The event is a collaboration among the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, the ������� College of Arts & Sciences and the ������� Turner Center for Rural Leadership. The program is also supported by the Dr. Charles D. and Tammy B. Haney Faculty Development Fund.

Through discussion and interactive exercises, participants will explore five central themes: the historical presence of incivility; how today’s environment differs from earlier periods; the causes of polarization and communication breakdown; strategies for communicating across disagreement; and ways to practice civility within communities and workplaces.

Two versions of the workshop will be offered on Monday, Oct. 5, in the Martin Hall Auditorium. Student sessions will be held at 8:00–8:50 a.m. and 9:00–9:50 a.m. A workshop designed for ������� faculty, staff and community members will be held from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

The workshops will be led by William (Bill) Lyons and Andrew (Andy) Busch of the Baker School.

Bill Lyons serves as associate director for community outreach for the Institute of American Civics and director of policy partnerships at the Baker School. He is also professor emeritus of political science at UT Knoxville. Lyons retired from the university in 2011, following more than 35 years of teaching, administrative leadership and research.

Andy Busch is the associate director and professor at the Institute of American Civics in the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. His teaching and research focus on American political institutions, elections, and public policy. He has authored, co-authored or edited more than two dozen books.

“Universities should be places where people learn not only how to develop and defend ideas, but also how to listen, disagree thoughtfully and remain in relationship with people who see the world differently,” said Prentice Chandler, Ph.D., provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs and student experience. “This collaboration amongst universities allows us to bring practical tools for civil discourse to our students and employees while modeling the kind of partnership and engagement we want to strengthen across our campus and communities.”

The event reflects �������’s commitment to creating opportunities for thoughtful dialogue, civic engagement and stronger communities through education and partnership.

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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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������� rose to No. 43 in the Regional Colleges South category, an 11-spot improvement from 2026’s No. 54 spot. Among the Top Public Schools in the Regional Colleges South category, the university climbed from No. 19 to No. 12, placing it among the leading public institutions in the region. ������� also improved its standing among Top Performers on Social Mobility in the Regional Colleges South category.

“These rankings are a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff and students, and they tell the story of an institution on the rise,” said Chancellor Melinda Arnold. “Moving up 11 places in our region and seven places among public colleges in the South is a meaningful signal that the investments we are making in academic quality and the student experience are paying off. ������� exists to open doors, especially for first-generation students and families in southern Middle Tennessee and we will keep working every day to make sure a ������� degree changes lives and strengthens our communities.”

The U.S. News Best Colleges rankings evaluate institutions on measures including graduation and retention rates, graduate outcomes, faculty resources, expert opinion and social mobility, which assesses how schools enroll and graduate students who receive federal Pell Grants.

Located in Pulaski, Tennessee, ������� joined the University of Tennessee System in 2021 and offers undergraduate and graduate programs rooted in a tradition of personalized education dating back to 1870.

For the complete rankings, visit .

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The ������� is a public university located in Pulaski, Tennessee, and a campus of the University of Tennessee System. ������� is committed to providing accessible, high-quality education that prepares students for meaningful careers and engaged citizenship. Learn more at utsouthern.edu.

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Celebrating the five-year anniversary of becoming �������, Homecoming 2026 allows the institution to reflect on the 156-year history of campus and generations of students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members who have shaped the legacy.   

This year’s Vintage Varsity  theme celebrates the enduring traditions, stories and school spirit that connect generations of Firehawks. Homecoming week will feature a variety of events and activities throughout campus, including competitions, a talent show, carnival, alumni recognition dinner, volleyball game, and alumni and family picnic.�� 

Events include: 

• All Week: Flame’s Flashback Finds (students only), campus wide 
  • Students can participate in a scavenger hunt featuring vintage-themed finds and campus traditions.��
• Oct. 19: Campus Banner Competition Kick-Off (students only), 9 a.m., campus wide 
  • Students will compete in a campus banner competition throughout Homecoming week.�� 
• Oct. 21: Day of Giving, all day, Campus Green 
  • The annual giving event will support the people, programs and places that make ������� special. Community members, businesses and alumni can show their support by making a gift.�� 
• Oct. 21: Southern Spotlight Talent Show, 6 p.m., Martin Hall 
  • Students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to enjoy a night of ������� talent.�� 
• Oct. 22: Carnival on the Campus Green, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Campus Green 
  • The event will feature an afternoon of games, music, food and Firehawk spirit at the Carnival on the Campus Green for the ������� community.��
• Oct. 23: Hall of Fame and Distinguished Alumni Dinner, 5 p.m., Mule Barn 
  • ������� will recognize Hall of Fame inductees and Distinguished Alumni for their leadership and service. Purchase a ticket to the dinner .��
• Oct. 23: Firehawks Homecoming Volleyball Game, 6 p.m., Curry Athletic Complex 
  • During halftime, ������� will announce the Homecoming Court, campus banner competition winner and winners of the Flame’s Flashback Finds scavenger hunt. The first 50 students to arrive will receive free Chick-fil-A.�� 
• Oct. 24: Alumni and Family Picnic, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Campus Green 
  • Students, faculty, staff and alumni can gather on the campus green for food trucks, games and friends before cheering on the Firehawks at athletic events like tennis, swimming and volleyball.�� 

