PULASKI, Tenn. — The ������� recognized outstanding student achievement on April 6 during its 2026 Awards Day ceremony in the Gault Fine Arts Center Auditorium. Hosted by the D.W. Johnston School of Business, the ceremony brought together students, faculty and staff to celebrate academic excellence, leadership and professional achievement across business disciplines.

Nan Wakefield, chair of the D.W. Johnston School of Business, welcomed attendees and reflected on the impact of student success across the school’s programs. Dr. Prentice Chandler, provost and executive vice chancellor, followed with remarks highlighting the role of academic achievement in preparing students for careers and continued growth.

The ceremony honored students across multiple disciplines, recognizing both academic performance and contributions within their fields of study.

In accounting, Stephanie Margaret Hodgson and James Bryce Woodard were each recognized with the D.W. Johnston School of Business Accounting Major Award. Truman Jason Carroll received the Academic Excellence Award for Outstanding Scholarship in Graduate Studies for the MBA program.

“Truman Carroll is exceedingly deserving of the 2026 MBA Academic Excellence Award,” said Dr. Lorie Pettus Jones, associate professor and director of the Master of Business Administration program. “While working full time, he completed his MBA with perfect attendance and a perfect GPA, mentored fellow students and demonstrated a strong commitment to building community within the program.”

Additional honors included the Management Award, presented to Callie G. Garland, and the Sport Management Award, presented to Tyson Lee Ries. The program also featured a presentation from Alpha Chi, the national honor society that recognizes academic excellence across disciplines, led by Dr. Jennifer Aust, program coordinator and associate professor of mathematics.

The ceremony concluded with the induction of new members into Sigma Beta Delta, the international honor society for students in business, management and administration. Membership is reserved for students in the top 20 percent of their class who have completed at least half of their degree program and demonstrated strong academic performance and character. The annual Awards Day serves as an opportunity to recognize student achievement and highlight the impact of academic programs at �������, reinforcing the university’s commitment to preparing graduates for success in their careers and communities.

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This Scholars Board is designed to engage selected sophomore-level students in a junior-year training experience to network with one another, engage with resources from across the region, and develop professional skills and financial literacy that will impact the rest of their student and professional experiences. The students will identify their existing strengths and develop new expertise throughout the academic year.

Applications were received and reviewed in the spring of 2025, which led to the selection of 12 ������� students to serve as the 2025-26 class of Scholars.

The students selected this year have shown a strong commitment to professional development and personal growth. Future students who are interested in the ������� Scholars Board should visit this site or contact Dr. Stephen McBride. Further information about the application process for 2026-27 will be announced during the Spring 2026 semester.

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PULASKI, Tenn. — The ������� officially welcomes Dr. Melinda S. Arnold as Chancellor following the during its meeting Friday.

Dr. Arnold, a seasoned higher education leader and passionate advocate for student success, was selected after a comprehensive national search and will begin her service as Chancellor on July 1, 2025. She most recently serving as Special Assistant to the President at Texas A&M University–Texarkana. There, Dr. Arnold she led strategic initiatives focused on institutional growth, academic innovation, and access for underserved student populations.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Arnold to �������,” said UT System President Randy Boyd. “Her commitment to inclusive excellence, strategic vision, and demonstrated ability to lead transformational change make her the right leader to build on �������’s momentum and expand its impact across the region.”

Dr. Arnold brings more than two decades of experience to the role. She has served in senior leadership positions at regional, comprehensive universities with a strong focus on supporting first-generation, rural, transfer, and adult learners. Her work has secured over $11 million in grants and $4.5 million in fundraising and partnership support to advance mission-driven outcomes.

“I look forward to Dr. Arnold becoming the Chancellor at �������,” said UT Knoxville Chancellor Donde Plowman, who chaired the search committee. “Her academic training and considerable administrative experience make her just the right person for this role. I look forward to working alongside of her.”

Dr. Arnold succeeds Chancellor Linda C. Martin, who has led the institution since 2022 and will return to her leadership role within the UT System. Under Chancellor Martin’s leadership, ������� launched a new strategic plan, developed the ten-year master plan, enhanced student success initiatives, and strengthened regional partnerships.

The ������� community extends its deepest appreciation to Dr. Martin for her tireless commitment to the campus and congratulates Dr. Arnold as she prepares to lead the next chapter of �������’s story.

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The meeting will include an update from Chancellor Linda C. Martin, remarks from the Advisory Board Chair, and approval of the proposed operating budget. 

This meeting is open to the public, and will also be available for remote viewing via . For more information, please contact Evan Beech, Vice Chancellor of Advancement, at 931-309-0340.

YouTube link:

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Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, the ������� will move its 2025 Commencement indoors to ensure the safety and comfort of our graduates, their families, invited guests, and event participants.

Two ceremonies will be held today, Saturday, May 3, in the Curry Athletic Center:

• 10:00 AM��– Schools Arts & Humanities and Business
• 1:00 PM��– Schools of Education; Mathematics & Science; Nursing and Health Sciences; and Social Science

All graduates should arrive 45 minutes before their ceremony. Please remember to bring admission tickets for each guest

We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we make this adjustment in the spirit of celebration and safety. We look forward to honoring the remarkable accomplishments of the Class of 2025.

