About - University of Tennessee, Knoxville

About CECS

The College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS) is a first-of-its-kind college revolutionizing the future of higher education by serving as a hub for campus collaboration to develop cross-cutting, innovating curriculum and provide ALL learners at the University of Tennessee with access to emerging technologies.

Founded in July 2023, CECS is dedicated to equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in career of the future while revolutionizing the landscape of higher education.

Campus Leadership

CECS works closely with campus leadership, including University of Tennessee System President Randy Boyd, University of Tennessee Chancellor Donde Plowman, and Provost John Zomchick to ensure CECS supports the strategic goals and vision of both the university and the state of Tennessee. We are grateful for their partnership and unwavering support, and for their time spent joining us at events such as our annual Campus Catalyst and Career Catalyst events.

Cross-Campus Collaboration

CECS serves every college on campus, along with every faculty member and student, acting as a hub for collaboration. CECS welcomes new, innovative ideas, and is proud to have more than 100 faculty members representing every UTK college serving on curriculum committees.

Career Catalyst

Career Catalyst is a dynamic annual event that connects leaders from corporations, small businesses, start-ups, government agencies, and higher education to envision collaborative initiatives to create a high performing and talented workforce for emerging and future careers.

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CECS Board of Visitors

Ashley Saunders

Environmental Programs and Stewardship Manager, UCOR
Ashley Stowe

Chief Research and University Partnerships Officer, ORAU
Barry Mathis

Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Vitruvian Health
Betsey Kirk McCall

CEO, 7 States Power Corporation
Brad Chadwell

Senior Director, Research & Development – Energy & Technology, Electric Power Engineers, LLC
Brian Arrington

Chief HR Officer, ORNL
Britton Garrett

Founder and CEO of iO Urology
Chris Gambill

Associate Director, Accenture
Faisal Hanafi

Director, Worldwide Public Sector, Amazon Web Services
Kelly Genzlinger

Founder and CEO, Orange River Group
Mario Duarte

Senior Director for Learning, Training, and Development at Volkswagen Group of America
Matt Provencher

President NA, Financial Services, NTT Data
Paul Jennings

Executive Director, University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services
Ramon Padilla, Jr.

Vice Chancellor for Information Technology and Digital Innovation, University of Tennessee System
Rashida Ricks

Vice President of Strategic Engagement and Business Operations at CGI Federal
Tachaka Hollins

Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR)

The College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies will be the home of an innovation lab featuring AR/VR headsets, quadrupeds and more. Renovations are underway.

Faculty and Staff of the College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies at the University of Tennessee

Our People

CECS Staff and Faculty are dedicated to being on the forefront of changing higher education and helping students prepare for the workforce of the future.

Who We Are

Careers

The CECS team is dynamic, innovative, and forward-thinking. If you’re interested in joining our team, please see our latest job postings.

Faculty Positions