The 2026 alumni award recipients represent the very best of the UTC community. From industry leadership and healthcare innovation to philanthropic investment and dedicated service, these honorees have made a lasting impact on their professions, their communities and the University.
Learn more about each honoree and how they’re making a difference in their communities and beyond.
Gary W. Rollins (’67) – Distinguished Alumni Award
Gary W. Rollins (’67)
Gary W. Rollins, a 1967 UTC graduate, has spent more than five decades helping build Rollins Inc. into one of the world’s leading consumer services companies, serving as chief executive officer from 2001 to 2022 and now as executive chairman emeritus. Under his leadership, the company experienced significant growth while expanding its global footprint. His business accomplishments have earned numerous honors, including being named one of Atlanta’s Most Admired CEOs and receiving the prestigious Crown Leadership Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the pest control industry.
His commitment to giving back has been equally transformative. Alongside his wife, Kathleen, Rollins established the Gary W. Rollins College of Business through a historic $40 million gift in 2018 and followed with a $30 million investment to expand Fletcher Hall, creating opportunities that will benefit UTC students for generations.
“Success is most meaningful when it creates opportunities for others. UTC helped shape my journey and has helped me create those opportunities for the business leaders of the future.”
Movita Steiner
Movita Steiner’s philanthropy and steadfast support have made a lasting impact across the University of Tennessee system and particularly at UTC. A longtime Chattanooga business and community leader, she and her late husband Jack Steiner have significantly invested in the University through support of scholarships, athletics, academic programs and student opportunities.
Among her many contributions are a transformational gift supporting a future Women’s Athletics Complex, the establishment of endowed scholarships for students and sustained annual support that enhances the student-athlete experience. Her generosity, volunteer spirit and unwavering belief in students continue to strengthen UTC and create opportunities that extend far beyond campus.
I’m honored by this recognition, but the real reward has always been seeing students thrive and creating opportunities that change lives.
Movita Steiner
2026 Outstanding Service Award Recipient
Alexis Bennett (’16)
Alexis Bennett, DPT, a 2016 graduate of UTC’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, quickly established herself as a leader in healthcare, education and alumni engagement. She serves as physical therapy manager at Erlanger, where she leads clinical teams while helping develop the region’s first advanced acute care physical therapy residency program. Her expertise in neurological rehabilitation and brain injury care has distinguished her as a respected clinician and educator.
Bennett remains deeply connected to her alma mater as president of the UTC Physical Therapy Alumni Board, a member of the UTC Alumni Board of Directors and an adjunct faculty member in UTC’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
“UTC gave me the foundation to build a career I love. Returning to mentor students and serve the university is my way of investing in those who will care for the next generation.”