s speaker lineup by recalling how UT Martin had impacted his life. The Tiptonville native, high school and college football standout, UT Martin Athletics Hall of Fame member and 2009 inductee into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame spoke of the friends he made and how his time as a player and a coach shaped his ability to work 23 years in professional football with the New York Giants. He was the Giants’ general manager from 2007 to 2017, a time when the team won Super Bowls in 2008 and 2012.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“None of these things happen if I hadn’t gone to UT Martin,” Reese said, adding that the university is also where he met Gwen, his wife of 35 years, which he said was “the best thing that happened to me while I was at UT Martin.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Reese joined other speakers by thanking everyone present for supporting the university financially. He recalled his own experience as a 17-year-old student from Tiptonville, having the opportunity to attend college and said how giving is a difference maker in lives. “We talk about giving. I think about giving back,” he said. “That’s what’s important. … And if we give back, if we pay it forward, that’s the best thing we can do.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Before a final toast and singing of the alma mater, Deal closed by previewing UT Martin’s 125<sup>th</sup> birthday in 2025 and again thanked supporters for making the university’s mission of educating students possible.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“It is because of each person in this room tonight we can celebrate the success of our campaign and the impact it will have on future generations,” Deal said. &nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','UT Martin celebrates raising $178.2 million','Raising $178.2 million is a good reason to celebrate, and the University of Tennessee at Martin’s friends and supporters did just that with a dinner and celebration event Friday evening, Aug. 11, at Discovery Park of America in Union City. ','inherit','closed','closed','','5032-revision-v1','','','2023-08-14 16:42:20','2023-08-14 21:42:20','',5032,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=5036',0,'revision','',0),(5040,2,'2023-08-14 18:11:21','2023-08-14 23:11:21','','08_Aug. 14, 2023','','inherit','closed','closed','','08_aug-14-2023','','','2023-08-14 18:11:21','2023-08-14 23:11:21','',0,'https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/08_Aug.-14-2023.pdf',0,'attachment','application/pdf',0),(5073,2,'2023-08-23 13:57:43','2023-08-23 18:57:43','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Raising $178.2 million is a good reason to celebrate, and the University of Tennessee at Martin’s friends and supporters did just that with a dinner and celebration event Friday evening, Aug. 11, at Discovery Park of America in Union City. The RISE Campaign, the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history, officially concluded as more than 150 guests gathered at Dinosaur Hall to thank campaign leadership and donors for exceeding the $175 million goal before the June 30 campaign close. A total of 14,751 donors contributed to the campaign that will support student scholarships, athletics, capital projects and more.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The RISE Campaign, the fourth capital campaign in UT Martin history, was announced Sept. 11, 2021, at Hardy M. Graham Stadium during UT Martin’s home football game with Samford University. Since then, the campaign has welcomed support that includes the future transfer of Wildwood Farm in Memphis to the university by Melanie Taylor and the Taylor family, the largest commitment in University of Tennessee System and UT Martin history. The property value and new construction at the farm is valued at $79.5 million.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Dr. Charley Deal, UT Martin vice chancellor for university advancement, emceed the event and made multiple introductions, including honorary campaign co-chairs Rosann Nunnelly of Nashville and Melanie Taylor and campaign co-chairs Bill Blankenship of Memphis and Charlie and Bettye Moore of Union City. Kerry Witcher, president and CEO of the University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc., was the first of several speakers to talk about the campaign and its impact. He thanked all who supported the campaign and noted that the RISE Campaign’s success contributed to record giving to the University of Tennessee.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“We just closed what I would argue was our best year in advancement in the history of the University of Tennessee,” Witcher said. “System-wide we had 86,000 donors make a gift to a UT campus somewhere. We generated $342 million in private support and had more alumni engaged than ever before in the history of the university.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":5033,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/RISE_Attendees-2023-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5033\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>UT President Randy Boyd followed Witcher and gave an example of UT Martin’s impact by telling Alec Richardson’s story, a Perry County native who was recently appointed as a senior adviser to Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and a member of the governor’s cabinet. Boyd credited the university’s Parsons Center for providing Richardson the opportunity to earn a college degree. “If not for UT Martin, if not for Parsons … that story wouldn’t have been told, and there’s thousands of stories that are like that throughout West Tennessee because of UT Martin,” Boyd said. &nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Among his comments about the campaign, Boyd expressed his excitement at exceeding the campaign goal and credited many university supporters for the outcome. “What an incredible achievement. I just want to say thank you to everybody that donated, to everybody that contributed, which is everybody in this room,” he said. “It’s just an incredible accomplishment.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Boyd welcomed Dr. Yancy Freeman to the podium who joined the university Aug. 9 for his first official day at the university since being confirmed July 14 as UT Martin’s 12<sup>th</sup> chancellor. The RISE celebration provided the backdrop for his first major UT Martin event.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I do want to recognize again the tremendous work – $178 million is a fantastic and phenomenal goal,” he said. “To reach that goal, to surpass the $175 million goal is absolutely wonderful.” Although Freeman accepted no credit for the campaign’s success, which began during former chancellor Dr. Keith Carver’s administration, he thanked Charley Deal and the university advancement team for their successful campaign work. Carver left UT Martin earlier this year to become senior vice chancellor and senior vice president for the UT Institute of Agriculture.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>He also noted that $55 million of the campaign total is designated for student scholarships. “In order for us to continue to provide access, we have to do it in scholarship dollars,” he said. “Fifty-five million of the dollars that were raised will go toward scholarships to make it an affordable education. We thank you for your giving.