The event will take place February 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the Gault Auditorium and is open to students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Pastor Edmonds is the CEO of Roddie’s Code and author of the award-winning book No Surrender: A Father, a Son, and an Extraordinary Act of Heroism That Continues to Live on Today. His presentation shares the remarkable true story of his father’s moral courage in a Nazi prisoner-of-war camp, where Sergeant Edmonds refused orders to identify Jewish soldiers, instead declaring, “We are all Jews here.” His actions later led to his recognition by Yad Vashem as Righteous Among the Nations, Israel’s highest honor for non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust.

Through storytelling and reflection, Edmonds invites audiences to consider the meaning of courage, faith, and ethical leadership in their own lives. His message resonates across generations, emphasizing that ordinary people are capable of extraordinary acts when guided by conscience and conviction.

“This program is an important opportunity for our campus and community to engage with history in a deeply human way,” said Dr. Ken Vickers, Professor of History at �������. “Partnering with the Tennessee Holocaust Commission allows us to bring forward a story that is both historically significant and urgently relevant for today’s world.”

The event is co-produced with the , whose mission is to educate Tennesseans about the Holocaust and its enduring lessons, promote remembrance, and confront hatred and antisemitism through education.

Admission is free and open to the public.

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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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On Sunday, February 9, the ������� hosted Dr. Alex Kor for his presentation, “My Holocaust Legacy: A Blessing, Not a Burden.” Despite competing with the Super Bowl, a strong audience gathered to hear his powerful story, convened by Dr. Ken Vickers–professor of history and Chair of the School of Social Sciences.

Dr. Kor, author of A Blessing, Not a Burden, shared the harrowing experiences of his parents, Rachmiel “Mickey” Kor and Eva Mozes Kor, both Holocaust survivors. His father endured four years in Nazi labor camps, including Buchenwald, while his mother survived roughly a year at Auschwitz. Alongside her twin sister, Miriam, she was subjected to experiments by Dr. Joseph Mengele, the infamous “Angel of Death.” Beginning in the 1970s, Eva became a dedicated educator on the Holocaust, founding CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Terre Haute, Indiana, to share survivor stories and promote education.

Dr. Kor’s visit was made possible through the generosity and assistance of Alison Vick and Ken Gluck of the Tennessee Holocaust Commission. ������� looks forward to partnering with the Commission for future presentations, which will be open to the public.

The evening concluded with a book signing, where attendees had the opportunity to connect with Dr. Kor and reflect on the enduring impact of his parents’ legacy. ������� was honored to host such an important and inspiring conversation.

For more information, visit  and the .

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This all-day conference offers K-5 educators the chance to earn professional development credit, connect with nationally recognized children’s authors, publishers, and Missy Testerman, the National Teacher of the Year, and walk away with invaluable tools for their classrooms. Each participant will receive a collection of free books, UT-branded merchandise, and other surprises designed to support their teaching and inspire their students.

Highlights of the conference include:

• Interactive sessions with celebrated authors who will share insights into storytelling and the craft of writing.
• A behind-the-scenes look at children’s book publishing, led by industry professionals.
• A keynote address by Missy Testerman, offering practical strategies and inspiration for educators nationwide.

Founded by Dr. Ronnie Erwin in loving memory of his late wife, Mrs. Lynn McKee Erwin, the conference stands as a tribute to her legacy as an educator and her unwavering commitment to literacy and kindness. The spirit of her dedication resonates throughout this event, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among educators.

������� takes immense pride in hosting this annual celebration and extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Ronnie Erwin, the Grissom School of Education, the esteemed authors, and all attendees who make this event a resounding success.

Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity! to secure your spot and join us for a day of learning, connection, and inspiration. For more information, please contact Dr. Judy Cheatham.

To register:

We look forward to seeing you there!

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Eva Mozes Kor and her twin sister, Miriam, were survivors of Auschwitz, where they endured the horrific experiments of Josef Mengele, infamously known as the “Angel of Death.” Despite the unimaginable pain they experienced, Eva dedicated her life to educating others about the Holocaust and spreading a message of forgiveness and healing. Alex Kor continues her legacy, sharing her story and the lessons of the Holocaust to ensure its history is never forgotten.

