Dr. Erwin’s gift provides funding for the current Fund and establishes the Lynn McKee Erwin Children’s Literacy Conference endowment, ensuring the conference’s support in perpetuity at �������. 

Earnings from the Lynn McKee Erwin Children’s Literacy Conference endowment will be used to fund the annual conference. This conference is a place where educators gather to learn, connect and ignite a love of literacy.

To be held on Feb. 20, 2027, the conference brings together faculty, staff, educators, authors and other literacy leaders for professional development opportunities that cover topics including, but not limited to, evidence-based literacy instruction, reading development, curriculum design and strategies for supporting young learners.

As it looks ahead to its fifth year, the new endowment will allow the conference to become a permanent fixture on the ������� campus, honoring Lynn McKee Erwin, Martin Methodist (now �������) alumna. The conference mission remains grounded in Lynn Erwin’s belief that children deserve stories that inspire them and teachers deserve meaningful support. Attendees will receive free books to enrich their classroom or personal library.

“We are deeply grateful to Dr. Erwin for investing in the future of our students,” Chancellor Melinda Arnold said. “Establishing this endowment helps to ensure that the Lynn McKee Erwin Children’s Literacy Conference will continue to serve generations to come. Partnerships like this remind us of the lasting impact we can make when our campus and community come together around a shared commitment to student success.”

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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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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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“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.

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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.

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

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is an organization set to promote excellence in nursing by enabling future and current nurses with the education and employment resources they need to succeed. The organization has been a trusted resource for more than 10 years, is proudly featured by the country’s top nursing schools and is dedicated to delivering prospective students the most current and precise information.

“This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects sustained excellence,” said Dr. Gennifer Moon, Associate Professor and Department Head of Nursing and Health Sciences at ������� “Being named Tennessee’s top nursing program for a second consecutive year demonstrates the consistency of our students’ success, the expertise and commitment of our faculty and our unwavering focus on preparing graduates to provide exceptional patient care. We are proud to see our graduates enter the profession with the knowledge, confidence and compassion to make an immediate impact in communities across the state and beyond.”

Prior to this year’s ranking, the ������� BSN program reached a remarkable milestone, recording a 100% first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) for the fifth consecutive year. The NCLEX-RN is the national licensing examination required for graduates to become registered nurses and serves as one of the most important indicators of nursing program quality and student preparedness.

The ������� Jeanette M. Travis School of Nursing and Health Sciences prepares students to become skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals through academically rigorous, student-centered programs grounded in excellence, leadership and service. The school offers undergraduate degrees in nursing and public health and is committed to developing graduates who are equipped to improve the health and well-being of the communities they serve.

For more information on �������’s nursing program, please visit utsouthern.edu.

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Barth brings more than 30 years of experience in enrollment management and admissions leadership at public universities. Most recently, he served as director of undergraduate admissions at Clemson University, where he led undergraduate recruitment and admissions during a period of record application growth. Throughout his career, Barth has developed strategic enrollment initiatives, championed data-informed decision making and built collaborative partnerships that advance student recruitment and success.

“Rick’s depth of experience and proven leadership in enrollment management will be an asset to ������� as we continue building on our momentum,” Arnold said. “His expertise will help ensure continuity in our enrollment efforts while providing the opportunity to thoughtfully consider the long-term organizational structure that best supports our students and the university’s future.”

Until Barth joins the university on Aug. 24, Arnold will continue serving in the enrollment leadership role to support ongoing recruitment efforts. The UT System Division of Communications and Marketing will also continue providing strategic communications and marketing support during the transition.

Barth’s appointment reflects �������’s continued commitment to strengthening enrollment strategies and advancing student success through collaborative, data-informed leadership.

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Upon the reorganization, two inaugural deans have been named to lead the new colleges:

Dr. Jessica Conrad, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

Dr. Daniel McMasters, Dean of the College of Professional Studies

“I look forward to working with them as we build the identity and future of these new colleges,” Dr. Prentice Chandler, ������� Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor said. “We should take time to celebrate what has been accomplished while recognizing that the real value of this structure will be determined by what we build within it.”

