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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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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鈥淭hese awards reflect the very best of what we value at 果冻影院: excellence in teaching, meaningful scholarship and service and a commitment to making a difference beyond the classroom,鈥� Chandler said. 鈥淧aul Cockson, Stanton Belford and Claire Paul each represent those values in distinct and important ways. We are proud to recognize their accomplishments and grateful for the impact they continue to have on our students, our university and the communities we serve.鈥�

Three bi-annual awards were presented during the address:

Rising Faculty Award: Paul Cockson, assistant professor of biology

This award recognizes a full-time faculty member, whether tenure-track or non-tenure-track, in the first five years of building a strong record of teaching, scholarship, or creative activity and service, who demonstrates exceptional promise and momentum. Cockson combines student-centered research with experiential learning, including research on Dionaea muscipula (Venus fly traps), giving students opportunities to apply classroom concepts through hands-on scientific research.

External Impact Award: Stanton Belford, associate professor of biology

This award recognizes a full-time faculty member whose work advances 果冻影院鈥檚 external presence through community partnership, public-facing impact and regional or professional engagement. Notably, Belford leads coral reef monitoring and conservation efforts in Trinidad and Tobago that bring together research, education and community outreach while engaging students in efforts to address environmental challenges.

Fred E. Ford Exemplary Educator Award: Claire Paul, assistant professor and special education program coordinator

This award recognizes a 果冻影院 full-time faculty member whose teaching demonstrates sustained excellence, student engagement and meaningful contribution to student learning and success during the academic year. Paul consistently supports 果冻影院鈥檚 Teacher Education and Grow Your Own programs, helping prepare future educators and expand opportunities for students pursuing careers in education.

The recognition of Cockson, Belford and Paul highlights the breadth of contributions made by 果冻影院 faculty through teaching, scholarship, service and engagement. Their accomplishments reflect the university鈥檚 commitment to academic excellence and student success and the meaningful impact of faculty work across the university.

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.

Media Contact
Kyley Wolf, kwolf@utsouthern.edu
931-424-2015 ext. 3078

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is an organization set to promote excellence in nursing by enabling future and current nurses with the education and employment resources they need to succeed. The organization has been a trusted resource for more than 10 years, is proudly featured by the country’s top nursing schools and is dedicated to delivering prospective students the most current and precise information.

鈥淭his recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects sustained excellence,鈥� said Dr. Gennifer Moon, Associate Professor and Department Head of Nursing and Health Sciences at 果冻影院 鈥淏eing named Tennessee’s top nursing program for a second consecutive year demonstrates the consistency of our students’ success, the expertise and commitment of our faculty and our unwavering focus on preparing graduates to provide exceptional patient care. We are proud to see our graduates enter the profession with the knowledge, confidence and compassion to make an immediate impact in communities across the state and beyond.”

Prior to this year鈥檚 ranking, the 果冻影院 BSN program reached a remarkable milestone, recording a 100% first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) for the fifth consecutive year. The NCLEX-RN is the national licensing examination required for graduates to become registered nurses and serves as one of the most important indicators of nursing program quality and student preparedness.

The 果冻影院 Jeanette M. Travis School of Nursing and Health Sciences prepares students to become skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals through academically rigorous, student-centered programs grounded in excellence, leadership and service. The school offers undergraduate degrees in nursing and public health and is committed to developing graduates who are equipped to improve the health and well-being of the communities they serve.

For more information on 果冻影院鈥檚 nursing program, please visit utsouthern.edu.

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Barth brings more than 30 years of experience in enrollment management and admissions leadership at public universities. Most recently, he served as director of undergraduate admissions at Clemson University, where he led undergraduate recruitment and admissions during a period of record application growth. Throughout his career, Barth has developed strategic enrollment initiatives, championed data-informed decision making and built collaborative partnerships that advance student recruitment and success.

“Rick’s depth of experience and proven leadership in enrollment management will be an asset to 果冻影院 as we continue building on our momentum,” Arnold said. “His expertise will help ensure continuity in our enrollment efforts while providing the opportunity to thoughtfully consider the long-term organizational structure that best supports our students and the university’s future.”

Until Barth joins the university on Aug. 24, Arnold will continue serving in the enrollment leadership role to support ongoing recruitment efforts. The UT System Division of Communications and Marketing will also continue providing strategic communications and marketing support during the transition.

Barth’s appointment reflects 果冻影院’s continued commitment to strengthening enrollment strategies and advancing student success through collaborative, data-informed leadership.

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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

鈥淚 look forward to working with them as we build the identity and future of these new colleges,鈥� Dr. Prentice Chandler, 果冻影院 Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor said. 鈥淲e 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.鈥�

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, 果冻影院 is organized into colleges and led by inaugural deans. This moment reflects the institution鈥檚 growth and the shared commitment to serving students, supporting faculty and positioning the university for the future.

Read more about 果冻影院 academics here.

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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 agreements create a more seamless transition for Columbia State students pursuing bachelor鈥檚 degrees while reinforcing a shared commitment to student success, workforce development, and regional collaboration across Southern Middle Tennessee and Northern Alabama.