As part of the event, Alex Kor will discuss Blessing, Not Burden: The Remarkable Life of Holocaust Survivor Eva Mozes Kor, a book that chronicles his mother’s extraordinary life and her dedication to teaching future generations about the Holocaust. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing after the keynote.

“Alex Kor’s visit to ������� is a rare opportunity to hear firsthand about the resilience of Holocaust survivors and the importance of preserving their stories,” said Kenneth W. Vickers, Ph.D., Professor of History, Coordinator of the History Program, and Chair of the School of Social Sciences at �������. “This event underscores the enduring relevance of Holocaust education, not just for understanding the past but for shaping a more compassionate and informed future.”

The evening will include Alex Kor’s keynote address, followed by a book signing. This event is free and open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend this vital program to reflect on history’s lessons and their relevance today.

For more information about Alex Kor and his work, please visit .

For more information about on the Candles Holocaust Meseum and Education Center site.

Event Details:
Who: Alex Kor, son of Holocaust survivor Eva Mozes Kor
What: Keynote Address and Book Signing
When: Sunday, February 9, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Gault Auditorium, �������, Pulaski, TN
Admission: Free and open to the public
Books: Available for purchase for $20.00

Pictured: Author Dr. Alex Kor

�������, the newest and smallest campus in the University of Tennessee System, is dedicated to providing a personalized student experience. Located mid-way between Nashville, TN, and Huntsville, AL, it is the only public four-year institution between Chattanooga and Memphis.

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Most recently, Blumenthal served as Executive Vice President of Administration & Finance at Portland Community College (PCC), Oregon’s largest community college. During his tenure, he oversaw a $1.5 billion biennial budget, directed financial operations across multiple divisions, and led major initiatives, including bond programs that achieved significant taxpayer savings and the implementation of the Workday ERP system. He also developed PCC’s comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prior to his role at PCC, Blumenthal held leadership positions at the University of Western States, Portland State University, and other institutions, consistently driving financial improvements, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing institutional growth. His work has earned numerous accolades, including the Oregon Presidents Council’s Cam Preus Award for extraordinary commitment to community colleges and the Portland Business Journal CFO of the Year honor.

Blumenthal holds an MBA from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Boston College, graduating cum laude. An active community leader, he has served on boards such as NAMI Clackamas and as a peer evaluator for the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

“Eric’s extensive expertise and leadership will be instrumental in advancing �������’s financial and administrative priorities,” said Linda C. Martin, Chancellor, �������. “We are excited to welcome him to our campus during this pivotal time.”

Blumenthal’s appointment reflects �������’s ongoing commitment to operational excellence and financial stewardship as the university continues to grow and serve the region.

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These new rankings affirm �������’s continued commitment to providing an exceptional education and fostering a dynamic, student-centered community. The rankings are based on a range of criteria that evaluate the overall performance of higher education institutions in areas such as academic quality, student outcomes, and faculty resources.

“Our rise in the rankings is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff, and students,” said Dr. Linda C. Martin, ������� Chancellor. “We are proud of our growth and remain committed to enhancing the quality of education we provide to our students, meeting them where they are, and helping them achieve their full potential.”

Recognition and Impact

The rankings are based on a variety of indicators that reflect �������’s strengths, including its commitment to value, social mobility, and excellence in teaching. �������’s position among the top public regional colleges further demonstrates its dedication to accessibility and affordability, which are cornerstones of the university’s mission.

�������’s achievements on the U.S. News badge-eligible list also allow the university to showcase its accolades through U.S. News-trademarked Best Colleges award “badges.” These badges are widely recognized as symbols of excellence in higher education and can be used across various promotional media, including websites, digital ads, social media, alumni publications, and more.

Looking Ahead

The continued rise in the rankings positions ������� to build upon its achievements and further establish itself as a leader in regional education. The university remains dedicated to providing a high-quality education that is both affordable and accessible, ensuring students are well-prepared for their future endeavors.

For more information about the U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Colleges rankings, please visit www.usnews.com/colleges.

