Stacy Lightfoot announced as first vice chancellor for diversity and engagement at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Stacy Lightfoot will join the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga as its first vice chancellor for diversity and engagement on July 1.
"I am not only thinking about what this appointment means for me, but also what it means for the University, for the city of Chattanooga and for young women of color: To be the first woman of color in a cabinet-level position. It is life-changing for me," Lightfoot said in a statement. "UTC is poised and ready to foster a more inclusive environment and build a more inclusive campus so that all students, faculty and staff members can excel and achieve by being in a space that honors and celebrates their differences."
Lightfoot now serves as executive vice president for the Public Education Foundation, where she has worked for 12 years. She previously worked at Girls Inc. and College Access Center, and testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions in 2015 on what low-income and first-generation students need to know to make informed decisions about college.
"Stacy brings a wealth of experience, insight and relational resources to our campus," UTC Chancellor Steven Angle said in a statement. "As a career-long advocate for students, she has an intimate knowledge of our student pipeline. As a nonprofit executive, she has operated in cabinet-level roles and designed, grown and led high-performing teams. The connections she has already established within the region will continue to strengthen our University's relationship with the city and the local community."
Hamilton County Schools opening teacher supply shop in the fall
Hamilton County Schools announced plans on Monday to open the HCS Teacher Shop this fall, a free supply shop for its teachers.
School supplies, art supplies, office supplies, organizers and other materials will be available for teachers at the shop, which will be located at the former Hillcrest Elementary School building on Bonny Oaks Drive.
The shop is sponsored by the Hamilton County Schools Foundation and is accepting new or gently used donations. This month, supplies will be collected daily at the Staples location on Gunbarrel Road and on Sundays at the Chattanooga Market - located at First Horizon Pavilion, 1826 Carter St. -from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Supplies can also be donated through the district's Amazon wishlist or drop-offs at the Hamilton County Department of Education Central Office at 3074 Hickory Valley Road. Monetary donations to the foundation can be made online and designated for the HCS Teacher Shop.
For large dropoffs or pickups, email hcsfoundation@hcde.org. For groups or businesses interested in hosting a supply drive or becoming a sponsor, contact the school system's development and grants facilitator Susannah DeMaria by phone at 423-498-7253 or email at demaria_s@hcde.org.
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture official retiring
Tim Cross, senior vice president and senior vice chancellor of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, will retire Aug. 31.
Cross has been with the institute for 27 years in various positions since 1994, starting as an associate professor and professor of agricultural economics, then assistant dean and dean of UT Extension before beginning his current position in 2016.
"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the Institute of Agriculture with such strong support from President Boyd and Chancellor Plowman," Cross said in a statement. "With our presence on campus and in every county of the state, our dedicated faculty and staff, our talented students, and an exceptional leadership team, I'm confident that the Institute is poised for continued growth and success while carrying out the land-grant university mission and delivering Real Life Solutions."
Cross' replacement will be found through a nationwide search this fall, and an interim senior vice president/senior vice chancellor named by the university will fill the position in the meantime.
Contact Anika Chaturvedi at achaturvedi@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6592.