The two colleges are comprised of the following departments:

College of Arts and Sciences:

• Department of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Department of Mathematics and Sciences
• Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development

College of Professional Studies:

• Department of Education
• Department of Criminal Justice
• Department of Nursing & Health Sciences
• Department of Business

For the first time in history, ������� is organized into colleges and led by inaugural deans. This moment reflects the institution’s growth and the shared commitment to serving students, supporting faculty and positioning the university for the future.

Read more about ������� academics here.

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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 agreements create a more seamless transition for Columbia State students pursuing bachelor’s degrees while reinforcing a shared commitment to student success, workforce development, and regional collaboration across Southern Middle Tennessee and Northern Alabama.

Through the co-admission partnership, eligible students will receive coordinated advising and degree planning support from both institutions, helping them navigate a clearly defined pathway from associate degree completion to enrollment at �������. Students participating in the program are guaranteed admission to ������� upon completion of their degree at Columbia State, provided they meet program requirements

“Co-admission sends a clear message to students: your educational journey does not stop after earning an associate degree,” said Dr. Prentice Chandler, ������� Provost. “This partnership creates a pathway intentionally designed to support student success and help students continue building toward their academic and professional goals. We are proud to strengthen that pathway alongside Columbia State.”

As part of the transfer agreement, students will benefit from coordinated advising between both institutions and priority registration opportunities at ������� during the semester they graduate from Columbia State.

In addition to the student-focused agreements, the institutions also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand professional development opportunities for employees of both institutions. The partnership includes two educational support opportunities for Columbia State employees pursuing a degree at �������: the First Flight Scholarship, which provides three free credit hours during the first semester of enrollment, and the University Partnership Scholarship, which provides a 25% tuition discount.

“We want Columbia State faculty and staff to know that if beginning or completing a degree is part of their personal or professional goals, ������� is here to support them,” said Melinda S. Arnold, PhD, ������� Chancellor. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to investing in people, strengthening our region, and creating opportunities that positively impact students, employees, and communities alike.”

The agreements further expand collaboration opportunities between faculty and staff at both institutions while supporting broader workforce and educational needs throughout the region.

“This partnership represents the continued evolution of a long-standing relationship between our institutions,” Arnold said. “Together, we are building stronger pathways for students, expanding opportunities for continued learning, and reinforcing the important role higher education plays in changing lives and strengthening communities.”

The agreements were developed collaboratively by leaders from both institutions following months of planning and coordination focused on improving student access, transfer experience, and educational opportunity throughout the region.

Columbia State and ������� leaders pictured (left to right): Dr. Denise Carr, Columbia State vice president for Academic Affairs; Cissy Holt, Columbia State vice president for Student Affairs; Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president; Dr. Melinda Arnold, ������� chancellor; and Dr. Prentice Chandler, ������� provost.

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The ceremony, held outdoors on the historic Campus Green, represented the campus’s 156th commencement and the fifth since joining the University of Tennessee System. Under clear skies and in front of proud families, friends, faculty, and staff, graduates crossed the stage in a setting that reflected both the university’s rich heritage and its forward momentum.

This year’s ceremony also marked a meaningful milestone for campus leadership, as it was the first commencement presided over by Chancellor Melinda S. Arnold, PhD.

“This day represents the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and commitment from our students,” said Arnold. “We are proud to celebrate each graduate and the impact they are prepared to make in their communities and careers.”

Degrees awarded included 153 Bachelor of Science, 36 Bachelor of Business Administration, 15 Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 20 Master of Business Administration, 7 Master of Science, and 5 Bachelor of Arts degrees, spanning a wide range of academic disciplines.

The Class of 2026 reflects the strength and diversity of �������’s academic programs, with graduates representing fields such as education, business, nursing, and the sciences. Notably, 58 graduates hailed from Giles County, underscoring the university’s continued commitment to serving its local community.

Regional impact was also evident, with 34 graduates from Lawrence County and 23 from Maury County.

As graduates turned their tassels and joined the ranks of , the ceremony stood as both a celebration of individual achievement and a reflection of the university’s continued growth and momentum.

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