Student News Archives - ��ӰԺ

��ӰԺ School of Social Sciences honors student achievement at Awards Day

arose — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:20:06 +0000

PULASKI, Tenn. — The ��ӰԺ School of Social Sciences recognized outstanding student achievement during its annual Awards Day ceremony April 17 in Gault Auditorium. Faculty, staff, students and families came together to celebrate academic excellence and leadership across programs within the School of Social Sciences.

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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��ӰԺ education students attend statewide STEA Spring Conference in Nashville

arose — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:31:02 +0000

PULASKI, Tenn. — Six ��ӰԺ education students represented the university at the Student Tennessee Education Association (STEA) Spring Conference in Nashville, April 10-11, joining peers from across the state for a weekend of professional development and collaboration. Accompanied by Dr. Lisa Fowler, program coordinator of elementary education and assistant professor, the group participated in conference sessions and networking opportunities.

“It is inspiring to work with this group of students, who bring renewed energy to our chapter and demonstrated strong leadership at the conference,” Fowler said. “They represented ��ӰԺ well and are thoughtful, driven and deeply committed to the profession.”

Students gained practical tools and insights to support their transition from teacher candidates to classroom professionals, including strategies for navigating their first year in the classroom, building effective management practices and maintaining balance in a demanding career. The experience also provided opportunities to connect with peers and mentors from across Tennessee. STEA chapters from the University of Tennessee at Martin and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, were also in attendance.

“The weekend was full of crucial lessons and informative pieces about education that will be so helpful in our careers,” said ��ӰԺ STEA chapter president Abby Vincent. “We are so grateful to STEA for hosting us.”

The is a preprofessional organization for aspiring educators and is affiliated with the Tennessee Education Association and the National Education Association. The organization serves more than 45,000 members nationally across more than 1,100 campuses, including more than 2,200 members at 42 campuses across Tennessee.

Photo:
Pictured left to right: Tori Beth Fox, Dr. Lisa Fowler, Chloe Moore, Abby Vincent, Danica Bridgers, Maggie White, and Lillie Newton.

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��ӰԺ honors student achievement at 2026 Awards Day

arose — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 13:39:36 +0000

New members inducted into , the international honor society for students in business, management and administration.

PULASKI, Tenn. — The ��ӰԺ recognized outstanding student achievement on April 6 during its 2026 Awards Day ceremony in the Gault Fine Arts Center Auditorium. Hosted by the D.W. Johnston School of Business, the ceremony brought together students, faculty and staff to celebrate academic excellence, leadership and professional achievement across business disciplines.

Nan Wakefield, chair of the D.W. Johnston School of Business, welcomed attendees and reflected on the impact of student success across the school’s programs. Dr. Prentice Chandler, provost and executive vice chancellor, followed with remarks highlighting the role of academic achievement in preparing students for careers and continued growth.

The ceremony honored students across multiple disciplines, recognizing both academic performance and contributions within their fields of study. In accounting, Stephanie Margaret Hodgson and James Bryce Woodard were each recognized with the D.W. Johnston School of Business Accounting Major Award. Truman Jason Carroll received the Academic Excellence Award for Outstanding Scholarship in Graduate Studies for the MBA program.

“Truman Carroll is exceedingly deserving of the 2026 MBA Academic Excellence Award,” said Dr. Lorie Pettus Jones, associate professor and director of the Master of Business Administration program. “While working full time, he completed his MBA with perfect attendance and a perfect GPA, mentored fellow students and demonstrated a strong commitment to building community within the program.”

Additional honors included the Management Award, presented to Callie G. Garland, and the Sport Management Award, presented to Tyson Lee Ries. The program also featured a presentation from Alpha Chi, the national honor society that recognizes academic excellence across disciplines, led by Dr. Jennifer Aust, program coordinator and associate professor of mathematics.

The ceremony concluded with the induction of new members into Sigma Beta Delta, the international honor society for students in business, management and administration. Membership is reserved for students in the top 20 percent of their class who have completed at least half of their degree program and demonstrated strong academic performance and character. The annual Awards Day serves as an opportunity to recognize student achievement and highlight the impact of academic programs at ��ӰԺ, reinforcing the university’s commitment to preparing graduates for success in their careers and communities.

