Genesis and Katherine were recognized during a luncheon at ������� attended by UT System President Randy Boyd, ������� Provost Prentice Chandler, state Reps. Mark White and Clay Doggett, state Rep.-elect Noah Smith, university leaders and members of the campus community. The cousins will begin classes at ������� this fall, with Katherine studying nursing and Genesis studying English. Their arrival represents an opportunity not only for the two students but also for the Emberá Purú community they call home. Genesis and Katherine will be able to take new resources back to their village, including educational and professional knowledge they have not previously had access to.

“We thought to ourselves, it would be great if a few talented, smart and determined young people could receive an education they could utilize back in their home village,” Boyd said. “So that’s the hope. We’re counting on these two young ladies to go back to their village and do just that; provide resources and educate members of their community. Thanks to Genesis and Katherine for being the inspiration.”

White, who first introduced Genesis and Katherine to Boyd during a 2022 visit to Panama, said the students’ arrival represents the fulfillment of a vision that began during that visit.

“We’re here to celebrate these two young ladies, thanks to Randy Boyd, Krissy DeAlejandro and the Boyd Foundation for making all of this possible,” White said. “This opportunity began with a simple belief that education could open a door for these young women and their community. Today, we are seeing that belief become reality.”

The luncheon also provided an opportunity for university leaders and community partners to celebrate those who helped make the students’ enrollment possible, including Cup of Cold Water Ministries, which has worked with the Emberá Purú community for nearly two decades, building trusted relationships with families while encouraging educational opportunities for young people throughout the community.

“This opportunity is important to me because I want to be a help in my community and a translator in the future, teaching children and my community,” said Genesis. “President Randy Boyd, I want to thank you for this opportunity. My mother said that you have opened to me a door so now I’m here, and my purpose is to complete my duty as a student, daughter and member of my community.”

“I am so happy for this opportunity, and it is so important for me because I want to study nursing,” said Katherine. “I would like to be a kind nurse in the future, helping my people and my community. So, President Boyd, thank you for the opportunity you have given us to study at the �������.”

Genesis and Katherine presented President Boyd with tokens of their appreciation, including a bag of coffee beans and a mug, both curated from their village in Panama. As they begin their studies, Genesis and Katherine will become part of the ������� community while continuing to carry the experiences, culture and hopes of their home village with them.

Classes for the fall 2026 semester begin Aug. 19.

������� the �������

The ������� provides an exceptional educational experience that empowers students to discover their potential, serve their communities and lead meaningful lives. Located in Pulaski, Tennessee, ������� offers personalized learning, hands-on experiences and a close-knit campus community while serving southern Middle Tennessee and preparing students for success.

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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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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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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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The ������� Advisory Board will hold a meeting on July 23, 2026, at 1 p.m. (CDT) in the Reveille House in Pulaski, Tennessee. Agenda topics to include Chancellor’s remarks and updates from the leadership team in respective areas.

For more information, please contact Kyle Hensley, Vice Chancellor for Advancement, at 931-424-2069. 

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The camps are open to middle and high school students and emphasize small-group instruction, interactive learning and direct engagement with faculty. Programs will take place in ������� classrooms, labs and campus facilities, giving participants a firsthand look at academic programs and a chance to experience university life.

Camp offerings include:

NOVA Entrepreneurship Boot Camp (June 8–11)
High school students will develop business ideas, conduct market research, build branding strategies and present their concepts in a final pitch presentation with guidance from mentors. Cost: Free.

Future Firehawk Nursing Camp (June 15–17 or June 29-July 1)
High school juniors and seniors will train in �������’s Nursing Simulation Lab, practice patient care skills, earn CPR certification and visit Southern Tennessee Regional Health System to explore health care careers. Cost: $20.

Project Firehawk: Soar Into STEM (June 15–19)
Students ages 6 to 16 will participate in interactive math and science experiments, collaborative projects and faculty-led activities in the Andrews Science Building. Cost: $175.

Registration information and additional details are available here. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.

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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 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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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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Grant served as the Director of Sports Medicine for Martin Methodist College and later the ������� since 2001. During this time, he made a profound and meaningful impact on the campus, as well as on our athletic programs, coaches, and student-athletes. Over his nearly 24 years on campus, he touched countless lives, serving as a mentor, role model, and valued colleague. He will be deeply missed by the entire ������� family.

A native of Meridian, Mississippi, Grant earned a Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine and Athletic Training from the University of Southern Mississippi (’99) and a Master of Education in Exercise Sports and Science from Augusta State College (’01). He was named Southern States Athletic Conference Trainer of the Year in 2014 and received the inaugural MMC Servant Leadership Award. Additionally, Grant was actively involved with Special Olympics in Giles County for over 10 years, serving as a member of their Leadership Board.

������� is working to provide dedicated counseling sessions to support ������� students, faculty, and staff. 

Visitation and memorial services have been scheduled to honor the life of our colleague and friend, Grant Fairchild. For those who wish to participate, this will be an opportunity to come together in remembrance and to support one another as we honor his memory.

Visitation: Thursday, January 16, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory.

Memorial Service: Following visitation at 6:00 PM, also held in the chapel of Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations to assist with expenses. Contributions may be made directly to the funeral home by calling
931-363-0828.

Thank you for the compassion and care you continue to show to one another during this difficult time. Let us keep Grant’s family and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers as we remember his impact on our community.

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