Community News Archives - /news/community-news/ Thu, 18 Jun 2026 13:00:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 /wp-content/uploads/2024/08/uts-icon-512x512-1-150x150.png Community News Archives - /news/community-news/ 32 32 Announces Madison Street Closure to Enhance Campus Safety and Connectivity /news/ut-southern-announces-madison-street-closure-to-enhance-campus-safety-and-connectivity/ Thu, 18 Jun 2026 13:00:30 +0000 /?p=5404 PULASKI, Tenn. — The section of West Madison Street that runs through the center of campus will close permanently on August 7, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to improve […]

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PULASKI, Tenn. — The section of West Madison Street that runs through the center of campus will close permanently on August 7, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to improve pedestrian safety, strengthen campus security, and create a more connected campus environment.

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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University Statement Regarding Social Media Content /news/community-news/university-statement-regarding-social-media-content/ Wed, 13 May 2026 13:31:25 +0000 /?p=5340 is aware of social media content circulating online that references the university and includes language inconsistent with the values of our campus community. We remain committed to fostering […]

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is aware of social media content circulating online that references the university and includes language inconsistent with the values of our campus community.

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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Public Notice: Advisory Board to Hold Meeting /news/public-notice-ut-southern-advisory-board-to-hold-meeting/ Thu, 09 Apr 2026 17:32:35 +0000 /?p=5151 PUBLIC NOTICE The Advisory Board will hold a meeting on April 20, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. (CDT) in the Ford Conference Room of Colonial Hall in […]

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PUBLIC NOTICE

The Advisory Board will hold a meeting on April 20, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. (CDT) in the Ford Conference Room of Colonial Hall 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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to Host Summer Camps /news/ut-southern-to-host-summer-camps/ Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:38:21 +0000 /?p=5064 PULASKI, Tenn. — The will host a series of summer camps designed to provide students with hands-on learning experiences across health care, entrepreneurship, STEM and public […]

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PULASKI, Tenn. — The will host a series of summer camps designed to provide students with hands-on learning experiences across health care, entrepreneurship, STEM and public safety fields.

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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Save the Date: Chancellor Finalists to Participate in Public Forums /news/save-the-date-ut-southern-chancellor-finalists-to-participate-in-public-forums/ Thu, 10 Apr 2025 16:19:08 +0000 /?p=3796 Finalists have been selected in the search for the next chancellor of the .  The finalists are scheduled to visit Pulaski the week of April 21 to […]

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Finalists have been selected in the search for the next chancellor of the .  The finalists are scheduled to visit Pulaski the week of April 21 to meet with faculty, staff, students, and key community leaders.  They will also participate in campus public forum sessions.

Candidate #1

  • Campus-wide Public Forum – open to anyone in the community
    April 22 – 3 – 4 p.m. CT
  • Open Faculty Session – open to all faculty
    April 23 – 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. CT
  • Open Staff Session – open to all staff
    April 23 – 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT

Candidate #2

  • Campus-wide Public Forum – open to anyone in the community
    April 23 – 3 – 4 p.m. CT
  • Open Faculty Session – open to all faculty
    April 24 – 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. CT
  • Open Staff Session – open to all staff
    April 24 – 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT

Candidate #3

  • Campus-wide Public Forum – open to anyone in the community
    April 24 – 3 – 4 p.m. CT
  • Open Faculty Session – open to all faculty
    April 25 – 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. CT
  • Open Staff Session – open to all staff
    April 25 – 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT

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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Women’s History Through Storytelling: A Celebration of Voices, Music and Literature /news/womens-history-through-storytelling-a-celebration-of-voices-music-and-literature/ Wed, 19 Mar 2025 21:06:18 +0000 /?p=3601 Join us on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Gault Recital Hall in the Gault Fine Arts Center for Women’s History through Storytelling: An Interdisciplinary Event, a […]

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Join us on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Gault Recital Hall in the Gault Fine Arts Center for Women’s History through Storytelling: An Interdisciplinary Event, a special celebration of Women’s History Month at the .

