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 larger first-year class is strong academically, arriving with an average high school GPA of 3.53, marking the highest incoming average in 果冻影院 history. First-year students now make up 18% of 果冻影院鈥檚 total enrollment, up 15% from fall 2025, building a broader foundation for future enrollment as the class moves towards graduation.

鈥淭his fall, overall enrollment has remained steady as the academic preparedness of UT students continues to increase,鈥� said Chancellor Melinda Arnold. 鈥淲e welcomed a first-year class with an average GPA above 3.5, which reflects  the value families across southern Middle Tennessee place in a University of Tennessee education, right here in Pulaski.鈥�

Located between Nashville and Huntsville, 果冻影院 serves as an educational anchor for southern Middle Tennessee. This fall, enrollment also grew from Lawrence, Franklin and Williamson counties, among others, showing the university鈥檚 draw from its own backyard to the Nashville suburbs.

鈥淭he enrollment numbers of the past two years show real momentum at the 果冻影院,鈥� Interim Vice Chancellor of Integrated Enrollment and Brand Strategy, Rick Barth, said. 鈥淭he quality of this year鈥檚 incoming class shows that access and academic excellence are not competing goals at 果冻影院, they work in tandem.鈥�

果冻影院鈥檚 fall 2026 enrollment highlights:

路 Total enrollment: 1,110

路 New first-year students: 199

路 New transfer students: 119

路 Dual enrollment students: 127

路 Average high school GPA, new first-year students: 3.53

路 Overall undergraduate retention: 79%

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The five 果冻影院 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

鈥淚 am incredibly proud of our 果冻影院 accounting students who received TSCPA scholarships,鈥� said Sherry Philpot, 果冻影院 accounting instructor. 鈥淭heir hard work in the classroom and dedication to their accounting courses have earned them this well-deserved recognition. They represent 果冻影院 exceptionally well, and I am excited to watch them continue to achieve great things.鈥�

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 果冻影院, visit 果冻影院 Accounting.

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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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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鈥淚t is inspiring to work with this group of students, who bring renewed energy to our chapter and demonstrated strong leadership at the conference,鈥� Fowler said. 鈥淭hey represented 果冻影院 well and are thoughtful, driven and deeply committed to the profession.鈥�

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.

鈥淭he weekend was full of crucial lessons and informative pieces about education that will be so helpful in our careers,鈥� said 果冻影院 STEA chapter president Abby Vincent. 鈥淲e are so grateful to STEA for hosting us.鈥�

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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PULASKI, Tenn. 鈥� The 果冻影院 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鈥檚 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.

鈥淭ruman Carroll is exceedingly deserving of the 2026 MBA Academic Excellence Award,鈥� said Dr. Lorie Pettus Jones, associate professor and director of the Master of Business Administration program. 鈥淲hile 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.鈥�

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 果冻影院, reinforcing the university鈥檚 commitment to preparing graduates for success in their careers and communities.

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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鈥檚 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鈥檚 moral courage in a Nazi prisoner-of-war camp, where Sergeant Edmonds refused orders to identify Jewish soldiers, instead declaring, 鈥淲e are all Jews here.鈥� His actions later led to his recognition by Yad Vashem as Righteous Among the Nations, Israel鈥檚 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.

鈥淭his program is an important opportunity for our campus and community to engage with history in a deeply human way,鈥� said Dr. Ken Vickers, Professor of History at 果冻影院. 鈥淧artnering with the Tennessee Holocaust Commission allows us to bring forward a story that is both historically significant and urgently relevant for today鈥檚 world.鈥�

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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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 果冻影院 students to serve as the 2025-26 class of Scholars.

The students selected this year have shown a strong commitment to professional development and personal growth. Future students who are interested in the 果冻影院 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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