News
Jackson Hurst: From the Mat to Medical School
Balancing pre-med coursework and Division I athletics isn’t easy. But for Jackson Hurst, that challenge became the foundation for a future in medicine. Originally from Hobart, Indiana, but raised in Kingsport, Tennessee, Jackson found the perfect blend of grit and opportunity at UTC. He majored in pre-professional biology with a psychology minor and spent four …
Kennedy Anderson: Creating Community and Choosing Compassion
Kennedy Anderson took a leap of faith when she enrolled at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She’d never visited campus, never taken a tour. But she packed up and moved from Memphis to Chattanooga, guided by instinct and quickly found a place that felt like home. “I chose UTC blindly,” she said. “And once …
Leading the Way
Every graduating class brings a unique blend of stories and ambition, and the Class of 2025 is no different. From a future doctor to an aspiring social worker, these graduates aren’t just crossing the stage — they’re stepping into what’s next with purpose and drive.
Building, Closing and Beginning Again: Cindy Monroe (’98) Shares Commencement Wisdom
“Your obstacles are not roadblocks; they are opportunities.” Cindy Monroe gave this advice at the spring 2025 University of Tennessee at Chattanooga undergraduate commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 3, where 1,257 graduates embarked on their newest adventure—being a college graduate. Monroe, a 1998 marketing graduate of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business and a …
From the Court to the C-Suite – Rhonda Hatfield (’96, ’00)
Before Dr. Rhonda Hatfield (’96, ’00) led teams of nurses across multi-state healthcare systems, she was splitting her time between Franklin County High School basketball games and life on her family’s 125-acre farm in Belvidere, Tennessee. “We were either on the road playing sports or feeding cows,” she laughs. “It was a surreal teenage life …
By the Book – Herbert ‘Book’ McCray (’83)
Herbert ‘Book’ McCray (‘83) made his mark on the basketball court, helping lead the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to the NCAA Men’s Division II basketball national championship in 1977. But his greatest legacy goes far beyond the game. What started with a basketball scholarship became a lifelong mission to uplift and empower the next …
Leading with Purpose
From a young age, Lessie Lyttle (‘93) understood the power of perseverance. Whether competing in sports, serving as a combat medic or leading healthcare transformations, she built a life around leadership, service and determination. Growing up in Chattanooga, Lessie found guidance and encouragement at Girls Inc., formerly Girls Club. There, under the guidance of University …
From Business to the Big Screen – Gary Miller (’77)
For Gary L. Miller (’77), life has always been about embracing new opportunities and stepping beyond his comfort zone. From businessman to screenwriter, author, songwriter and actor, Gary’s multifaceted career reflects his passion for living fully and fearlessly. “As a Christian, I’m not afraid of dying, but I am afraid of not living,” Gary said. …
Paying It Forward – Larvizo Wright (’06)
Larvizo Wright (‘06) with his wife, Brinkley, daughter Layla, and son Logan. From a 14-year-old with a dream of becoming a Certified Public Accountant to a corporate leader at a Fortune 500 company, Larvizo Wright (‘06) has charted a path of purpose, gratitude and generosity. Today, as Chief of Staff to the CEO at Unum …