“Alumni are an important part of ������� and its history,” said Chancellor Melinda Arnold. “We’re so excited to welcome our alumni family back to campus for a week full of activities, celebration and recognition.”  

“We are very excited about the opportunity to have our alumni reconnect with campus,” said Lydia Smith, MBA, assistant director of alumni engagement. “Homecoming week will be filled with excitement, and I’m especially looking forward to our Alumni & Family Picnic! As an alumna myself, I can’t wait to see many familiar faces and reconnect with fellow Firehawks!” 

For more information about Homecoming 2026, contact the ������� Office of Advancement.  

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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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The larger first-year class is strong academically, arriving with an average high school GPA of 3.53, marking the highest incoming average in ������� history. First-year students now make up 18% of �������’s total enrollment, up 15% from fall 2025, building a broader foundation for future enrollment as the class moves towards graduation. 

“This fall, overall enrollment has remained steady as the academic preparedness of UT students continues to increase,” said Chancellor Melinda Arnold. “We welcomed a first-year class with an average GPA above 3.5, which reflects the value families across southern Middle Tennessee place in a University of Tennessee education, right here in Pulaski.” 

Located between Nashville and Huntsville, ������� serves as an educational anchor for southern Middle Tennessee. This fall, enrollment also grew from Lawrence, Franklin and Williamson counties, among others, showing the university’s draw from its own backyard to the Nashville suburbs. 

“The enrollment numbers of the past two years shows real momentum at the �������,” Interim Vice Chancellor of Integrated Enrollment and Brand Strategy, Rick Barth, said. “The quality of this year’s incoming class shows that access and academic excellence are not competing goals at �������, they work in tandem.” 

�������’s fall 2026 enrollment highlights: 

· Total enrollment: 1,110 

· New first-year students: 199 

· New transfer students: 119 

· Dual enrollment students: 127 

· Average high school GPA, new first-year students: 3.53 

· Overall undergraduate retention: 79% 

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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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The award dinner will take place Friday, Oct. 23, at Pulaski Mule Co Event Center (114 E. Jefferson St.). A reception will run from 5-6 p.m., with dinner and awards to follow beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person, with 100% of profits going to �������’s alumni programs.

The Distinguished Alumni Award honors alumni who have achieved excellence in their profession, demonstrated outstanding leadership and service, or made a meaningful impact in their communities while exemplifying the values of �������. 

The Distinguished Alumni Award recipients are:

• Sarah D. Suddarth, DPT, FAAOMPT, ������� ‘07
• Stanton Belford, Ph.D., ������� ‘00
• Charles D. Haney, MD, ������� ‘74, UT Knoxville ‘75, UT Health Sciences ‘79

Recognized by the ������� Alumni Board for their extraordinary service to ������� and the greater Giles County community, three recipients were recognized for the Alumni Service Award.

The Alumni Service Award recipients are:

• Sharon Harwell, ������� ‘78
• Brenda Speer, UT Knoxville ‘78
• Carol Wade, ������� ’06

“We’re excited to welcome these distinguished alumni back to campus and recognize their accomplishments,” said Kyle Hensley, vice chancellor of advancement. “These alumni have had a positive impact on their communities and we are proud to have them as part of the ������� Alumni family.”

The 2026 ������� Athletic Hall of Fame Class honors an outstanding group of former student-athletes, coaches, teams and national championship teams whose accomplishments helped shape the proud tradition of Martin Methodist and ������� athletics, elevating the institution’s tradition of excellence.

The 2026 Hall of Fame Class includes:

• James Justice, men’s basketball, ������� ‘12
• 2016 Clay Target team
• Travis Garcia, baseball, ������� ‘11
• Karen Hargrove, softball, ������� ‘06
• Milene Cabral, women’s soccer, ������� ‘19

In addition to the Hall of Fame inductees, ������� Athletics will honor the memory of former softball student-athlete Sydney Watson, ������� ‘19, whose legacy of service, courage and sacrifice continues to inspire the Firehawk family.

