Celebrating the five-year anniversary of becoming 果冻影院, Homecoming 2026 allows the institution to reflect on the 156-year history of campus and generations of students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members who have shaped the legacy.  

This year鈥檚 Vintage Varsity theme celebrates the enduring traditions, stories and school spirit that connect generations of Firehawks. Homecoming week will feature a variety of events and activities throughout campus, including competitions, a talent show, carnival, alumni recognition dinner, volleyball game, and alumni and family picnic.

Events include:

• All Week: Flame鈥檚 Flashback Finds (students only), campus wide
  • Students can participate in a scavenger hunt featuring vintage-themed finds and campus traditions.
• Oct. 19: Campus Banner Competition Kick-Off (students, faculty and staff only), 9 a.m., campus wide
  • Students will compete in a campus banner competition throughout Homecoming week.
• Oct. 21: Day of Giving, all day, Campus Green
  • The annual giving event will support the people, programs and places that make 果冻影院 special. Community members, businesses and alumni can show their support by making a gift.
• Oct. 21: Southern Spotlight Talent Show, 6 p.m., Martin Hall
  • Students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to enjoy a night of 果冻影院 talent.
• Oct. 22: Carnival on the Campus Green, 11 a.m.鈥�2 p.m., Campus Green
  • The event will feature an afternoon of games, music, food and Firehawk spirit at the Carnival on the Campus Green for the 果冻影院 community.
• Oct. 23: Hall of Fame and Distinguished Alumni Dinner, 5 p.m., Mule Barn
  • 果冻影院 will recognize Hall of Fame inductees and Distinguished Alumni for their leadership and service. Purchase a ticket to the dinner .
• Oct. 23: Firehawks Homecoming Volleyball Game, 6 p.m., Curry Athletic Complex
  • During halftime, 果冻影院 will announce the Homecoming Court, campus banner competition winner and winners of the Flame鈥檚 Flashback Finds scavenger hunt. The first 50 students to arrive will receive free Chick-fil-A.
• Oct. 24: Alumni and Family Picnic, 11 a.m.鈥�3 p.m., Campus Green
  • Students, faculty, staff and alumni can gather on the campus green for food trucks, games and friends before cheering on the Firehawks at athletic events like tennis, swimming and volleyball.

鈥淎lumni are an important part of 果冻影院 and its history,鈥� said Chancellor Melinda Arnold. 鈥淲e鈥檙e so excited to welcome our alumni family back to campus for a week full of activities, celebration and recognition.鈥�

“We are very excited about the opportunity to have our alumni reconnect with campus,鈥� said Lydia Smith, MBA, assistant director of alumni engagement. 鈥淗omecoming week will be filled with excitement, and I鈥檓 especially looking forward to our Alumni & Family Picnic! As an alumna myself, I can鈥檛 wait to see many familiar faces and reconnect with fellow Firehawks!”

For more information about Homecoming 2026, contact the 果冻影院 Office of Advancement.

About the 果冻影院

The 果冻影院 provides an exceptional educational experience that empowers students to discover their potential, serve their communities, and lead meaningful lives. Located in Pulaski, Tennessee, 果冻影院 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 award dinner will take place Friday, Oct. 23, at Pulaski Mule Co Event Center (114 E. Jefferson St.). A reception will run from 5-6 p.m., with dinner and awards to follow beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person, with 100% of profits going to 果冻影院鈥檚 alumni programs.

The Distinguished Alumni Award honors alumni who have achieved excellence in their profession, demonstrated outstanding leadership and service, or made a meaningful impact in their communities while exemplifying the values of 果冻影院. 

The Distinguished Alumni Award recipients are:

• Sarah D. Suddarth, 果冻影院 鈥�07
• Stanton Belford, Ph.D., 果冻影院 鈥�00
• Charles D. Haney, Ph.D., 果冻影院 鈥�74, UT Knoxville 鈥�75, UT Health Sciences 鈥�79

Recognized by the 果冻影院 Alumni Board for their extraordinary service to 果冻影院 and the greater Giles County community, three recipients were recognized for the Alumni Service Award.

The Alumni Service Award recipients are:

• Sharon Harwell, 果冻影院 鈥�78
• Brenda Speer, UT Knoxville 鈥�78
• Carol Wade, 果冻影院 鈥�06

鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to welcome these distinguished alumni back to campus and recognize their accomplishments,鈥� said Kyle Hensley, vice chancellor of advancement. 鈥淭hese alumni have had a positive impact on their communities and we are proud to have them as part of the 果冻影院 Alumni family.鈥�

The 2026 果冻影院 Athletic Hall of Fame Class honors an outstanding group of former student–athletes, coaches, teams and national championship teams whose accomplishments helped shape the proud tradition of Martin Methodist and 果冻影院 athletics, elevating the institution鈥檚 tradition of excellence.