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��ӰԺ and Tennessee Holocaust Commission to Host Evening with Pastor Chris Edmonds

arose — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 23:34:42 +0000

Pulaski, Tenn. — The ��ӰԺ, in partnership with the Tennessee Holocaust Commission, will host a special evening with Pastor Chris Edmonds, author, speaker, and son of World War II hero Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds, whose courageous actions saved the lives of hundreds of Jewish soldiers during the Holocaust.

The event will take place February 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the Gault Auditorium and is open to students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Pastor Edmonds is the CEO of Roddie’s Code and author of the award-winning book No Surrender: A Father, a Son, and an Extraordinary Act of Heroism That Continues to Live on Today. His presentation shares the remarkable true story of his father’s moral courage in a Nazi prisoner-of-war camp, where Sergeant Edmonds refused orders to identify Jewish soldiers, instead declaring, “We are all Jews here.” His actions later led to his recognition by Yad Vashem as Righteous Among the Nations, Israel’s highest honor for non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust.

Through storytelling and reflection, Edmonds invites audiences to consider the meaning of courage, faith, and ethical leadership in their own lives. His message resonates across generations, emphasizing that ordinary people are capable of extraordinary acts when guided by conscience and conviction.

“This program is an important opportunity for our campus and community to engage with history in a deeply human way,” said Dr. Ken Vickers, Professor of History at ��ӰԺ. “Partnering with the Tennessee Holocaust Commission allows us to bring forward a story that is both historically significant and urgently relevant for today’s world.”

The event is co-produced with the , whose mission is to educate Tennesseans about the Holocaust and its enduring lessons, promote remembrance, and confront hatred and antisemitism through education.

Admission is free and open to the public.

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Twelve Students Named in 2025-26 Cohort of ��ӰԺ Scholars Board

smcbride — Wed, 28 May 2025 14:47:28 +0000

The ��ӰԺ Scholars Board, led in partnership with the , is a one-year commitment for participation in regular monthly meetings and professional development activities.

This Scholars Board is designed to engage selected sophomore-level students in a junior-year training experience to network with one another, engage with resources from across the region, and develop professional skills and financial literacy that will impact the rest of their student and professional experiences. The students will identify their existing strengths and develop new expertise throughout the academic year.

Applications were received and reviewed in the spring of 2025, which led to the selection of 12 ��ӰԺ students to serve as the 2025-26 class of Scholars.

Lauryn Amonette

History Major

“Thank you for this opportunity. I am excited to see what I can learn with the Scholars Board!”

Angelo Bidart

Criminal Justice Major

“I am very excited to learn how to be a more professional person and begin networking with other individuals that want to better themselves.”

Leslie Bingham

Criminal Justice Major,
Homeland Security Minor

“I am grateful to join the Scholars Board and excited to share ideas with such talented people. With this, I am also looking forward to working together and making a real impact.”

Gracie Braden

Human Performance & Physical Science Major

“I’m excited to be part of the Scholars Board and to engage with a community of passionate, forward-thinking individuals. I look forward to contributing meaningfully while learning from diverse perspectives and expanding my impact through shared initiatives.”

Danica Bridgers

Elementary Education Major

“I’m excited to be a part of the Scholars Board because it offers a unique opportunity to grow professionally, connect with peers and leaders, and build lifelong skills in leadership and financial literacy. I hope to gain a deeper understanding of my own strengths, expand my network, and develop practical tools that will support my academic and future career goals.”

Ashley Cope

Criminal Justice & Psychology Double Major

“I am very excited to be a part of the Scholars Board so that I can expand my network of professional connections and communicate with other like-minded students.”

George Grice

Sports Management Major,
Business Management Minor

“I am so grateful and excited to be on the ��ӰԺ Scholars board as it will help me gain new experiences by meeting new people from different backgrounds. I am also excited to being in all sorts of environments that can help me for my future at the ��ӰԺ and my future career.”