“There is a renewed energy across our athletic department right now, and what better way to celebrate our future than by honoring the foundation of our past,” said Brandie Paul, vice chancellor and director of athletics. “The return of the Hall of Fame represents a major milestone for �������. It gives our alumni a reason to come home, gives our fans a chance to celebrate the greats, and shows our current student-athletes the height of what is possible in a Firehawk uniform.”

Registration deadline for the event is Sep. 30, with more information .

������� 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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Throughout the day, students, faculty, staff and community members are encouraged to wear pink, representing Parton’s signature style and joyful spirit. Photo opportunities, decorations and banners will be displayed throughout campus for students and campus community members to participate in the celebration. Activities will be held at the Student Life House (420 W. Madison St., Pulaski, Tenn.).

Dolly Day activities include:

• Second Street Coffee House pop-up tent
  • 7:30–10 a.m., Student Life House
  • Serving hot coffee, cold brews, matcha and Dolly-inspired beverages
• Imagination Library Donation Booth, in partnership with the Giles County Chamber of Commerce
  • 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Student Life HouseAccepting cash, check, Venmo or PayPal donations
  • The non-profit program was launched by Parton to inspire young children to read by providing free books each month to children from birth to age five
• Chalk the Walk
  • 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m., W. Madison St.
  • Community members will be provided with pink chalk and encouraged to draw butterflies, their favorite Parton quote or anything else to help honor her legacy
• Chick-fil-A pop-up tent
  • 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. or until sold out, Campus GreenSelling chicken sandwiches, chips and more
  • Presale purchases will be available, along with on-site purchases

������� encourages all campus and community members to gather and celebrate the lasting memory and legacy of Dolly Parton.

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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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The five ������� students receiving scholarships are:

• Reese Clayton, senior accounting major – $1,500 scholarship
• Dan Gervais, senior accounting major – $1,500 scholarship
• Danny Patterson, senior accounting major – $1,000 scholarship
• Jessica Howell, junior accounting major – $500 scholarship
• MaeLee Willamson, junior accounting major – $500 scholarship

“I am incredibly proud of our ������� accounting students who received TSCPA scholarships,” said Sherry Philpot, ������� accounting instructor. “Their hard work in the classroom and dedication to their accounting courses have earned them this well-deserved recognition. They represent ������� exceptionally well, and I am excited to watch them continue to achieve great things.”

In addition to receiving the 2026 TSCPA Education & Memorial Foundation scholarship award, (major) Clayton has been chosen as a TSCPA Student Influencer for the 2026-2027 academic year. As a TSCPA Student Influencer, Clayton will serve as a liaison between TSCPA, accounting students and key contacts, such as professors or administrators of the campus community. Through social media platforms, Clayton will also promote the free TSCPA student membership and accounting careers to campus.

The TSCPA is the state professional organization for certified public accountants in Tennessee. With more than 100 years of service to the accounting profession, TSCPA acts on behalf of its members and provides support, enabling its members to perform quality professional services while serving the public interest.

With aid of TSCPA member donations, the TSCPA Educational & Memorial Foundation awards more than $250,000 in scholarships annually. Scholarships are available to TSCPA student members who have completed introductory accounting courses and are planning to sit for the CPA Exam.
For more information about accounting programs at �������, visit ������� Accounting.

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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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������� was awarded a $150,000 Veteran Initiatives Designation Grant, allowing the institution to establish a comprehensive support program designed to improve recruitment, enrollment, retention and completion outcomes for veterans and military on campus. With the grant funds, a full-time veterans services coordinator will be hired to establish a hub that will deliver coordinated, student-centered services to address the needs of this unique population. Core components of the initiative include individualized academic advising, mentoring, connecting students with campus and outside resources, and the development of a lounge and gathering space for military-connected students.

“The Veterans Initiatives Designation Grant is a tremendous investment in the ������� and, most importantly, in the veterans and military families we are privileged to serve,” Criminal Justice Department Head and Assistant Professor Daniel Scherr, Ph.D., said. “As a personalized, rural public university, this support will strengthen our capacity to expand meaningful programs, enhance resources and create greater opportunities for those who have served our nation and their families. This grant allows us to build on our commitment to ensuring that every veteran who comes to ������� feels valued, supported and empowered to succeed.”

The new programs and staffing will strengthen coordination of services, streamline application and transcript review and prior learning assessments, and enhance recruitment, retention and completion outcomes for military-connected students. Building on the efforts of Veterans Coordinator Lt. Col. Cochran Pruett and Certification Officer Emma Hlubb, the additional funding will allow the university to expand its existing efforts, strengthen services and create a more comprehensive support network for military-connected students.