������� the ������� The �������, the newest and smallest campus in the UT System, is located in Pulaski, Tennessee. Situated mid-way between Nashville, TN, and Huntsville, AL, ������� is the only public four-year institution between Chattanooga and Memphis, offering a personalized, student-centered educational experience that is both challenging and supportive.

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“Our enrollment growth demonstrates that our mission of putting students first and providing a personalized student experience is resonating,” said Dr. Linda C. Martin, Chancellor of �������. “This increase reflects our commitment to excellence in education and our dedication to fostering an environment where every student can thrive and make a meaningful impact in their communities. We are excited to see more students choosing our campus as the place to start their journey toward success.”

In addition to this growth, ������� is also celebrating its highest retention rates in recent memory. The final retention numbers from Fall 2023 to Fall 2024 show a 77.2% retention rate for first-time, full-time freshmen and a 79.5% retention rate for all degree-seeking undergraduates. These retention rates highlight the success of the campus’s efforts to support students throughout their academic journey.

�������’s growth comes as part of a broader enrollment surge across the University of Tennessee System, which is celebrating five consecutive years of record-setting enrollment numbers. The increases are driven by strategic initiatives aimed at expanding access and affordability, including guaranteed admissions for top-performing Tennessee high school students and the UT Promise undergraduate scholarship program, which allows more than two-thirds of Tennessee high school seniors to attend any UT campus tuition-free.

“Our enrollment growth, despite the challenges facing higher education nationwide, reflects our strong commitment to making a difference in the lives of our students and the communities we serve,” said UT System President Randy Boyd.

As the newest campus in the UT System, ������� continues to attract students eager for a personalized educational experience and opportunities to grow academically and professionally. With its expanding influence, ������� is poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come.

������� the �������

The �������, the newest and smallest campus in the UT System, is located in Pulaski, Tennessee. Situated mid-way between Nashville, TN, and Huntsville, AL, ������� is the only public four-year institution between Chattanooga and Memphis, offering a personalized, student-centered educational experience that is both challenging and supportive.

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“First-generation college students are a vital part of our university community, and this grant allows us to strengthen our support for their success,” said Dr. Linda C. Martin, Interim Chancellor at �������. “We look forward to using this funding to create more opportunities for these students to thrive academically and personally.”

The First-Generation College Celebration, observed each year on November 8, commemorates the signing of the 1965 Higher Education Act, which expanded access to higher education for millions of first-generation students. This annual event brings attention to the unique challenges first-generation students face while celebrating their resilience and contributions to campus life.

Kimberly Jones, President of COE, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “First-generation college students bring unique perspectives and resilience to our campuses. This grant empowers institutions like ������� to continue providing the necessary resources and support for these students to thrive.”

Maurice Jones, CEO of FirstGen Forward, added, “We are excited to partner with ������� and other institutions nationwide to advance the success of first-generation college students. Our collaboration, supported by TIAA and the Strada Education Foundation, represents a powerful opportunity to create innovative solutions and a lasting impact in our communities.”

Since its inception in 2017, the First-Generation College Celebration has united colleges across the country in recognizing and supporting first-generation students through events such as student rallies, faculty-led panel discussions, artistic performances, and more. ������� is proud to be part of this nationwide effort to uplift and empower this important student population.

For more information about �������, visit . 

������� �������

The ������� is a vibrant, student-centered institution located in Pulaski, Tennessee, dedicated to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students. As part of the University of Tennessee System, ������� is committed to fostering academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by first-generation college students, ������� offers a range of tailored programs and resources, including mentorship opportunities, academic support services, and leadership development initiatives, designed to empower these students to achieve their fullest potential. Our commitment to first-generation students is a reflection of our belief that higher education should be accessible and transformative for all.

������� the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE)

The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding college opportunities for low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., the Pacific Islands, and Puerto Rico. COE’s membership includes more than 1,000 colleges and agencies committed to helping students enter and succeed in higher education.

������� FirstGen Forward

FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, partners with higher education, philanthropy, business, and the public sector to promote first-generation student success in education, careers, and life.

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