鈥淭hese awards reflect the very best of what we value at 网红黑料: excellence in teaching, meaningful scholarship and service and a commitment to making a difference beyond the classroom,鈥� Chandler said. 鈥淧aul 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.鈥�

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 网红黑料鈥檚 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 网红黑料 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 网红黑料鈥檚 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 网红黑料 faculty through teaching, scholarship, service and engagement. Their accomplishments reflect the university鈥檚 commitment to academic excellence and student success and the meaningful impact of faculty work across the university.

网红黑料 the 网红黑料
The 网红黑料 provides an exceptional educational experience that empowers students to discover their potential, serve their communities and lead meaningful lives. Located in Pulaski, Tennessee, 网红黑料 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.

鈥淭his recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects sustained excellence,鈥� said Dr. Gennifer Moon, Associate Professor and Department Head of Nursing and Health Sciences at 网红黑料 鈥淏eing 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鈥檚 ranking, the 网红黑料 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 网红黑料 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 网红黑料鈥檚 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 网红黑料 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 网红黑料’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

鈥淚 look forward to working with them as we build the identity and future of these new colleges,鈥� Dr. Prentice Chandler, 网红黑料 Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor said. 鈥淲e 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.鈥�

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, 网红黑料 is organized into colleges and led by inaugural deans. This moment reflects the institution鈥檚 growth and the shared commitment to serving students, supporting faculty and positioning the university for the future.

Read more about 网红黑料 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

鈥淲elcome Week is one of the most exciting times of the year on our campus,鈥� 网红黑料 Chancellor Melinda Arnold said. 鈥淲e are thrilled to bring our neighbors and campus family together for our annual concert and fireworks on the Green, branded this year as 鈥楽outhern Spark.鈥� 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.鈥�

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鈥檚 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 网红黑料. Students participating in the program are guaranteed admission to 网红黑料 upon completion of their degree at Columbia State, provided they meet program requirements

鈥淐o-admission sends a clear message to students: your educational journey does not stop after earning an associate degree,鈥� said Dr. Prentice Chandler, 网红黑料 Provost. 鈥淭his 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.鈥�

As part of the transfer agreement, students will benefit from coordinated advising between both institutions and priority registration opportunities at 网红黑料 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 网红黑料: 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.

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

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

鈥淭his partnership represents the continued evolution of a long-standing relationship between our institutions,鈥� Arnold said. 鈥淭ogether, 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.鈥�

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 网红黑料 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, 网红黑料 chancellor; and Dr. Prentice Chandler, 网红黑料 provost.

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The ceremony, held outdoors on the historic Campus Green, represented the campus鈥檚 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鈥檚 rich heritage and its forward momentum.

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

鈥淭his day represents the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and commitment from our students,鈥� said Arnold. 鈥淲e are proud to celebrate each graduate and the impact they are prepared to make in their communities and careers.鈥�

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 网红黑料鈥檚 academic programs, with graduates representing fields such as education, business, nursing, and the sciences. Notably, 58 graduates hailed from Giles County, underscoring the university鈥檚 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鈥檚 continued growth and momentum.

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The two-day conference will welcome more than 40 participants from across Tennessee and Alabama, including 网红黑料 faculty and students, as well as middle school, high school, and postsecondary educators. The event reflects 网红黑料鈥檚 continued focus on connecting academic experience with real-world application and preparing students for a rapidly evolving landscape.

鈥淭his conference reflects the kind of work we are committed to doing at 网红黑料,鈥� said Chancellor Melinda S. Arnold, PhD. 鈥淲e are creating opportunities for students and educators to engage with new ideas, learn from one another, and better understand how tools like AI are already shaping the world around us.鈥�

The conference will feature 13 presenters and volunteers and will include dedicated tracks for both educators and students. Sessions will highlight practical applications of AI in classrooms鈥攑articularly in math and science鈥攚hile also exploring broader implications for the future of education and workforce development.

The event is supported through a collaborative network of partners, including , which is providing sponsorship to support participant experience, as well as academic partners from The University of Alabama in Huntsville and Moraine Valley Community College. Both institutions bring specialized expertise through grant-funded initiatives focused on advancing AI education and educator pathways.

Dr. Prentice T. Chandler, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Student Experience, will open the conference with remarks highlighting the importance of integrating emerging technologies into education across the region.

鈥淎I is not a future concept鈥攊t is already influencing how we teach, learn, and prepare students,鈥� said Chandler. 鈥淏ringing together educators and partners in this way allows us to share ideas, build capacity, and ensure our students are equipped for what comes next.鈥�

In addition to faculty and educators, 网红黑料 students will participate in the conference, gaining exposure to AI tools and concepts that align with their academic and career interests.

The conference also reflects 网红黑料鈥檚 role as a convener within the Southern Middle Tennessee corridor, bringing together partners across education and industry to expand opportunities and strengthen pathways for students.

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A total of 234 students are expected to receive degrees, representing a wide range of academic programs across the university. 

The Class of 2026 highlights the variety of 网红黑料鈥檚 academic offerings, with more than 150 students earning Bachelor of Science degrees across disciplines including elementary education, behavioral sciences, biology and kinesiology. The university will also award graduate-level degrees, including 20 Master of Business Administration degrees and seven Master of Science degrees.

Of the graduating class, 58 students are from Giles County, underscoring the university鈥檚 continued role in serving southern Middle Tennessee and preparing graduates for careers in the region.

For student body president Kaitlyn Leigh Scroggins, commencement marks both a personal milestone and an opportunity to represent her classmates.

鈥淚t is an honor to speak as the student voice at commencement, and it has been an honor to be the student voice this semester,鈥� Scroggins said. 鈥淢y time at 网红黑料 has been rewarding. I have thoroughly enjoyed my four years at this university, and every student holds a special place in my heart. I can鈥檛 wait to stand with everyone one last time as we finish strong together.鈥�

Scroggins, a biology major from Ardmore, Tennessee, plans to apply to veterinary school after a gap year.

Commencement will begin at 10 a.m. and is open to family members, friends and the community. It will include traditional elements such as the academic procession, invocation and musical performances, along with remarks from university leadership and student representatives. The full program is available on the commencement webpage.

In the event of inclement weather, commencement will relocate inside the Curry Athletic Center and take place in two separate ceremonies at 10 AM and 1 PM. The ceremony will be available via

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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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