News & Events

The College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS) Welcomes New Faculty, Announces Promotions, and Expands Staff as Momentum Builds

The College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS) is thrilled to announce several new additions to our dynamic and rapidly growing team. Fueled by strong enrollment, an expanding portfolio of innovative intercollegiate programs, and groundbreaking research success, CECS is at an exciting moment of momentum and impact. As CECS continues to redefine what higher education…
THEC Approves Applied Cybersecurity Degree

We are thrilled to announce that the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) approved the College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS) Applied Cybersecurity Bachelor of Science during their Special Called Commission Meeting on July 22, 2025. This undergraduate degree will meet the increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals in a wide variety of private and public sectors and…
CECS and Niswonger Foundation Awarded Future Forward Innovation Grant to Build AI Career Pathway

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS) in partnership with the Niswonger Foundation, Kingsport City Schools, Sullivan County Schools, and Ballad Health has been selected as one of seven recipients of the Future Forward Innovation Grant from the State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE). The grant will be used to…
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…