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All sessions will be held in the Gault Fine Arts Recital Hall on the ������� campus (433 W. Madison Street, Pulaski). Finalist names and background information will be provided one day prior to each public forum and will be available on the .

Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The forums will also be streamed live on the  for faculty, staff and students to view, and will also be archived and available for viewing by the general public at the conclusion of the final forum.  Opportunities to provide feedback will be available on the  when interviews begin.

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This event will take place on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, featuring distinguished entrepreneur Don Denbo. The lecture will be held at 5:00 PM in Gault Auditorium and will be for stakeholders who cannot attend in person. The event is free and open to the public.

������� Don Denbo

Denbo is a serial entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio spanning recycling, railroads, restaurants, software, and hospitality. He is the co-founder of Commercial Insurance Associates (CIA), one of the nation’s leading property and casualty insurance firms, where he continues to serve as Executive Chairman.

Beyond his business success, Denbo has a rich and varied background. He enrolled at the University of Tennessee in 1967, excelling academically while also playing football for the Tennessee Volunteers. During his time on the team, UT achieved a 28-5-1 record, an SEC Championship, and a Sugar Bowl victory. He was a Rhodes Scholar finalist and a National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete.

Denbo holds a Ph.D. in economics from the London School of Economics and has been published in The New Yorker for his poetry. He has also been a well-known radio personality, hosting the popular show “Football Finals”. Most recently, in 2024, he made a generous contribution to establish the Denbo Center for Humanities and the Arts at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

The Speer Distinguished Entrepreneur Series is designed to provide ������� students, alumni, and the local business community with the opportunity to interact with industry leaders. Lectures will be recorded and made available on the ������� website, allowing long-term accessibility and continued learning opportunities. Future events will be scheduled for early Fall, mid-Winter, and late Spring each year.

For more event information and updates, please visit our website at utsouthern.edu. Livestream of the event may be accessed by clicking here: .

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This inspiring afternoon will explore the power of storytelling through the lenses of History, Music, and English. The event will begin with a lecture by Dr. Melissa Ryckman, who will provide insight into the origins of Women’s History Month and the importance of storytelling in shaping women’s historical narratives. The program will continue with a musical recital by Dr. Peter Douglas and guest artist Dr. Ísis Jarnicki de Carvalho, highlighting the works of women composers. Finally, Dr. Jessica Conrad and her Women’s Literature students will share reflections on the impact of studying women’s literature both in Pulaski and abroad, offering perspectives from both sides of the classroom.

This event is free and open to the public, made possible by the generous support of the Michael Williams Storytelling Endowment and Music Enrichment Fund. Attendees will receive a special commemorative ������� tote bag, filled with keepsakes that celebrate the spirit of Women’s History Month. Refreshments will be available throughout the event, providing an opportunity to engage with presenters and fellow attendees.

We invite you to be part of this afternoon of inspiration, celebrating the voices, stories, and contributions of women across disciplines.

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FIRE Week by the Numbers:

• 1,000+ total gifts contributed
• 50+ funds supported across campus
• $67,000+ raised
• $3,000 match fulfilled for Academic programs
• 60+ gifts from outside the U.S., showcasing global Firehawk pride

FIRE Week’s overwhelming support underscores the strength and commitment of the ������� community. Students, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters came together with a shared purpose—to invest in �������’s future. This collective generosity directly impacts student scholarships, academic programs, and athletics, strengthening our ability to provide an exceptional student experience at a destination campus dedicated to educational excellence.

Every gift made during FIRE Week fuels opportunities for students to learn, grow, and thrive. By supporting key university initiatives, donors are helping ������� fulfill its students-first mission—empowering learners with the resources, mentorship, and experiences they need to succeed.

������� extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who participated in FIRE Week. Your generosity and dedication help shape the future of our students and our university. Thank You for Fueling the Future! For more information on ways to support ������� contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@utsouthern.edu.

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The ������� is inviting alumni, friends, and the local community to take part in FIRE Week, its annual celebration of philanthropy and school spirit, happening February 10–14, 2025. This special giving week is a time to rally support for ������� and its students, ensuring they continue to have access to the personalized, high-quality education that defines the university.

Throughout the week, ������� will host various events to engage both the campus and community, culminating in the university’s Official Giving Day on Thursday, February 13.

FIRE Week Events Open to the Community: · Tuesday, February 11 – A Taste of Common John (Info & Tickets Here)

· Wednesday, February 12 – Enjoy a Food Truck Lunch on The Green, then cheer on the Firehawks at The Curry during the home basketball game, featuring exciting giveaways and fan engagement.

· Thursday, February 13 – Official Giving Day – Join Us in Making an Impact! Community members, businesses, and alumni can show their support by making a gift. Every contribution helps expand opportunities, enrich student experiences, and strengthen �������’s as a pillar of education in the region.

FIRE Week is a time for our community to come together in support of our students and the future of �������. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a direct impact on student success. For more information about FIRE Week, visit /event/fire-week/.

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