The renovation project will modernize the Johnston Center to create a more comfortable, student-centered learning environment. Planned improvements include updates to the Warden Library, upper-level classrooms, faculty offices and restrooms. Construction is expected to continue throughout the academic year, pending final timelines.

These renovations reflect �������’s commitment to providing spaces where students, faculty and staff can learn, work and thrive. The reimagined Warden Library will offer an inviting environment that encourages learning, collaboration and connection, while updated classrooms and offices will better support the needs of the campus community.

Construction is expected to continue throughout the academic year, with updates on project progress and any operational changes shared with the campus community as they become available.

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Effective immediately, ������� will award a $1,000 scholarship to eligible Tennessee 4-H Senior Level 1 State Project winners who enroll at the university, regardless of academic major, and meet all institutional scholarship and enrollment requirements.

“Tennessee 4-H students have already demonstrated the leadership, dedication and life skills that will serve them well in college and beyond,” Arnold said. “We’re excited to join our system peers in recognizing these outstanding students and look forward to welcoming them to �������, where they can experience the personalized attention of a close-knit campus community while benefiting from the opportunities of a major public university.”

The Horizon Award Scholarship Program honors Tennessee 4-H youth who have distinguished themselves through project achievement while encouraging them to pursue higher education at a University of Tennessee campus. By joining the program, ������� expands educational opportunities for students who have developed valuable leadership, communication and problem-solving skills through their 4-H experiences.

������� announced the partnership during the 2026 Tennessee 4-H Roundup and thanked the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and Tennessee 4-H leadership for their collaboration in expanding opportunities for student success.

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Barth brings more than 30 years of experience in enrollment management and admissions leadership at public universities. Most recently, he served as director of undergraduate admissions at Clemson University, where he led undergraduate recruitment and admissions during a period of record application growth. Throughout his career, Barth has developed strategic enrollment initiatives, championed data-informed decision making and built collaborative partnerships that advance student recruitment and success.

“Rick’s depth of experience and proven leadership in enrollment management will be an asset to ������� as we continue building on our momentum,” Arnold said. “His expertise will help ensure continuity in our enrollment efforts while providing the opportunity to thoughtfully consider the long-term organizational structure that best supports our students and the university’s future.”

Until Barth joins the university on Aug. 24, Arnold will continue serving in the enrollment leadership role to support ongoing recruitment efforts. The UT System Division of Communications and Marketing will also continue providing strategic communications and marketing support during the transition.

Barth’s appointment reflects �������’s continued commitment to strengthening enrollment strategies and advancing student success through collaborative, data-informed leadership.

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Upon the reorganization, two inaugural deans have been named to lead the new colleges:

Dr. Jessica Conrad, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

Dr. Daniel McMasters, Dean of the College of Professional Studies

“I look forward to working with them as we build the identity and future of these new colleges,” Dr. Prentice Chandler, ������� Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor said. “We should take time to celebrate what has been accomplished while recognizing that the real value of this structure will be determined by what we build within it.”

The two colleges are comprised of the following departments:

College of Arts and Sciences:

• Department of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Department of Mathematics and Sciences
• Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development

College of Professional Studies:

• Department of Education
• Department of Criminal Justice
• Department of Nursing & Health Sciences
• Department of Business

For the first time in history, ������� is organized into colleges and led by inaugural deans. This moment reflects the institution’s growth and the shared commitment to serving students, supporting faculty and positioning the university for the future.

Read more about ������� academics here.

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A highlight of the week will be Southern Spark, a community-wide celebration on Tuesday, Aug. 18, beginning at 6 p.m. This free, on campus event is open to the public, featuring a fun-filled schedule designed to create life-long memories.

Activities include:

• 6 p.m.: More than 10 food trucks located on W. Madison Street
• 7 p.m.: Burning Las Vegas Band
• 8:45 p.m.: Firework Show on the Campus Green
• $1,000 cash giveaway
• Community Expo, hosted by the Giles County Chamber of Commerce

“Welcome Week is one of the most exciting times of the year on our campus,” ������� Chancellor Melinda Arnold said. “We are thrilled to bring our neighbors and campus family together for our annual concert and fireworks on the Green, branded this year as ‘Southern Spark.’ Connecting our students with the incredible community that surrounds them is at the heart of what we do, and we can’t wait to kick off the new academic year together in such a dynamic way.”

Families and friends are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy this festive evening together.

The full Firehawk Welcome Week schedule is available here.

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Kasi Simms Hardison, ������� Class of 2023, began her undergraduate collegiate career at then-Martin Methodist College (MMC) in 2019 as an English major with a concentration in literature. Hardison explains that among her higher education search, she immediately knew ������� would become her new home once she toured campus.

“������� and Martin Methodist formed my future in more ways than I could possibly expect,” Hardison said.

Hardison’s favorite memory at �������, one that includes Instructor of English & ESL and Director of International Studies, Dr. Amy Little: participating in a fake snowball fight with students. She describes her experience at ������� as “fun, community, happiness and support.”

