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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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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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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FIRE Week by the Numbers:

• 1,000+ total gifts contributed
• 50+ funds supported across campus
• $67,000+ raised
• $3,000 match fulfilled for Academic programs
• 60+ gifts from outside the U.S., showcasing global Firehawk pride

FIRE Week’s overwhelming support underscores the strength and commitment of the ������� community. Students, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters came together with a shared purpose—to invest in �������’s future. This collective generosity directly impacts student scholarships, academic programs, and athletics, strengthening our ability to provide an exceptional student experience at a destination campus dedicated to educational excellence.

Every gift made during FIRE Week fuels opportunities for students to learn, grow, and thrive. By supporting key university initiatives, donors are helping ������� fulfill its students-first mission—empowering learners with the resources, mentorship, and experiences they need to succeed.

������� extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who participated in FIRE Week. Your generosity and dedication help shape the future of our students and our university. Thank You for Fueling the Future! For more information on ways to support ������� contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@utsouthern.edu.

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The ������� is inviting alumni, friends, and the local community to take part in FIRE Week, its annual celebration of philanthropy and school spirit, happening February 10–14, 2025. This special giving week is a time to rally support for ������� and its students, ensuring they continue to have access to the personalized, high-quality education that defines the university.

Throughout the week, ������� will host various events to engage both the campus and community, culminating in the university’s Official Giving Day on Thursday, February 13.

FIRE Week Events Open to the Community: · Tuesday, February 11 – A Taste of Common John (Info & Tickets Here)

· Wednesday, February 12 – Enjoy a Food Truck Lunch on The Green, then cheer on the Firehawks at The Curry during the home basketball game, featuring exciting giveaways and fan engagement.

· Thursday, February 13 – Official Giving Day – Join Us in Making an Impact! Community members, businesses, and alumni can show their support by making a gift. Every contribution helps expand opportunities, enrich student experiences, and strengthen �������’s as a pillar of education in the region.

FIRE Week is a time for our community to come together in support of our students and the future of �������. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a direct impact on student success. For more information about FIRE Week, visit /event/fire-week/.

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As a highlight of the week, we are thrilled to invite the entire Pulaski community to join us for a special evening of celebration on Tuesday, August 20. The festivities will feature a community-wide concert and fireworks display on the Campus Green, beginning at 7:00 PM. This event is a chance for residents to connect with our students, share in the excitement of a new year, and enjoy an unforgettable night together.

We encourage everyone to bring their family and friends to join in this celebration and help us give our students a warm welcome back to campus.

To view the schedule of activities during Firehawk Welcome Week, please click here.

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This comprehensive drill is designed to enhance our local emergency services’ preparedness and response capabilities in the event of a real-life active threat scenario. For most of the day, the exercise will involve a wide range of emergency vehicles and personnel operating near campus.

Key Points:

• Date: July 30th, 2024
• Location: The ������� Campus
• Participating Agencies: The ������� Security, Giles County Sheriff’s Department, Pulaski Police Department, Department of Homeland Security, Pulaski Fire Department, Giles County Emergency Services (EMS, OEM, County Fire and Rescue)

We want to assure the community that this is strictly a drill. Numerous emergency vehicles and personnel are part of a planned training exercise, so there is no cause for alarm.

This drill is a proactive measure to ensure our emergency response protocols are robust and effective. Collaboration between various emergency response teams is crucial. This drill will help us to coordinate efficiently and effectively in the event of an actual emergency.

An active threat drill will be conducted on the ������� Campus on July 30, 2024.

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The President’s Awards are the highest honor bestowed upon UT System faculty and staff, recognizing their exceptional contributions, dedication, and alignment with the University’s Be One UT values. This year, fifteen distinguished individuals from across the UT System were selected for their outstanding achievements.

President Boyd expressed his admiration for the awardees, stating, “The President’s Awards highlight the exceptional work and commitment demonstrated by our faculty and staff throughout Tennessee. Their contributions are invaluable in making this the greatest decade in UT history. It is an honor and privilege to work alongside them in serving the people of our great state.”

“Claire embodies the spirit of excellence and innovation that we hold dear at �������. Her dedication to advancing special education and her unwavering commitment to her students have made a profound impact on our campus community,” said Dr. Linda C. Martin, Chancellor, �������. “This recognition through the President’s Award is a well-deserved testament to her hard work, passion, and leadership. We are incredibly proud of Dr. Paul and grateful for her contributions to our University’s mission and values.”

