Chancellor's Blue Ribbon Award

Ruby Jordan, Senior Custodian with Facilities, Planning & Management, was recognized for the impact of her efforts by her colleague, Tracy Hughes in the Mathematics Department. Ms. Hughes indicated that Ms. Jordan is a shining star on UTC’s campus: “She takes pride in her work and always goes the extra mile to make sure we have everything we need and our spaces are clean.” More than that, however, her “kind and friendly nature” is truly appreciated by those around her, especially when times are tough. We want to thank Ms. Jordan for being a selfless member of the UTC community and to those around her on a daily basis. According to her nomination, she is “a beloved member of [the] Arts and Sciences family.”

Eddrick Brooks, Club Sports Coordinator with Campus Recreation, was recognized for the impact of his efforts by his colleagues Cindy Strine and Crystal Durham, along with many students involved in Club Sports at UTC. Eddrick, or “E” as he is known around Campus Rec, has been a driving force in revitalizing Club Sports programs after the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted sporting events and gatherings in a unique and challenging way. Through his “genuine care and compassion,” he has given new life to clubs by assisting new and existing organizations to recruit members and be able to gather, practice, and play with other UTC students and external clubs. According to the nominations from his peers and students, it is clear that Eddrick keeps students and their experience at UTC at the forefront of his work, and we want to thank him for his service to the UTC and greater Chattanooga communities, especially during trying times, and for being “the heart and soul of UTC’s Club Sports program.”

Emily Rosenquist, Assistant Director for Advocacy and Education in the Center for Women and Gender Equity was nominated by one of her colleagues, Lauren Ouwekerk. Even though she arrived here at a tumultuous time, during the Summer of 2020 with the COVID-19 pandemic underway, Emily has continued to advocate for survivors’ access to services and outreach programs, emphasizing education and safety above all else.  The implementation of the “Don’t Cancel Your Class” program is a primary example of her successes here at UTC, and the educational seminars conducted by Emily and her team emphasize the importance of education surrounding survivor advocacy on campus and in the greater Chattanooga community. She has devoted her valuable time and energy to support survivors, students, and colleagues alike, and we want to thank her for your efforts at UTC.

Angela Foster, University Photographer, was recognized for the impact of her efforts by twenty (20) of her peers, who expressed immense gratitude for her efforts to capture the heart and essence of what makes UTC special. Through all hours of the day and Angela’s consistent attention to detail, she has successfully shown the best parts of campus and life at UTC to the entire Chattanooga community through her tremendous photography. One colleague noted that “UTC is indeed fortunate to have such an employee here, one with an eye for all [the] best that happens here, a heart to care, and the skill to make all of that shine in her photos.” To some, she is “the quiet person on the sidelines with the big camera; to those with whom she works, she is a big-hearted, beautifully curious pleasure.”

Kimberly Thomas, Administrative Assistant for the Departments of Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy, was recognized by thirty-six (36) valued members of the UTC community, including colleagues and students. These individuals clearly expressed that Kim occupies a truly special place in the departments and at UTC. It would be futile to sum up the outpouring of appreciation from those around her, but a few words to describe her dedication, hard work, and excellence include: "A joy," "our superhero," "the glue of this area," "kind and caring," and "truly a phenomenal individual." As a professional, Kim has demonstrated the utmost care and attention in making those students' and peers' lives better each day. Her work ethic and keen awareness have made her departments and the university a better place to be.  

Sandra Cordell, Project & Program Coordinator and Veterans Entrepreneurship Program Director, received a nomination by her colleague, Dr. Frank Butler. Sandra has been deemed as “instrumental” to the success of the Rollins College of Business, most notably in delivering the Veterans Entrepreneurship Program. She has excelled above and beyond “to deliver an incredible and inspirational program” in July 2022. “She pushed through fatigue, chaos, and stress, allowing us to have one of our best weeks yet. With the attention to detail, love, and care Sandy puts into this program,” it is clear that she has moved immeasurable mountains to make the program and department run smoothly, cultivating a terrific environment in which to grow and excel.