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A 2021 video was shown that opened the RISE Campaign, and then Jerry Reese completed the evening’s speaker lineup by recalling how UT Martin had impacted his life. The Tiptonville native, high school and college football standout, UT Martin Athletics Hall of Fame member and 2009 inductee into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame spoke of the friends he made and how his time as a player and a coach shaped his ability to work 23 years in professional football with the New York Giants. He was the Giants’ general manager from 2007 to 2017, a time when the team won Super Bowls in 2008 and 2012.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“None of these things happen if I hadn’t gone to UT Martin,” Reese said, adding that the university is also where he met Gwen, his wife of 35 years, which he said was “the best thing that happened to me while I was at UT Martin.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Reese joined other speakers by thanking everyone present for supporting the university financially. He recalled his own experience as a 17-year-old student from Tiptonville, having the opportunity to attend college and said how giving is a difference maker in lives. “We talk about giving. I think about giving back,” he said. “That’s what’s important. … And if we give back, if we pay it forward, that’s the best thing we can do.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Before a final toast and singing of the alma mater, Deal closed by previewing UT Martin’s 125<sup>th</sup> birthday in 2025 and again thanked supporters for making the university’s mission of educating students possible.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“It is because of each person in this room tonight we can celebrate the success of our campaign and the impact it will have on future generations,” Deal said. &nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','UT Martin celebrates raising $178.2 million','Raising $178.2 million is a good reason to celebrate, and the University of Tennessee at Martin’s friends and supporters did just that with a dinner and celebration event Friday evening, Aug. 11, at Discovery Park of America in Union City. ','inherit','closed','closed','','5032-revision-v1','','','2023-08-23 13:57:43','2023-08-23 18:57:43','',5032,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=5073',0,'revision','',0),(5041,7,'2023-08-15 08:09:12','2023-08-15 13:09:12','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Raising $178.2 million is a good reason to celebrate, and the University of Tennessee at Martin’s friends and supporters did just that with a dinner and celebration event Friday evening, Aug. 11, at Discovery Park of America in Union City. The RISE Campaign, the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history, officially concluded as more than 150 guests gathered at Dinosaur Hall to thank campaign leadership and donors for exceeding the $175 million goal before the June 30 campaign close. A total of 14,751 donors contributed to the campaign that will support student scholarships, athletics, capital projects and more.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The RISE Campaign, the fourth capital campaign in UT Martin history, was announced Sept. 11, 2021, at Hardy M. Graham Stadium during UT Martin’s home football game with Samford University. Since then, the campaign has welcomed support that includes the future transfer of Wildwood Farm in Memphis to the university by Melanie Taylor and the Taylor family, the largest commitment in University of Tennessee System and UT Martin history. The property value and new construction at the farm is valued at $79.5 million.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Dr. Charley Deal, UT Martin vice chancellor for university advancement, emceed the event and made multiple introductions, including honorary campaign co-chairs Rosann Nunnelly of Nashville and Melanie Taylor and campaign co-chairs Bill Blankenship of Memphis and Charlie and Bettye Moore of Union City. Kerry Witcher, president and CEO of the University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc., was the first of several speakers to talk about the campaign and its impact. He thanked all who supported the campaign and noted that the RISE Campaign’s success contributed to record giving to the University of Tennessee.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“We just closed what I would argue was our best year in advancement in the history of the University of Tennessee,” Witcher said. “System-wide we had 86,000 donors make a gift to a UT campus somewhere. We generated $342 million in private support and had more alumni engaged than ever before in the history of the university.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":5033,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/RISE_Attendees-2023-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5033\"/><figcaption><sub><sup>Pictured at the event are (l, r) UT Martin football great Jerry Reese and his wife, Gwen, of Franklin, UT Martin Chancellor Yancy Freeman and UT System President Randy Boyd. Jerry Reese, the event’s main speaker, is pictured speaking to the crowd in DPA’s Dinosaur Hall.</sup></sub></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>UT President Randy Boyd followed Witcher and gave an example of UT Martin’s impact by telling Alec Richardson’s story, a Perry County native who was recently appointed as a senior adviser to Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and a member of the governor’s cabinet. Boyd credited the university’s Parsons Center for providing Richardson the opportunity to earn a college degree. “If not for UT Martin, if not for Parsons … that story wouldn’t have been told, and there’s thousands of stories that are like that throughout West Tennessee because of UT Martin,” Boyd said. &nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Among his comments about the campaign, Boyd expressed his excitement at exceeding the campaign goal and credited many university supporters for the outcome. “What an incredible achievement. I just want to say thank you to everybody that donated, to everybody that contributed, which is everybody in this room,” he said. “It’s just an incredible accomplishment.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Boyd welcomed Dr. Yancy Freeman to the podium who joined the university Aug. 9 for his first official day at the university since being confirmed July 14 as UT Martin’s 12<sup>th</sup> chancellor. The RISE celebration provided the backdrop for his first major UT Martin event.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“I do want to recognize again the tremendous work – $178 million is a fantastic and phenomenal goal,” he said. “To reach that goal, to surpass the $175 million goal is absolutely wonderful.” Although Freeman accepted no credit for the campaign’s success, which began during former chancellor Dr. Keith Carver’s administration, he thanked Charley Deal and the university advancement team for their successful campaign work. Carver left UT Martin earlier this year to become senior vice chancellor and senior vice president for the UT Institute of Agriculture.