Faculty, students and advisory board members at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga have chosen to live, teach and learn in Chattanooga for a variety of reasons. High on their list of “reasons why” is the academic strength of the programs offered, a cooperative and collegial educational system, active interaction with the business community and the quality of life offered in Chattanooga.
Students considering options for continuing their undergraduate or graduate courses of study find that the College of Business at UTC provides a comprehensive educational experience that connects the lecture hall and campus to the world of work, as well as the theoretical to the practical. Dedicated faculty and state-of-the-art facilities have placed the college in the national spotlight and helped students to achieve outstanding results, both in and out of the classroom. Strong ties to the community provide resources to students that may not be available at other institutions of higher learning.
“I knew of UTC because of the wrestling program, but decided to come here because their M.B.A. program is well-respected – I believe the M.B.A. program will open a lot of doors,” says Christopher Beechwood, who completed his undergraduate studies at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Ore. “UTC is also a small campus that is ‘green.’ I love the outdoors, and Chattanooga has a lot for me to do.”
Dr. Keith Richards, professor of marketing and entrepreneurship in the College of Business at UTC, has a comprehensive perspective on the comparison between UTC and other business programs around the country, as well as the varied aspects of life on campus and in Chattanooga.
“UTC is a very special place,” Richards says. “We are large enough to be recognized as one of the top 100 business schools in the country and still small enough to care for our students. At UTC, students learn in small classes from faculty with real-world experiences and strong academic preparation. You won’t find graduate students teaching classes of 100 or more students here – quality is too important to us.”
Indeed, quality is the watchword of the faculty, students and programs within the College of Business at UTC. Those who experience it firsthand realize the value of smaller classes, including greater one-on-one interaction between students and professors, opportunities for practical application through internships, external study programs, consulting, and connections with the business and professional community.
“I love watching our students develop into budding entrepreneurs and young professionals,” adds Richards. “I also really enjoy the collegial atmosphere among the faculty members. UTC’s campus is also outstanding. We have the look and feel of a century-old institution, with all of the modern conveniences – technology in the classrooms, world-class arts and recreational activities on campus. UTC really has it all.”
Another important aspect of the educational experience at UTC is its affordability. Dollar for dollar, the quality of education received provides an outstanding value for students.
“Once you compare the cost to attend and the opportunity to gain a first-class education from an accredited college ranked among the top programs in the country, making the choice for UTC is really a no-brainer,” adds Richards.
In addition to a dedicated full-time faculty of highly qualified and nationally known professors, the College of Business is fortunate to benefit from the services of numerous adjunct faculty members, a diverse group of individuals with a wide range of educational and work experiences who bring their own unique talent and expertise into the classrooms at UTC.
“I believe the interaction with adjuncts provides students with real-world contexts for the theories they are taught in class,” explains Ray Ryan, a principal and portfolio manager with Patten and Patten Inc., a registered investment advisor that manages investment portfolios for both individuals and institutions.
Ryan is active as an adjunct faculty member and as a member of the advisory board for the Department of Finance within the College of Business. His reasons for participating as an adjunct instructor are numerous.
“It forces me to remain current on the material, and it is a way for me to give back to the community,” says Ryan. “It is also a way for me to meet promising young students with an aptitude for our profession.”
As a vice president of investments and portfolio manager for Barnett & Company, Chris Hopkins is well aware of the value of his own educational experience at UTC and has sought to provide quality experiences for others as an adjunct professor of finance.
“My experience in the M.B.A. program provided tremendous value to me, far in excess of the cost, and I feel an obligation to give back to the program and to pass along to other students some of the benefits I enjoyed,” related Hopkins, who is also a member of the Department of Finance advisory board. “UTC is truly a community university that focuses primary attention on the students. The attitude of continuous improvement and development within the College of Business is both notable and distinctive.”
From the perspective of both a student and a faculty member, Hopkins appreciates the personal attention students receive at UTC. He encourages prospective students to evaluate the comprehensive opportunities available.
“If you are searching for a learning environment steeped in personal attention from the faculty and are committed to preparing yourself for the business world, you should visit the campus and see for yourself,” Hopkins advises.
“One student in particular has stayed in touch with me for several years, keeping me apprised of his progress in the business world, seeking advice on career options, and continuing the learning process with discussions of economics and finance well beyond the scope of our course,” Hopkins adds. “That one example of continuing interaction between faculty member and student makes the effort worthwhile.”
Active advisory boards in business, accounting, marketing, finance and human resources maintain an ongoing connection between the College of Business and the greater professional community. Board members meet regularly and discuss activities taking place in the various fields of study, providing support for the college’s programs through advice, consultation, insight and practical experience.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and its nationally recognized College of Business attracts faculty and students from across the United States and throughout the world. Students find an atmosphere of education, camaraderie and practical learning with few equals in undergraduate or graduate studies. Faculty members recognize and appreciate the school’s commitment to a quality education offered in a cooperative and collegial environment. Advisory board members want to serve an institution that is valuable to the development of students and the local community. All love the beauty and quality of life enjoyed in Chattanooga.