The 2026 Hall of Fame Class includes:

• James Justice, men’s basketball, 果冻影院 鈥�12
• 2016 Clay Target team
• Travis Garcia, baseball, 果冻影院 鈥�11
• Karen Hargrove, softball, 果冻影院 鈥�06
• Millene Cabral, women’s soccer, 果冻影院 鈥�19

In addition to the Hall of Fame inductees, 果冻影院 Athletics will honor the memory of former softball student-athlete Sydney Watson, 果冻影院 鈥�19, whose legacy of service, courage and sacrifice continues to inspire the Firehawk family.

“There is a renewed energy across our athletic department right now, and what better way to celebrate our future than by honoring the foundation of our past,鈥� said Brandie Paul, vice chancellor and director of athletics. 鈥淭he return of the Hall of Fame represents a major milestone for 果冻影院. It gives our alumni a reason to come home, gives our fans a chance to celebrate the greats, and shows our current student-athletes the height of what is possible in a Firehawk uniform.”

锘縍egistration deadline for the event is Sep. 30, with more information .

About the 果冻影院

The 果冻影院 provides an exceptional educational experience that empowers students to discover their potential, serve their communities and lead meaningful lives. Located in Pulaski, Tennessee, 果冻影院 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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Throughout the day, students, faculty, staff and community members are encouraged to wear pink, representing Parton鈥檚 signature style and joyful spirit. Photo opportunities, decorations and banners will be displayed聽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鈥�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.鈥�12:30 p.m., Student Life House
  • Accepting cash, check, Venmo or PayPal donation
  • 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.鈥�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.鈥�12:30 p.m. or until sold out, Campus Green
  • Selling chicken sandwiches, chips and more
  • Presale purchases will be available, along with on-site purchases

果冻影院 encourages all campus and community members to gather and celebrate the lasting memory and legacy of Dolly Parton.

About the 果冻影院

The 果冻影院 provides an exceptional educational experience that empowers students to discover their potential, serve their communities and lead meaningful lives. Located in Pulaski, Tennessee, 果冻影院 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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Genesis and Katherine were recognized during a luncheon at 果冻影院 attended by UT System President Randy Boyd, 果冻影院 Provost Prentice Chandler, state Reps. Mark White and Clay Doggett, state Rep.-elect Noah Smith, university leaders and members of the campus community. The cousins will begin classes at 果冻影院 this fall, with Katherine studying nursing and Genesis studying English. Their arrival represents an opportunity not only for the two students but also for the Ember谩 Pur煤 community they call home. Genesis and Katherine will be able to take new resources back to their village, including educational and professional knowledge they have not previously had access to.

鈥淲e thought to ourselves, it would be great if a few talented, smart and determined young people could receive an education they could utilize back in their home village,鈥� Boyd said. 鈥淪o that鈥檚 the hope. We鈥檙e counting on these two young ladies to go back to their village and do just that; provide resources and educate members of their community. Thanks to Genesis and Katherine for being the inspiration.鈥�

White, who first introduced Genesis and Katherine to Boyd during a 2022 visit to Panama, said the students鈥� arrival represents the fulfillment of a vision that began during that visit.

鈥淲e鈥檙e here to celebrate these two young ladies, thanks to Randy Boyd, Krissy DeAlejandro and the Boyd Foundation for making all of this possible,鈥� White said. 鈥淭his opportunity began with a simple belief that education could open a door for these young women and their community. Today, we are seeing that belief become reality.鈥�

The luncheon also provided an opportunity for university leaders and community partners to celebrate those who helped make the students鈥� enrollment possible, including Cup of Cold Water Ministries, which has worked with the Ember谩 Pur煤 community for nearly two decades, building trusted relationships with families while encouraging educational opportunities for young people throughout the community.

鈥淭his opportunity is important to me because I want to be a help in my community and a translator in the future, teaching children and my community,鈥� said Genesis. 鈥淧resident Randy Boyd, I want to thank you for this opportunity. My mother said that you have opened to me a door so now I鈥檓 here, and my purpose is to complete my duty as a student, daughter and member of my community.鈥�

鈥淚 am so happy for this opportunity, and it is so important for me because I want to study nursing,鈥� said Katherine. 鈥淚 would like to be a kind nurse in the future, helping my people and my community. So, President Boyd, thank you for the opportunity you have given us to study at the 果冻影院.鈥�

Genesis and Katherine presented President Boyd with tokens of their appreciation, including a bag of coffee beans and a mug, both curated from their village in Panama. As they begin their studies, Genesis and Katherine will become part of the 果冻影院 community while continuing to carry the experiences, culture and hopes of their home village with them.