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>He also noted that $55 million of the campaign total is designated for student scholarships. “In order for us to continue to provide access, we have to do it in scholarship dollars,” he said. “Fifty-five million of the dollars that were raised will go toward scholarships to make it an affordable education. We thank you for your giving.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A 2021 video was shown that opened the RISE Campaign, and then Jerry Reese completed the evening’s speaker lineup by recalling how UT Martin had impacted his life. The Tiptonville native, high school and college football standout, UT Martin Athletics Hall of Fame member and 2009 inductee into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame spoke of the friends he made and how his time as a player and a coach shaped his ability to work 23 years in professional football with the New York Giants. He was the Giants’ general manager from 2007 to 2017, a time when the team won Super Bowls in 2008 and 2012.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“None of these things happen if I hadn’t gone to UT Martin,” Reese said, adding that the university is also where he met Gwen, his wife of 35 years, which he said was “the best thing that happened to me while I was at UT Martin.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Reese joined other speakers by thanking everyone present for supporting the university financially. He recalled his own experience as a 17-year-old student from Tiptonville, having the opportunity to attend college and said how giving is a difference maker in lives. “We talk about giving. I think about giving back,” he said. “That’s what’s important. … And if we give back, if we pay it forward, that’s the best thing we can do.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Before a final toast and singing of the alma mater, Deal closed by previewing UT Martin’s 125<sup>th</sup> birthday in 2025 and again thanked supporters for making the university’s mission of educating students possible.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“It is because of each person in this room tonight we can celebrate the success of our campaign and the impact it will have on future generations,” Deal said. &nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">###</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','UT Martin celebrates raising $178.2 million','Raising $178.2 million is a good reason to celebrate, and the University of Tennessee at Martin’s friends and supporters did just that with a dinner and celebration event Friday evening, Aug. 11, at Discovery Park of America in Union City. ','inherit','closed','closed','','5032-revision-v1','','','2023-08-15 08:09:12','2023-08-15 13:09:12','',5032,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=5041',0,'revision','',0),(5060,8,'2023-08-22 08:34:08','2023-08-22 13:34:08','<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/addenda-2022/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/addenda-2022/\">2022</a></h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2>2023</h2>\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/01_Jan-17-2023-1.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/01_Jan-17-2023-1.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of Jan. 16</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/01_Jan-23-2023-2.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/01_Jan-23-2023-2.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of Jan. 23</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/01_Jan-30-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of Jan. 30</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/02_Feb-6-2023.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/02_Feb-6-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of Feb. 6</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/02_Feb-13-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of Feb. 13</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/02_Feb-20-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of Feb. 20</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/02_Feb-27-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of Feb. 27</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/03_March-13-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of March 6</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/03_March-13-2023-1.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of March 13</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/03_March-20-2023.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/03_March-20-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of March 20</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/03_March-27-2023-1.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/03_March-27-2023-1.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of March 27</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/04_April-3-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of April 3</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/04_April-10-2023.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/04_April-10-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of April 10</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/04_April-17-2023.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/04_April-17-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of April 17</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/04_April-24-2023.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/04_April-24-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of April 24</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/05_May-1-2023.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/05_May-1-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of May 1</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/05_May-8-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of May 8</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/06_June-5-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of June 5</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/06_June-20-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of June 20</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/07_July-5-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of July 5</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/07_July-17-2023.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/07_July-17-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of July 17</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/07_July-31-2023.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/07_July-31-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of July 31</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/08_Aug.-14-2023.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/08_Aug.-14-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of Aug. 14</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/08_Aug.-21-2023.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.utm.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/08_Aug.-21-2023.pdf\">Addenda for the Week of Aug. 21</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Addenda','','inherit','closed','closed','','4336-revision-v1','','','2023-08-22 08:34:08','2023-08-22 13:34:08','',4336,'https://www.utm.edu/news/?p=5060',0,'revision','',0);
