More than 20 years apart, mother and daughter, Tonya and Shayne, discovered the same thing at UTC: a place to grow, connect and call home.
Some families pass down recipes, heirlooms or holiday traditions. For this family, part of their legacy is UTC.
More than 20 years apart, mother and daughter Tonya Cobb and Shayne Hanner arrived at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for many of the same reasons. Both came from Nashville. Both chose to study psychology. Both were looking for a place that offered independence, opportunity and community.
Today, Shayne is a senior majoring in psychology with a minor in marketing, following a path that connects her not only to her mother’s experience but to a larger family history at UTC.
What first drew her to Chattanooga sounds remarkably familiar to anyone who has heard Tonya describe her own college decision.
“What initially drew me to UTC was its ideal location. Being from Nashville, Chattanooga felt like the perfect sweet spot. It was close enough to visit home, but far enough to gain independence,” said Shayne.
More than two decades earlier, Tonya felt the same pull.
“UTC was exactly what I needed at that stage of my life,” she said. “The campus was the perfect size, not too big and not too small, which made it easy to feel comfortable while away from home. As someone from Nashville, Chattanooga was just far enough away to give me a sense of independence while still being close enough to visit family.”
Tonya attended UTC from 1999 to 2003, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in social welfare. While their academic paths overlap, their involvement on campus took different forms.
Different Paths, Shared Purpose
For Tonya, cheerleading defined much of her college experience.
“Cheerleading was the biggest part of my college experience, and it’s something I still look back on with a smile.”
Years later, Shayne has built her own community through leadership and service. She serves as a Campus Ambassador and Orientation Leader, is vice president of InterVarsity/Urban Initiative, president-elect of Ministry.org, a member of Psi Chi and volunteers both through SHINE and Momentum.
Of all her experiences, helping students connect with UTC has been the most meaningful.
“Interacting with current and prospective students through my Campus Ambassador role and student led organizations has been the most meaningful part of my UTC experience this far. Being in these roles gives me the ability to positively impact and motivate other students to increase their involvement, community, and growth here on campus.”
Although their experiences look different, both women found the same thing at UTC: a place where they belonged.
A Decision Influenced By Legacy
That sense of belonging is part of what led Shayne to consider her mother’s alma mater. As college decisions approached, Tonya found herself talking more about her time as a student.
“I truly believed it would be a great fit for her, so I couldn’t help but sing its praises.”
Those conversations left an impression.
“When I started seriously thinking about college during my junior year, my mom began subtly dropping hints about UTC,” said Shayne. “She would always highlight how the campus is in such a perfect location. Hearing her talk about her own time here, and seeing how much she cherished her college memories, motivated me to put in my application for UTC.”
For Tonya, watching that application become an acceptance letter was a full-circle moment.
“When Shayne applied to UTC and was accepted, I was absolutely thrilled. I tried to play it cool, but inside I couldn’t have been more excited. There was something so special about knowing my daughter would be attending the same university I did, studying psychology just like I did and creating many of the same memories and experiences that shaped my own college years.”
Carrying the Moc Legacy Forward
But Shayne’s connection to UTC extends beyond her mother.
Her cousin, Tyleana Hanner, was inducted into the UTC Athletics Hall of Fame for women’s track and field. Her aunt, Angela Hanner, served as both a resident assistant and director. Her grandfather, Jerry Hanner, helped charter the Eta Beta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi, and her grandmother was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha during her time at UTC.
“My family’s former involvement on campus makes me proud to walk in their footsteps. My goal is to continue contributing to UTC by deepening my involvement, fostering meaningful relationships and being a positive reminder that UTC is truly a place students can call home.”
That history continues to create meaningful moments during Shayne’s time on campus.
“Meeting faculty and staff at UTC who know members of my family is always a really cool feeling,” she said. “Those moments instantly give me a sense of belonging and make this campus feel like home.”
That legacy was recognized when Shayne received the Jimmy Jackson Memorial Scholarship, a scholarship created to support legacy students with family ties to UTC. Available to juniors and seniors, the scholarship has long celebrated students who continue their family’s connection to the University.
“I was incredibly grateful when I found out I received the scholarship. Having my family’s history recognized like that was so nice. It really strengthened my connection to the UTC and was a wonderful reminder that I am blessed to be a third-generation Moc!”
For Tonya, the recognition was meaningful not only as a parent, but also as an alumna.
“When I found out Shayne had been awarded the Jimmy Jackson Memorial Scholarship, I was overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude,” said Tonya. “What an incredible honor, not only because it helps support her education, but because it reflects UTC’s commitment to investing in its students and their future. Knowing she was selected for a scholarship that honors someone’s legacy made the moment even more meaningful.”
As Shayne looks toward graduate school and a future helping children and families as a Licensed Professional Counselor, she continues adding her own chapter to a family story that spans generations of Mocs.
And for Tonya, seeing her daughter find the same sense of community she once found herself has only deepened her connection to UTC.
“Seeing it become such a positive part of her journey, just as it was for mine, has made me even more grateful and proud to be a Moc alum.”
Continuing the Tradition
For years, the Jimmy Jackson Memorial Scholarship has helped honor the legacy connections that make UTC special, supporting upperclassmen who continue their family’s tradition as Mocs.
This year, UTC Alumni is expanding that opportunity through the Traditions Across Generations Scholarship. Open to eligible legacy students from their freshman through senior years, the scholarship invests in students throughout their entire UTC journey while celebrating the family connections that span generations.
Learn About Eligibility and Requirements