News & Events

UT Knoxville Awarded $2 Million Rural Health Pathways Grant to Transform Healthcare Workforce Development

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), through its College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS), has been awarded a $2 million Rural Health Care Pathways Expansion (RHCPE) Grant to launch the HEALTH Program (High School, Education, and Apprenticeship Programs Leading to Transformative Healthcare Careers). This groundbreaking initiative aims to create seamless, scalable healthcare career pathways…
Webinar Recap: Reimagining the Higher Education/Industry Partnership

When industry leaders look to the future of talent, they are seeking more than degrees. They are seeking students who are passionate about technology’s evolving landscape — those who are adaptable, innovative and ready to collaborate. These future leaders are learning to bridge the gap between higher education and industry, becoming the strategic partners of…
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…
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…
Webinar Recap: Navigating Tomorrow, Today in Higher Education – A Discussion on the Future of Higher Ed

With the ever-evolving technological landscape, higher education finds itself at a crossroads, facing mounting pressure to adapt. In the face of fast-paced change, AI advancements and shifting workforce needs, the traditional models of learning and teaching are challenged. The University of Tennessee’s College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies launched its monthly webinar Navigating Tomorrow, Today…
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…