Expanding her comfort zone was something Hardison became accustomed to during her time at �������. Being encouraged by faculty to participate in events like singing at Carnegie Hall, speaking at commencement and running for student body are reasons Hardison believes have helped her become the person she is today.

“������� is a home. Yes, it’s a physical home, but it’s also a home for like-minded individuals who love Pulaski, who love the UT System, who love learning and people to come and be together,” Hardison said.

Are you a ������� or MMC alumni or current student and want to share your story? Tell us more:

Stay tuned for more stories to come! Learn more & watch Kasi’s story today:

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The closure will affect West Madison Street between 4th and 5th Streets. Access to university facilities, parking areas, events, and services will remain available through existing campus entrances. The change primarily affects through traffic that currently travels across campus.

“As our campus continues to evolve, we have a responsibility to create an environment that prioritizes the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors,” said Chancellor Melinda S. Arnold. “This project reflects a thoughtful, long-term investment in the future of ������� and our commitment to creating a campus that is safe, welcoming, and connected.”

The closure is part of a broader vision to reduce vehicle-pedestrian conflicts in one of the most heavily traveled areas of campus while creating a more walkable and cohesive campus core.

To help inform the decision, ������� engaged , an engineering and planning firm with a local presence in Pulaski, to conduct an independent traffic study. The study evaluated existing traffic patterns and the potential impacts of closing the roadway and determined that local traffic would not be adversely affected by the closure. Findings from the study were shared with the , including the , as part of the review and planning process.

Throughout the planning effort, the university has worked closely with local government leaders, law enforcement, emergency management officials, and fire and rescue personnel to ensure the transition is coordinated and that emergency access remains available at all times.

“This has been a collaborative effort involving university leadership, community partners, and local officials,” Arnold said. “We are grateful for the support and engagement of our partners as we work together to create a safer environment while maintaining convenient access throughout our community.”

Motorists will be directed to alternate routes through updated signage and wayfinding measures. The university will provide detailed maps, frequently asked questions, and ongoing updates through a dedicated information webpage in advance of the closure.

The project supports several long-term institutional priorities, including improving campus safety, enhancing the student experience, strengthening campus security, and creating infrastructure that supports future growth and development.

Community members, visitors, and campus stakeholders are encouraged to monitor university communications throughout the summer as additional information becomes available.

Additional details, maps, and frequently asked questions are available on the website.

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The accomplishment means every ������� nursing graduate in the most recent cohort successfully passed the licensure examination on their first attempt, continuing a five-year tradition of excellence and underscoring the strength of the university’s nursing program.

The NCLEX-RN is the national licensing examination required for graduates to become registered nurses and serves as one of the most important indicators of nursing program quality and student preparedness.

“This achievement reflects the dedication of our students, the expertise of our faculty, the support of our clinical partners, and the commitment we share to preparing highly skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals,” said Gennifer Moon, DNP, RN, Chair of the Jeanette M. Travis School of Nursing & Health Sciences. “Maintaining a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate for five consecutive years is an extraordinary accomplishment and a testament to the culture of excellence that defines nursing education at �������.”

The achievement comes as healthcare providers across Tennessee and the nation continue to face workforce shortages, increasing the demand for well-prepared nurses who can make an immediate impact in hospitals, clinics, schools, and community healthcare settings.

�������’s nursing program combines rigorous academic preparation with extensive clinical experiences, ensuring graduates are equipped to deliver high-quality patient care from their first day in practice.

“Student success remains at the heart of everything we do,” said Melinda S. Arnold, Ph.D., ������� Chancellor. “Achieving a perfect first-time NCLEX pass rate for five straight years demonstrates the exceptional quality of our nursing program and the transformative educational experience our students receive. We are incredibly proud of our graduates and the faculty members who have helped prepare them for meaningful careers serving communities across Tennessee and beyond.”

While a 100% first-time pass rate is a remarkable achievement, the true measure of success is found in the lives these graduates will touch. Through a personalized educational experience grounded in academic excellence and service, ������� prepares nurses who are ready to care for their communities, advocate for their patients, and make a meaningful difference every day.

For more information about nursing programs at �������, visit utsouthern.edu.

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The language and behavior reflected in the video are deeply troubling, inconsistent with the values of �������, and not representative of our campus community or the standards we uphold as an institution.

������� strongly condemns hateful and discriminatory language and remains committed to fostering a campus environment grounded in dignity, respect, and belonging for all members of our community.

We recognize the anger, disappointment, and hurt this situation has caused across our campus and community – and we continue to actively address this situation.

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We remain committed to fostering a campus environment grounded in dignity, respect, and belonging for all members of our community. We do not condone hateful or discriminatory language.

While the content in question did not occur on university property or as part of any official university activity, we recognize the concern and impact such language can have on members of our campus and community.

The university is reviewing the matter through the appropriate institutional processes and in alignment with applicable policies and laws.

We recognize the concern this situation has generated among members of our campus and community and appreciate those who have reached out directly to the university. ������� remains committed to supporting a campus environment where all members of our community are treated with dignity and respect.

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