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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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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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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Kenneth W. Vickers, Ph.D., professor of history and chair of the School of Social Sciences, opened the ceremony with welcome remarks, followed by greetings from Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Prentice Chandler. Faculty members from across the school presented awards to students who demonstrated exceptional performance in their respective disciplines:

The William E. Rutherford History Award was presented to Emma Grace Eubank by W. Cochran Pruett, instructor of history.

Richard Schoeberl, Ph.D., program chair and director of graduate studies for criminology and homeland security, presented the Stanley E. Newton Award for Academic Excellence to Kacey Lee Torrence. He also presented the Shelton-Roberts Award for Moral Courage in Criminal Justice to Avery Faith Keenon.

The Dr. James Cooper Award for the Advancement of Social Work was presented to Elijah Reese Mashburn by Alicia Webb, Ph.D., associate professor of behavioral science. Webb also presented the Behavioral Sciences Award in Human Services to Holli Brooke Loveless and the Behavioral Sciences Award in Psychology to Emily Grace Hovis.

The ceremony also included an Alpha Chi presentation led by Jennifer Aust, Ph.D., recognizing academic excellence among top students. The annual event is held each spring to recognize student achievement and celebrate academic excellence. The School of Social Sciences prepares students for careers in fields including criminal justice, social work, behavioral science and related disciplines, with a focus on academic rigor and real-world application.

Photo gallery
The School of Social Sciences hosted its annual Awards Day ceremony April 17 in Gault Auditorium, recognizing students for academic excellence across multiple disciplines.

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“It is inspiring to work with this group of students, who bring renewed energy to our chapter and demonstrated strong leadership at the conference,” Fowler said. “They represented ������� well and are thoughtful, driven and deeply committed to the profession.”

Students gained practical tools and insights to support their transition from teacher candidates to classroom professionals, including strategies for navigating their first year in the classroom, building effective management practices and maintaining balance in a demanding career. The experience also provided opportunities to connect with peers and mentors from across Tennessee. STEA chapters from the University of Tennessee at Martin and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, were also in attendance.

“The weekend was full of crucial lessons and informative pieces about education that will be so helpful in our careers,” said ������� STEA chapter president Abby Vincent. “We are so grateful to STEA for hosting us.”

The is a preprofessional organization for aspiring educators and is affiliated with the Tennessee Education Association and the National Education Association. The organization serves more than 45,000 members nationally across more than 1,100 campuses, including more than 2,200 members at 42 campuses across Tennessee.

Photo:
Pictured left to right: Tori Beth Fox, Dr. Lisa Fowler, Chloe Moore, Abby Vincent, Danica Bridgers, Maggie White, and Lillie Newton.

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PULASKI, Tenn. — The ������� recognized outstanding student achievement on April 6 during its 2026 Awards Day ceremony in the Gault Fine Arts Center Auditorium. Hosted by the D.W. Johnston School of Business, the ceremony brought together students, faculty and staff to celebrate academic excellence, leadership and professional achievement across business disciplines.

Nan Wakefield, chair of the D.W. Johnston School of Business, welcomed attendees and reflected on the impact of student success across the school’s programs. Dr. Prentice Chandler, provost and executive vice chancellor, followed with remarks highlighting the role of academic achievement in preparing students for careers and continued growth.

The ceremony honored students across multiple disciplines, recognizing both academic performance and contributions within their fields of study. In accounting, Stephanie Margaret Hodgson and James Bryce Woodard were each recognized with the D.W. Johnston School of Business Accounting Major Award. Truman Jason Carroll received the Academic Excellence Award for Outstanding Scholarship in Graduate Studies for the MBA program.

“Truman Carroll is exceedingly deserving of the 2026 MBA Academic Excellence Award,” said Dr. Lorie Pettus Jones, associate professor and director of the Master of Business Administration program. “While working full time, he completed his MBA with perfect attendance and a perfect GPA, mentored fellow students and demonstrated a strong commitment to building community within the program.”

Additional honors included the Management Award, presented to Callie G. Garland, and the Sport Management Award, presented to Tyson Lee Ries. The program also featured a presentation from Alpha Chi, the national honor society that recognizes academic excellence across disciplines, led by Dr. Jennifer Aust, program coordinator and associate professor of mathematics.

The ceremony concluded with the induction of new members into Sigma Beta Delta, the international honor society for students in business, management and administration. Membership is reserved for students in the top 20 percent of their class who have completed at least half of their degree program and demonstrated strong academic performance and character. The annual Awards Day serves as an opportunity to recognize student achievement and highlight the impact of academic programs at �������, reinforcing the university’s commitment to preparing graduates for success in their careers and communities.

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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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This Scholars Board is designed to engage selected sophomore-level students in a junior-year training experience to network with one another, engage with resources from across the region, and develop professional skills and financial literacy that will impact the rest of their student and professional experiences. The students will identify their existing strengths and develop new expertise throughout the academic year.

Applications were received and reviewed in the spring of 2025, which led to the selection of 12 ������� students to serve as the 2025-26 class of Scholars.

The students selected this year have shown a strong commitment to professional development and personal growth. Future students who are interested in the ������� Scholars Board should visit this site or contact Dr. Stephen McBride. Further information about the application process for 2026-27 will be announced during the Spring 2026 semester.

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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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