“This grant represents an important step in strengthening how ������� serves veterans, active-duty service members and military-connected students,” ������� Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Prentice Chandler, Ph.D., said. “These students bring tremendous experience, leadership and perspective to our campus, and we want to ensure they have the resources and support they need to thrive. Pursuing the VETS Campus designation reflects our commitment to building a culture of care where every student knows they belong and has a clear pathway to success.”

The grants were proposed by Gov. Bill Lee and approved by the Tennessee General Assembly last year, continuing Tennessee’s investment in ensuring veterans and military-connected students have access to the support they need to succeed after service.

For more information about Tennessee’s VETS Campus initiative and veteran and military-connected student resources, visit .

������� 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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������� Chancellor Melinda Arnold and Giles County Executive Graham Stowe signed a memorandum of understanding Aug. 25 establishing a framework for collaboration at the approximately 45-acre Agri Park in Pulaski.

The agreement creates new opportunities for ������� to use the Agri Park for academic programming, research and student activities while bringing additional university resources, faculty expertise and student engagement to the facility.

“This partnership is about bringing together two important assets in our community, the ������� and the Giles County Agri Park, to create more opportunities for our students and our community,” Arnold said. “The Agri Park gives us an outstanding setting for hands-on learning, agricultural engagement and community activities, and ������� is excited to help expand what is possible there.”

Under the agreement, ������� will designate an institutional liaison to coordinate with Giles County and the Agri Park Board and contribute academic programming, student engagement and faculty involvement to support the park’s educational and agricultural mission. ������� also will pursue opportunities to support Agri Park programming and improvements, including seeking external funding for applicable priorities.

The partnership is expected to support a broader range of activities at the Agri Park, including opportunities connected to �������’s academic programs, agriculture and agribusiness education, student activities, athletics, 4-H efforts and more. Specific activities will be developed and coordinated with Giles County and the Agri Park Board.

“This is an opportunity to build on what the Agri Park already provides to Giles County and expand its role as a place for education, agriculture, community engagement and economic development,” Stowe said. “By working with �������, we can bring additional resources and new ideas to the Agri Park while creating opportunities that benefit our students, our community and the region.”

The MOU establishes a joint planning framework for the future of the Agri Park. ������� will provide leadership for the collaborative planning process while Giles County will retain ownership of the facility. The existing Agri Park Board will remain in place and continue to oversee day-to-day facility operations and community uses.

“This is exactly the kind of partnership that can help southern Middle Tennessee continue to grow,” Arnold said. “It connects higher education with agriculture, workforce development and community needs. Most importantly, it gives our students more opportunities to learn by doing while helping ������� serve the community that supports this university.”

The MOU is effective for three years and may be renewed by written agreement.

������� 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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“These awards reflect the very best of what we value at �������: excellence in teaching, meaningful scholarship and service and a commitment to making a difference beyond the classroom,” Chandler said. “Paul Cockson, Stanton Belford and Claire Paul each represent those values in distinct and important ways. We are proud to recognize their accomplishments and grateful for the impact they continue to have on our students, our university and the communities we serve.”

Three bi-annual awards were presented during the address:

Rising Faculty Award: Paul Cockson, assistant professor of biology

This award recognizes a full-time faculty member, whether tenure-track or non-tenure-track, in the first five years of building a strong record of teaching, scholarship, or creative activity and service, who demonstrates exceptional promise and momentum. Cockson combines student-centered research with experiential learning, including research on Dionaea muscipula (Venus fly traps), giving students opportunities to apply classroom concepts through hands-on scientific research.

External Impact Award: Stanton Belford, associate professor of biology

This award recognizes a full-time faculty member whose work advances �������’s external presence through community partnership, public-facing impact and regional or professional engagement. Notably, Belford leads coral reef monitoring and conservation efforts in Trinidad and Tobago that bring together research, education and community outreach while engaging students in efforts to address environmental challenges.

Fred E. Ford Exemplary Educator Award: Claire Paul, assistant professor and special education program coordinator

This award recognizes a ������� full-time faculty member whose teaching demonstrates sustained excellence, student engagement and meaningful contribution to student learning and success during the academic year. Paul consistently supports �������’s Teacher Education and Grow Your Own programs, helping prepare future educators and expand opportunities for students pursuing careers in education.

The recognition of Cockson, Belford and Paul highlights the breadth of contributions made by ������� faculty through teaching, scholarship, service and engagement. Their accomplishments reflect the university’s commitment to academic excellence and student success and the meaningful impact of faculty work across the university.

������� 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.

Media Contact
Kyley Wolf, kwolf@utsouthern.edu
931-424-2015 ext. 3078

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