Carson Land

English Literature & Psychology Double Major

“I’m excited to be on the Scholars Board to learn about managing finances and creating connections with other people in different fields!”

Celia Powell

General Biology Major

“What excites me most about being on the Scholars Board is the chance to develop new skills in leadership, career development, and financial literacy. I am eager to gain insights that I can apply to my future career and personal life, empowering me to make informed decisions and grow both professionally and financially.”

Brynna Stubblefield

Business Management Major

“I’m honored to be selected for the Bank of Frankewing Scholars Board and excited for the opportunity to gain insight into the banking industry. I’m looking forward to building meaningful connections, expanding my knowledge, and learning from professionals in the field. I believe this experience will be a steppingstone in developing my leadership skills, understanding the role of community banking, and contributing to a network of like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact.”

Sergio Torrero Moreno

Business Management Major,
Sports Management Minor

“I am very excited to be in the scholars board program because it is an opportunity to learn and to help me in my future career.”

Santiago Valencia

Business Major

“I’m really excited to be part of this group because I see it as a chance to grow both personally and professionally. I’m looking forward to meeting new people, learning from different perspectives, and developing skills that will help me in my future career and life.”

The students selected this year have shown a strong commitment to professional development and personal growth. Future students who are interested in the ��ӰԺ Scholars Board should visit this site or contact Dr. Stephen McBride. Further information about the application process for 2026-27 will be announced during the Spring 2026 semester.

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Commencement Moved Indoors – Two Ceremonies Scheduled

Digit — Sat, 03 May 2025 11:03:27 +0000

Firehawk Community:

Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, the ��ӰԺ will move its 2025 Commencement indoors to ensure the safety and comfort of our graduates, their families, invited guests, and event participants.

Two ceremonies will be held today, Saturday, May 3, in the Curry Athletic Center:

10:00 AM��– Schools Arts & Humanities and Business
1:00 PM��– Schools of Education; Mathematics & Science; Nursing and Health Sciences; and Social Science

All graduates should arrive 45 minutes before their ceremony. Please remember to bring admission tickets for each guest

We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we make this adjustment in the spirit of celebration and safety. We look forward to honoring the remarkable accomplishments of the Class of 2025.

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Save the Date: ��ӰԺ Chancellor Finalists to Participate in Public Forums

Digit — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 16:19:08 +0000

Finalists have been selected in the search for the next chancellor of the ��ӰԺ. The finalists are scheduled to visit Pulaski the week of April 21 to meet with faculty, staff, students, and key community leaders. They will also participate in campus public forum sessions.

Candidate #1

Campus-wide Public Forum – open to anyone in the community
April 22 – 3 – 4 p.m. CT
Open Faculty Session – open to all faculty
April 23 – 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. CT
Open Staff Session – open to all staff
April 23 – 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT

Candidate #2

Campus-wide Public Forum – open to anyone in the community
April 23 – 3 – 4 p.m. CT
Open Faculty Session – open to all faculty
April 24 – 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. CT
Open Staff Session – open to all staff
April 24 – 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT

Candidate #3

Campus-wide Public Forum – open to anyone in the community
April 24 – 3 – 4 p.m. CT
Open Faculty Session – open to all faculty
April 25 – 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. CT
Open Staff Session – open to all staff
April 25 – 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT

All sessions will be held in the Gault Fine Arts Recital Hall on the ��ӰԺ 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 .

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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Women’s History Through Storytelling: A Celebration of Voices, Music and Literature

Digit — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 21:06:18 +0000

Join us on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Gault Recital Hall in the Gault Fine Arts Center for Women’s History through Storytelling: An Interdisciplinary Event, a special celebration of Women’s History Month at the ��ӰԺ.

This inspiring afternoon will explore the power of storytelling through the lenses of History, Music, and English. The event will begin with a lecture by Dr. Melissa Ryckman, who will provide insight into the origins of Women’s History Month and the importance of storytelling in shaping women’s historical narratives. The program will continue with a musical recital by Dr. Peter Douglas and guest artist Dr. Ísis Jarnicki de Carvalho, highlighting the works of women composers. Finally, Dr. Jessica Conrad and her Women’s Literature students will share reflections on the impact of studying women’s literature both in Pulaski and abroad, offering perspectives from both sides of the classroom.

