• Society and Culture in Theory and Practice

    Society and Culture in Theory and Practice

    New Center for Social Theory is a crossroads for interdisciplinary research across social and cultural theory. Faculty and graduate students working in the areas of social and cultural theory now have the support of the new Center for Social Theory, directed by Department of Sociology Professor Harry F. Dahms. The center’s mission is to enhance…

  • Alumni Awarded for Business Success

    Alumni Awarded for Business Success

    Arts and Sciences alumni take high ground on the Rocky Top Business Awards. The Rocky Top Business Awards, presented by the University of Tennessee and PYA Accountants and Advisors, celebrate the fastest-growing businesses owned or led by UT alumni. This year, alumni of the College of Arts and Sciences lead 16 of the 64 companies…

  • Disciplines Connect for Mental Health Advocacy

    Disciplines Connect for Mental Health Advocacy

    Graduate student team in psychology creates connections through interdisciplinary conference. The mental health crisis across the state and the nation will not be solved by a single approach. This guiding principle brought together a multidisciplinary group of faculty, students, and mental health advocates for a groundbreaking conference at UT in the spring 2025 semester. The…

  • History Class Sharing Tennessee River Heritage

    History Class Sharing Tennessee River Heritage

    Students at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, have been researching historic sites along the Tennessee River as part of a long-term project to educate people about the area’s natural and cultural heritage.  The capstone project for students taking a public history course during the spring 2025 semester was part of a partnership with the Tennessee…

  • Sculptor Brown Honored with Cox Professorship

    Sculptor Brown Honored with Cox Professorship

    Sculpture Professor Jason Brown has been named a James R. Cox Professor by the Provost of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The three-year award recognizes faculty members for excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service. “The University of Tennessee is honored to have scholars of your caliber among our faculty, and we look forward to the…

  • Protein-DNA Research Adds Insights for Human Genetics 

    Protein-DNA Research Adds Insights for Human Genetics 

    Research led by a graduate student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, revealed an unexpected molecular mechanism in gene transcription.  The study published in Science Advances with lead author David P. Lohry (PhD ’24) focused on a nuclear hormone receptor, thyroid receptor-α (TRα), and found both functional and structural changes when bound to DNA. Nuclear…

  • More to Explore in Appalachian Studies

    More to Explore in Appalachian Studies

    The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, sits squarely within Appalachia, and a group coming together from across campus aims to enhance the scholarship, creative activity, and community engagement with the region and across disciplines.  A recent Appalachian Studies Showcase highlighted opportunities already available in areas ranging from scientific research to art to law.  “Our vision for…

  • Russell Finds the Right Chemistry at UT

    Russell Finds the Right Chemistry at UT

    Jerred Russell’s adaptability and Volunteer Spirit motivated him through multiple challenges to earn his chemistry PhD. Jerred Russell grew up in the Bahamas, playing high school soccer at Kingsway Academy and dreaming of becoming a medical doctor. His excellent biology grades fueled this original career goal, but after a few unexpected turns—both academic and personal—he…

  • UT Grad Beams Up for Astrobiology

    UT Grad Beams Up for Astrobiology

    Starry nights inspire Opal Cianciolo for a career in planetary sciences. Opal Cianciolo traces her inspiration to study astrobiology directly to a lifelong affinity for starry nights and Star Trek.  The Knoxville native and Hardin Valley High School alumna boldly reached for those stars and completes her four-year undergraduate mission in the Department of Earth,…

  • Ambassadors Go Forth

    Ambassadors Go Forth

    Graduating College of Arts and Sciences ambassadors share experiences as they take Vol representation into their next era. Seven members of a valuable Vol team graduate this spring, stepping forward to represent the Big Orange in their next adventurous chapter.  College of Arts and Sciences student ambassadors are some of the first faces that prospective…