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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Alex Kor Keynote Address and Book Signing Recap /news/alex-kor-keynote-address-and-book-signing-recap/ Mon, 10 Feb 2025 14:40:00 +0000 /?p=3362 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, […]

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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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Mourns the Loss of Director of Sports Medicine, Grant Fairchild /news/ut-southern-mourns-the-loss-of-director-of-sports-medicine-grant-fairchild/ Sun, 12 Jan 2025 20:13:33 +0000 /?p=3174 mourns the loss of Grant Fairchild, who served as Director of Sports Medicine at since 2001. Grant touched countless lives in his nearly 24 years on […]

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mourns the loss of Grant Fairchild, who served as Director of Sports Medicine at since 2001. Grant touched countless lives in his nearly 24 years on campus, leaving a lasting impact on our community. 

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. 


Headshot of  Sports Medicine Director, Grant Fairchild

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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Earns Top Awards at the Annual Education Digital Marketing Awards /news/university-of-tennessee-southern-earns-top-awards-at-the-annual-education-digital-marketing-awards/ Mon, 04 Nov 2024 13:30:00 +0000 /?p=2957 The earned top accolades across multiple categories for excellence in digital marketing at the 12th Annual Education Digital Marketing Awards. Competing against over 1,000 entries from […]

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The earned top accolades across multiple categories for excellence in digital marketing at the 12th Annual Education Digital Marketing Awards. Competing against over 1,000 entries from educational institutions nationwide, was recognized for its innovative and impactful digital presence, cementing its status as a leader in the field.

A distinguished panel of industry experts, including education marketers, creative directors, and advertising professionals, judged this year’s entries, applauding the creative talent and dedication within the education sector. received the following awards:

  • Gold for Institutional Website-Update/Refresh: “ Website Refresh”
  • Gold for Digital Publication-Single: “ Strategic Plan”
  • Gold for Digital Special Video (Under 2 minutes): “ Brand Anthem Video”
  • Silver for Athletic Promotion: “ Athletics Instagram”
  • Silver for Instagram: “ Instagram”
  • Gold for Instagram: “ Athletics Instagram”

These awards highlight ’s commitment to excellence and innovation, underscoring the university’s dedication to delivering a compelling and user-friendly digital experience for students, alumni, and the broader community.

“We are honored to receive these recognitions, which reflect the hard work and creative energy of our marketing team,” said Aimee Rose, Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications & Marketing at . “These awards demonstrate ’s dedication to effectively sharing our story and enhancing our digital presence to serve our community and prospective students.”

Kudos to Jensen Harper and Midori Maloney for their outstanding work and contributions in earning these accolades. Their exceptional skills continue to elevate ’s brand and showcase the university’s distinctive achievements.

The Education Digital Marketing Awards distributed 227 Gold, 124 Silver, and 73 Bronze awards this year, celebrating institutions nationwide for their exceptional digital marketing efforts. A complete list of winners is available at .

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Public Notice: Advisory Board Meeting /news/public-notice-university-of-tennessee-southern-advisory-board-meeting/ Thu, 26 Sep 2024 21:01:19 +0000 /?p=2704 PUBLIC NOTICE The Advisory Board will hold a meeting on October 4, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. (CDT) at Reveille House in Pulaski, Tennessee. The meeting will […]

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PUBLIC NOTICE

The Advisory Board will hold a meeting on October 4, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. (CDT) at Reveille House in Pulaski, Tennessee.

The meeting will include opening and closing remarks, updates from the Chancellor, a report on the Martin Methodist Foundation, recognition of the outgoing student representative, the appointment of a new student representative, and the approval of minutes from the previous meeting.

This meeting is open to the public. For more information, please contact Evan Beech, Vice Chancellor of Advancement, at 931-309-0340. 

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