This event is free and open to the public, made possible by the generous support of the Michael Williams Storytelling Endowment and Music Enrichment Fund. Attendees will receive a special commemorative ��ӰԺ tote bag, filled with keepsakes that celebrate the spirit of Women’s History Month. Refreshments will be available throughout the event, providing an opportunity to engage with presenters and fellow attendees.

We invite you to be part of this afternoon of inspiration, celebrating the voices, stories, and contributions of women across disciplines.

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��ӰԺ’s FIRE Week Ignites Record-Breaking Support

Digit — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 17:42:20 +0000

��ӰԺ’s second annual FIRE Week proved to be a remarkable success, uniting Firehawks from across the globe to support the university’s mission. This week-long celebration of giving and school spirit exceeded expectations, nearly doubling the initial goal of 500 donors, reflecting an incredible level of engagement both on and off campus.

FIRE Week by the Numbers:

1,000+ total gifts contributed
50+ funds supported across campus
$67,000+ raised
$3,000 match fulfilled for Academic programs
60+ gifts from outside the U.S., showcasing global Firehawk pride

FIRE Week’s overwhelming support underscores the strength and commitment of the ��ӰԺ community. Students, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters came together with a shared purpose—to invest in ��ӰԺ’s future. This collective generosity directly impacts student scholarships, academic programs, and athletics, strengthening our ability to provide an exceptional student experience at a destination campus dedicated to educational excellence.

Every gift made during FIRE Week fuels opportunities for students to learn, grow, and thrive. By supporting key university initiatives, donors are helping ��ӰԺ fulfill its students-first mission—empowering learners with the resources, mentorship, and experiences they need to succeed.

��ӰԺ extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who participated in FIRE Week. Your generosity and dedication help shape the future of our students and our university. Thank You for Fueling the Future! For more information on ways to support ��ӰԺ contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@utsouthern.edu.

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Alex Kor Keynote Address and Book Signing Recap

Digit — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 14:40:00 +0000

On Sunday, February 9, the ��ӰԺ hosted Dr. Alex Kor for his presentation, “My Holocaust Legacy: A Blessing, Not a Burden.” Despite competing with the Super Bowl, a strong audience gathered to hear his powerful story, convened by Dr. Ken Vickers–professor of history and Chair of the School of Social Sciences.

Dr. Kor, author of A Blessing, Not a Burden, shared the harrowing experiences of his parents, Rachmiel “Mickey” Kor and Eva Mozes Kor, both Holocaust survivors. His father endured four years in Nazi labor camps, including Buchenwald, while his mother survived roughly a year at Auschwitz. Alongside her twin sister, Miriam, she was subjected to experiments by Dr. Joseph Mengele, the infamous “Angel of Death.” Beginning in the 1970s, Eva became a dedicated educator on the Holocaust, founding CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Terre Haute, Indiana, to share survivor stories and promote education.

Dr. Kor’s visit was made possible through the generosity and assistance of Alison Vick and Ken Gluck of the Tennessee Holocaust Commission. ��ӰԺ looks forward to partnering with the Commission for future presentations, which will be open to the public.

The evening concluded with a book signing, where attendees had the opportunity to connect with Dr. Kor and reflect on the enduring impact of his parents’ legacy. ��ӰԺ was honored to host such an important and inspiring conversation.

For more information, visit and the .

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Student News Archives - ����ӰԺ

����ӰԺ School of Social Sciences honors student achievement at Awards Day

����ӰԺ education students attend statewide STEA Spring Conference in Nashville

����ӰԺ honors student achievement at 2026 Awards Day

����ӰԺ and Tennessee Holocaust Commission to Host Evening with Pastor Chris Edmonds

Twelve Students Named in 2025-26 Cohort of ����ӰԺ Scholars Board