News & Events

Webinar Recap: The Modern Student: Who They Are, What They Want, and What They Need

In a world of rapidly advancing technology, higher education is faced with multiple challenges — from adapting to new innovations to meeting the evolving needs of the modern student. In order to overcome these obstacles, institutions must foster open discussions on reshaping structures, breaking down barriers and developing creative solutions to serve the new and…
Join Us For CECS Week!

Take a study break with the College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS)! Starting May 5, CECS, in partnership with the Student Government Association, will host free events each evening to give students an opportunity to take a break from studying for finals and have a little fun. There will also be lots of free…
Board of Trustees Approves CECS Master of Science in Sustainability

We are thrilled to announce that the Board of Trustees approved the College of Emerging and Collaboratives Studies (CECS) Master of Science degree in Sustainability during their winter meeting. This graduate degree will meet the increasing demand for sustainability professionals in a wide variety of private and public sectors and give learners real-world experience through…
Student Success Story: Vu Mai

Vu Mai has the distinct honor of being one of the first students to graduate from the College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies. He will graduate in summer 2025 with a degree in data science. He plans to use data to make a positive impact by improving systems, optimizing processes, and solving complex challenges. “I…
Student Success Story: Kayla Stevenson

Kayla Stevenson has career aspirations that are out of this world. A junior from San Diego, California, Kayla is majoring in Applied Artificial Intelligence (AAI) with plans to pursue a career as a robotics AI engineer for NASA. Kayla originally came to the University of Tennessee to study computer science but switched to the AAI…
Student Success Story: Ethan Walker

Ethan Walker, a Junior in the CECS signature Innovative Transdisciplinary Studies (ITS) program, has a lot of interests. He enjoys robotics, computer science, cybersecurity, and the creative process. Ethan was recommended to the Dean because of his exceptional technical skills and was soon hired as a student assistant in the CECS Innovation Lab. Shortly after,…
Join Our Team: Assistant Dean for Research and Entrepreneurship

The College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS) is hiring an Assistant Dean for Research and Entrepreneurship (ADR) to join our dynamic team. Submit applications here. JOB DESCRIPTION Reporting to the Dean of the College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS), the Assistant Dean for Research and Entrepreneurship (ADR) will play a critical role in…
CECS Announces Inaugural Board of Visitors

The College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS) is excited to announce the establishment of the inaugural Board of Visitors. This board will play a crucial role in shaping the future of CECS by offering strategic guidance, fostering industry-academic collaborations, and ensuring CECS curriculum remains at the forefront of emerging trends. The Board of Visitors…
Dr. Vandana Singh Appointed Assistant Dean of Faculty Affairs and New Programs

Dr. Ozlem Kilic, Vice Provost and Founding Dean of the College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS), is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Vandana Singh to Assistant Dean of Faculty Affairs for CECS. Singh joined CECS on July 1, 2023, as a Program Director and founding member of the team and has been…
Dr. Katie Cahill Appointed Assistant Dean of Academic and Student Affairs

Dr. Ozlem Kilic, Vice Provost and Founding Dean of the College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Katie Cahill as the Assistant Dean of Academic and Student Affairs. Cahill joins CECS after serving at the Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Howard H. Baker School of…