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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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.

������� 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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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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