Through the co-admission partnership, eligible students will receive coordinated advising and degree planning support from both institutions, helping them navigate a clearly defined pathway from associate degree completion to enrollment at 果冻影院. Students participating in the program are guaranteed admission to 果冻影院 upon completion of their degree at Columbia State, provided they meet program requirements

鈥淐o-admission sends a clear message to students: your educational journey does not stop after earning an associate degree,鈥� said Dr. Prentice Chandler, 果冻影院 Provost. 鈥淭his partnership creates a pathway intentionally designed to support student success and help students continue building toward their academic and professional goals. We are proud to strengthen that pathway alongside Columbia State.鈥�

As part of the transfer agreement, students will benefit from coordinated advising between both institutions and priority registration opportunities at 果冻影院 during the semester they graduate from Columbia State.

In addition to the student-focused agreements, the institutions also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand professional development opportunities for employees of both institutions. The partnership includes two educational support opportunities for Columbia State employees pursuing a degree at 果冻影院: the First Flight Scholarship, which provides three free credit hours during the first semester of enrollment, and the University Partnership Scholarship, which provides a 25% tuition discount.

鈥淲e want Columbia State faculty and staff to know that if beginning or completing a degree is part of their personal or professional goals, 果冻影院 is here to support them,鈥� said Melinda S. Arnold, PhD, 果冻影院 Chancellor. 鈥淭his partnership reflects our shared commitment to investing in people, strengthening our region, and creating opportunities that positively impact students, employees, and communities alike.鈥�

The agreements further expand collaboration opportunities between faculty and staff at both institutions while supporting broader workforce and educational needs throughout the region.

鈥淭his partnership represents the continued evolution of a long-standing relationship between our institutions,鈥� Arnold said. 鈥淭ogether, we are building stronger pathways for students, expanding opportunities for continued learning, and reinforcing the important role higher education plays in changing lives and strengthening communities.鈥�

The agreements were developed collaboratively by leaders from both institutions following months of planning and coordination focused on improving student access, transfer experience, and educational opportunity throughout the region.

Columbia State and 果冻影院 leaders pictured (left to right): Dr. Denise Carr, Columbia State vice president for Academic Affairs; Cissy Holt, Columbia State vice president for Student Affairs; Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president; Dr. Melinda Arnold, 果冻影院 chancellor; and Dr. Prentice Chandler, 果冻影院 provost.

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The ceremony, held outdoors on the historic Campus Green, represented the campus鈥檚 156th commencement and the fifth since joining the University of Tennessee System. Under clear skies and in front of proud families, friends, faculty, and staff, graduates crossed the stage in a setting that reflected both the university鈥檚 rich heritage and its forward momentum.

This year鈥檚 ceremony also marked a meaningful milestone for campus leadership, as it was the first commencement presided over by Chancellor Melinda S. Arnold, PhD.

鈥淭his day represents the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and commitment from our students,鈥� said Arnold. 鈥淲e are proud to celebrate each graduate and the impact they are prepared to make in their communities and careers.鈥�

Degrees awarded included 153 Bachelor of Science, 36 Bachelor of Business Administration, 15 Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 20 Master of Business Administration, 7 Master of Science, and 5 Bachelor of Arts degrees, spanning a wide range of academic disciplines.

The Class of 2026 reflects the strength and diversity of 果冻影院鈥檚 academic programs, with graduates representing fields such as education, business, nursing, and the sciences. Notably, 58 graduates hailed from Giles County, underscoring the university鈥檚 continued commitment to serving its local community.

Regional impact was also evident, with 34 graduates from Lawrence County and 23 from Maury County.

As graduates turned their tassels and joined the ranks of , the ceremony stood as both a celebration of individual achievement and a reflection of the university鈥檚 continued growth and momentum.

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The two-day conference will welcome more than 40 participants from across Tennessee and Alabama, including 果冻影院 faculty and students, as well as middle school, high school, and postsecondary educators. The event reflects 果冻影院鈥檚 continued focus on connecting academic experience with real-world application and preparing students for a rapidly evolving landscape.

鈥淭his conference reflects the kind of work we are committed to doing at 果冻影院,鈥� said Chancellor Melinda S. Arnold, PhD. 鈥淲e are creating opportunities for students and educators to engage with new ideas, learn from one another, and better understand how tools like AI are already shaping the world around us.鈥�

The conference will feature 13 presenters and volunteers and will include dedicated tracks for both educators and students. Sessions will highlight practical applications of AI in classrooms鈥攑articularly in math and science鈥攚hile also exploring broader implications for the future of education and workforce development.

The event is supported through a collaborative network of partners, including , which is providing sponsorship to support participant experience, as well as academic partners from The University of Alabama in Huntsville and Moraine Valley Community College. Both institutions bring specialized expertise through grant-funded initiatives focused on advancing AI education and educator pathways.

Dr. Prentice T. Chandler, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Student Experience, will open the conference with remarks highlighting the importance of integrating emerging technologies into education across the region.

鈥淎I is not a future concept鈥攊t is already influencing how we teach, learn, and prepare students,鈥� said Chandler. 鈥淏ringing together educators and partners in this way allows us to share ideas, build capacity, and ensure our students are equipped for what comes next.鈥�

In addition to faculty and educators, 果冻影院 students will participate in the conference, gaining exposure to AI tools and concepts that align with their academic and career interests.

The conference also reflects 果冻影院鈥檚 role as a convener within the Southern Middle Tennessee corridor, bringing together partners across education and industry to expand opportunities and strengthen pathways for students.

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