Classes for the fall 2026 semester begin Aug. 19.

About the 果冻影院

The 果冻影院 provides an exceptional educational experience that empowers students to discover their potential, serve their communities and lead meaningful lives. Located in Pulaski, Tennessee, 果冻影院 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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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� 果冻影院 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 closure will affect West Madison Street between 4th and 5th Streets. Access to university facilities, parking areas, events, and services will remain available through existing campus entrances. The change primarily affects through traffic that currently travels across campus.

“As our campus continues to evolve, we have a responsibility to create an environment that prioritizes the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors,” said Chancellor Melinda S. Arnold. “This project reflects a thoughtful, long-term investment in the future of 果冻影院 and our commitment to creating a campus that is safe, welcoming, and connected.”

The closure is part of a broader vision to reduce vehicle-pedestrian conflicts in one of the most heavily traveled areas of campus while creating a more walkable and cohesive campus core.

To help inform the decision, 果冻影院 engaged , an engineering and planning firm with a local presence in Pulaski, to conduct an independent traffic study. The study evaluated existing traffic patterns and the potential impacts of closing the roadway and determined that local traffic would not be adversely affected by the closure. Findings from the study were shared with the , including the , as part of the review and planning process.

Throughout the planning effort, the university has worked closely with local government leaders, law enforcement, emergency management officials, and fire and rescue personnel to ensure the transition is coordinated and that emergency access remains available at all times.

“This has been a collaborative effort involving university leadership, community partners, and local officials,” Arnold said. “We are grateful for the support and engagement of our partners as we work together to create a safer environment while maintaining convenient access throughout our community.”

Motorists will be directed to alternate routes through updated signage and wayfinding measures. The university will provide detailed maps, frequently asked questions, and ongoing updates through a dedicated information webpage in advance of the closure.

The project supports several long-term institutional priorities, including improving campus safety, enhancing the student experience, strengthening campus security, and creating infrastructure that supports future growth and development.

Community members, visitors, and campus stakeholders are encouraged to monitor university communications throughout the summer as additional information becomes available.

Additional details, maps, and frequently asked questions are available on the website.

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We remain committed to fostering a campus environment grounded in dignity, respect, and belonging for all members of our community. We do not condone hateful or discriminatory language.

While the content in question did not occur on university property or as part of any official university activity, we recognize the concern and impact such language can have on members of our campus and community.

The university is reviewing the matter through the appropriate institutional processes and in alignment with applicable policies and laws.

We recognize the concern this situation has generated among members of our campus and community and appreciate those who have reached out directly to the university. 果冻影院 remains committed to supporting a campus environment where all members of our community are treated with dignity and respect.

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The 果冻影院 Advisory Board will hold a meeting on July 23, 2026, at 1 p.m. (CDT) in the Reveille House in Pulaski, Tennessee. Agenda topics to include Chancellor’s remarks and updates from the leadership team in respective areas.

For more information, please contact Kyle Hensley, Vice Chancellor for Advancement, at 931-424-2069. 

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The camps are open to middle and high school students and emphasize small-group instruction, interactive learning and direct engagement with faculty. Programs will take place in 果冻影院 classrooms, labs and campus facilities, giving participants a firsthand look at academic programs and a chance to experience university life.

Camp offerings include:

NOVA Entrepreneurship Boot Camp (June 8鈥�11)
High school students will develop business ideas, conduct market research, build branding strategies and present their concepts in a final pitch presentation with guidance from mentors. Cost: Free.

Future Firehawk Nursing Camp (June 15鈥�17 or June 29-July 1)
High school juniors and seniors will train in 果冻影院鈥檚 Nursing Simulation Lab, practice patient care skills, earn CPR certification and visit Southern Tennessee Regional Health System to explore health care careers. Cost: $20.

Project Firehawk: Soar Into STEM (June 15鈥�19)
Students ages 6 to 16 will participate in interactive math and science experiments, collaborative projects and faculty-led activities in the Andrews Science Building. Cost: $175.

Registration information and additional details are available here. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.

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All sessions will be held in the Gault Fine Arts Recital Hall on the 果冻影院 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聽.

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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