Joseph McCauley, Academic Advisor for the College of Arts and Sciences, was recognized for the impact of his efforts by five colleagues: Nicki Norris, Stephanie Wells, Hannah Hartman, Bryan Bulmer, and Gretchen Potts. Many of his coworkers indicated that Joseph never shies away from stepping in when needed, and that he makes a tremendously positive impact on them as well as students and the UTC community. As a leader in the HUB, his peers relayed that he has navigated daily issues and tasks “with flexibility, level-headedness, and kindness.” One said: “He leads with excellence by example and … has made time to check in personally with each of the staff – veteran and new – on a daily basis.”

Ann Laster, Administrative Specialist for the Department of Performing Arts, was nominated by seven fellow employees at UTC: Kevin Ford, Rebecca St. Goar, Lee Harris, Sandy Morris, Anne Swedberg, Alison Allterton, and Jordan Hicks. Ann was recognized for the impact of her efforts over the last few years with the university. “The last three years have been long … and Ann has been an anchor and support throughout.” With no slow days, “Ann is the rock” of Performing Arts. All of Ann’s colleagues indicated that she has handled extraordinarily diverse challenges “without complaint and [is] always pleasant in working with faculty.” 

Latisha “Tish” Hubbard, Associate Director for Student Outreach & Support and Case Manager, received nominations from several of her peers: Keilan Rickard, Amber Dennison, and Kelly Drake. Tish “is highly dedicated to serving students and is often working after hours to meet with them.” Tish’s coworkers all agree that she is an “excellent colleague who embodies the values of UTC.”

Leslie Ellis, Senior Custodian, was nominated by ten of his colleagues: Sarah Palmer, Nathan Barger, Ashley Grillo, Evan Wilson, Ali Kraus-Saravia, Caroline Bass, Anna Bolton, Eric Roux, Brenda Paider, and Brittney Wilson. According to his coworkers, Leslie “goes the extra mile to make sure that we are always taken care of, and he does an incredible job of keeping all of Mackenzie Arena clean.” Leslie always comes in “with a smile on his face.” With nominations in the double-digits, it is clear that Leslie’s contributions to UTC have made an exceptional impact on the UTC community.

Bill Floyd, Resident Space Educator at the Challenger Center, was nominated by Laurie Allen who said "Bill's passion is space education. He spends countless hours developing content and ensuring all PreK-12 and university students participating in Challenger programming have a meaningful experience. He takes pride in his work and being a part of the Challenger team fulfills his dream." Laurie also shared that "It's important to him that everyone who walks in our building has a positive experience."

Nora Ketron, Administrative Specialist in the Library, was nominated by several of her coworkers: Emily Thompson, Laura Perryman, and Ryan Jones. Ryan Jones shared, "she continually went the extra mile," and Laura Perryman stated that while Nora had taken on additional duties of support, "she has graciously accepted" them. Emily Thompson stated, "Nora not only improves the working environment in the Library, but she is incredibly good at her job. Since she came on, all of the tiny but crucial details are just done without asking."

John Johnson, Parking Assistant in Parking Services, was nominated by David Seidel who shared that "John has gone above-and-beyond in being an ambassador of UTC to the visitors and new students parking in his assigned area. John provides directions, compliments UTC, and provides helpful insights to visitors and new students. We have received multiple compliments from new students, parents, and visitors about John. We believe that he should be recognized for his hard work campus-wide."

Jason Harville, Assistant Director of the Student Success Programs, was nominated by Crystal Edenfield.  Crystal tells us "Not a day goes by when I don't see Jason making meaningful connections with students - he is a resource, a support system and an advocate.  He is passionate about UTC and always willing to help anyone at any time." 

Chris Beavers, Accounting Specialist II - Travel & Accounts Payable in the Accounting Services department, was nominated by Faith Garner.  Faith tells us in her nomination, "Chris is always very helpful when I call, but what sets him apart is his attitude. He never becomes impatient or annoyed with my questions…he is a lifeline for me and many admins at UTC. He is courteous and very helpful when I call, even when I am the cause of the problem!"

