The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has named Tennessee Sen. Bo Watson (’83) as the recipient of its 2025 Outstanding Service Award, recognizing a lifetime of commitment to public service, healthcare, and education advocacy.
A longtime advocate for education, healthcare, and public service, Watson has represented Tennessee’s 11th Senate District since 2006, serving as Speaker Pro Tempore from 2011 to 2016 and currently as chairman of the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee. He was first elected to the Tennessee General Assembly in 2004 after a 20-year career as a practicing physical therapist. Today, he continues in that field as director of sports medicine and therapy services at HCA Parkridge Medical Center in Chattanooga.
Watson’s connection to UTC runs deep. He grew up attending football games at Chamberlain Field and watching his sisters cheer on the sidelines. After graduating magna cum laude in 1983 with a degree in biology, he went on to earn a second bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from the UT Health Sciences Center. Over the years, Watson has remained an engaged alumnus, giving generously of his time to the UT Alumni Legislative Advocacy Council and other campus causes.
“People often think that all the University is looking for is a financial commitment, when the most valuable treasure that any of us has is our time,” Watson said. “My DNA is invested in this school.”
With deep roots in both healthcare and higher education, Sen. Watson embodies the spirit of lifelong service and advocacy. UTC is proud to honor his legacy with the 2025 Outstanding Service Award.
Meet the Award Winners of 2025
Hear from our award winners about their experiences at UTC and what makes it so special.
Distinguished Alumni Award: Hiren Desai (’91)
The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest annual commendation presented to an alumnus/a. This award recognizes alumnus/a who demonstrate extraordinary service to their alma mater, their field and their community. The award recipients embody our institutional vision, mission and core values. Award recognizes alumnus/a who demonstrates extraordinary service to their alma mater, their field and their community. The award recipients embody our institutional vision, mission and core values.
GOLD Excellence Award: Hallie DeHart (’18)
The GOLD Excellence Award award recognizes alumnus/a who demonstrate extraordinary service to their alma mater, their field and their community. The award recipients embody our institutional vision, mission and core values.
Past Award Winners
See a list of our past award winners.
Distinguished Alumni Award Outstanding Service Award GOLD Excellence Award