Claire Paul has been recognized in the Bold and Impactful category, which celebrates faculty members who have made significant and lasting contributions to their fields and the University. Her innovative work in special education and dedication to fostering an inclusive learning environment have distinguished her as a leader and advocate within the ������� community.

Established in 2016, the President’s Awards annually honor UT System faculty and staff who exemplify the University’s mission to educate, discover, and connect. Each award recipient receives a commemorative plaque inspired by the University of Tennessee president’s medallion and a monetary award of $3,000.

The 2024 recipients represent a diverse group from UT Knoxville, UT Chattanooga, �������, UT Martin, UT Health Science Center, UT Institute for Agriculture, UT Institute for Public Service, and the UT Space Institute in Tullahoma. A complete list of this year’s recipients and previous awardees is available online.

The honorees will be celebrated during a special luncheon hosted by President Boyd and his Be One UT cabinet in August. For more information and to access the photo file of award recipients, please click here.

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To stay updated on the latest developments and support the Firehawks, follow ������� Athletics on (@UTS_Firehawks), (@UTSouthern_Firehawks), and (@UTSouthernFirehawks).

������� The �������

The �������, established in 2021 through the acquisition of Martin Methodist College (founded in 1870), is the fourth undergraduate campus in the UT System. As the only public four-year institution of higher education between Chattanooga and Memphis, and located approximately 70 miles south of Nashville and 40 miles north of Huntsville, Alabama, ������� offers a comprehensive and dynamic educational experience. Committed to academic excellence and community involvement, it prepares students for successful and meaningful careers. For more information about �������, visit: utsouthern.edu.

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“We are thrilled to hire Coach James to lead the women’s basketball program at �������,” said Vice Chancellor/Athletic Director Brandie Paul. “Coach James brings a wealth of experience and a holistic vision for the program’s future, which is exactly what we are seeking. We are confident that he will continue to elevate our women’s basketball program and have an immediate impact on the lives of our student-athletes.” 

James comes to ������� after serving as an assistant coach at several NCAA Division I institutions, most recently at Fordham University. Additionally, he has held assistant coaching positions at Utah State University and Sacred Heart University. 

“I am honored to join the ������� family and look forward to the seasons ahead,” said Coach James. “Thank you to Chancellor Dr. Linda Martin and Vice Chancellor/Athletic Director Brandie Paul for entrusting me with the women’s basketball program. I am grateful for the opportunity and want to thank my past and present mentors for their guidance. I am confident in our direction, and I look forward to leading our team with hard work and purpose.” 

James’ coaching journey includes a remarkable four-season stint as head coach at NCAA Division III Mary Baldwin University. He led the Fighting Squirrels to a significant turnaround, achieving a 17-10 record in the 2018-19 season, a notable improvement from their previous 2- 23 standing. Under his guidance, the team made three consecutive USA South Tournament appearances and recruited multiple All-Conference players. These achievements earned him the USA South Coach of the Year and D3 Hoops South Region Coach of the Year honors in 2019. 

Before his head coaching role, James served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Lafayette College, where he demonstrated his talent in identifying and nurturing players. He received recognition for the Blue Star Honorable Mention Recruiting Class in 2017. 

James holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology from Millsaps College and a master’s degree in kinesiology from Texas Woman’s University. His collegiate basketball career at Millsaps was marked by a successful junior season with a 28-4 record and an Elite Eight appearance in the NCAA D-III Tournament. 

Ross James’ appointment brings extensive experience and dedication to the ������� women’s basketball program, positioning it for continued success and growth.

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To stay updated on the latest developments and support the Firehawks, follow ������� Athletics on (@UTS_Firehawks), (@UTSouthern_Firehawks), and (@UTSouthernFirehawks).

������� The �������

The �������, established in 2021 through the acquisition of Martin Methodist College (founded in 1870), is the fourth undergraduate campus in the UT System. As the only public four-year institution of higher education between Chattanooga and Memphis, and located approximately 70 miles south of Nashville and 40 miles north of Huntsville, Alabama, ������� offers a comprehensive and dynamic educational experience. Committed to academic excellence and community involvement, it prepares students for successful and meaningful careers. For more information about �������, visit: utsouthern.edu.

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