Hannah Turcotte, Coordinator for Student and Family Engagement, was nominated by both Elana-Grace Anderson & Laura Cagle who tell us "Hannah is an encourager, a hard worker, a team player and a dedicated servant leader. Settling for mediocrity is not an option for Hannah...She takes pride in the services & programs that her office and the University as a whole offers to students."

Amber Dennison, Senior Counselor in the Counseling Center, was nominated by 5 different individuals who tell us "Amber is a tireless champion of students' mental health. She routinely carries a larger caseload than the rest of her colleagues, yet she consistently goes above and beyond to provide students with the highest quality care."

Christy Waldrep, Administrative Support Assistant in the College of Engineering & Computer Science, was nominated by 6 different individuals, who tell us “Christy has a dedication and commitment that I have not seen in many years. She is unparalleled in her role…and her work with CECS exceeds all expectations. For 5 months, she acted as both the Dean’s admin and the Chief of Staff graciously and to perfection.”

Sarah Canatsey, Instructional Developer in the Rollins College of Business, was nominated by Lisa Burke-Smalley. In her nomination letter, Lisa tells us, “During the past 2 years, Sarah has uncovered innovative teaching technologies, methodologies and Canvas tips/tools that help faculty get up to speed quickly and ultimately better serve our students. She has very creative ideas and work-arounds when problems seem insurmountable in the ‘heat of the stressful moment’ which is so appreciated.”

Sharon Hardy, Lab Specialist in the Chemistry & Physics departments, was nominated by 4 different individuals who told us, “Sharon is a vital member of the Dept of Chemistry & Physics. She is a personable, approachable colleague who is willing to assist at any time. She is supportive & nurturing to our students, encouraging them to continue when they struggle with difficult courses. She will be missed by all in the department when she retires next month.”

Maurice Dorsey, Assistant Director and Coordinator of Student Organization Events & Operations of the University Center, was nominated by Aaron Grisham.  Aaron tells us that “Maurice shows a level of care to the student employees in the UC that lets them know that while he is their supervisor, he is also there to help in any way that he can. Over the years, Maurice has assisted many of the UC student staff with a wide variety of non-work related issues & questions. He is a valuable member of the UC staff and the students enjoy having him as a supervisor.”

Sherese Williams, Assistant Director in the Honors College, was nominated by Linda Frost. In her nomination letter, Dean Linda Frost tells us “Although Sherese is not a faculty member, she acts like one, undertaking research & publication, actively growing her knowledge and sitting on far more university-wide committees than most.  She has helped to transform our college and university for good.”

Chris Stokes, Assistant Director of Multicultural Affairs, was nominated by Lauren Ouwerkerk and Emily Rosenquist who told us, “Chris walks into the Multicultural Center each and every day to work towards changing the lives of the students he serves. He shows up each day and does not leave until the work that needs to be completed is done. He showcases an exemplary “Student’s First” mentality for all students on campus.”

Nathan Barger, Director of Sports Medicine, Athletics, was nominated by 7 individuals who all recognized the impact of his efforts. “Nathan has worked tirelessly to maintain the health and wellness of the athletes on campus. He has been instrumental in helping to keep the infection rate of these students to a minimum.”

Danielle Kriener, Writing and Communication Center Specialist, Library, was nominated by Beth Leahy and Ethan Carver.  In their nomination letters, they tell us “Danielle was instrumental in helping the Writing Center move our service online…she has demonstrated flexibility & enthusiasm, and is always willing to do more to ensure we are helping as many students as possible.”

Brett Fuchs, Associate Dean of Students, Director of Student Conduct, Director of Student Outreach & Support and Deputy Title IX Coordinator was nominated by Dawn Ford.  In her nomination letter, Dawn Ford recognized Brett Fuchs, stating, “Brett has an unwavering dedication to the university and worked many weeks in excess of 100 hours to make sure the job got done. He has made many sacrifices by working holidays, weekends, early mornings and late nights…all without additional compensation”