News & Events

Student Spotlight: Kajal Vishwakarma

Kajal Vishwakarma is a CECS Student, pursuing a dual degree in Applied Cybersecurity and Data Science, President/Founder of the Data Science Club, Founder & Editor of The Real Job on Substack, and a member of the CECS Student Advisory Council. What brought you to CECS? “I first heard about CECS while researching colleges during my…
Student Spotlight: Valerie Kinson

Valerie Kinson is an Applied Artificial Intelligence major, studying abroad in South Korea. What brought you to CECS? “At a campus event, I went to the CECS table. At the time, I was still a computer science student. I spoke to Dr. Stepanov, and she told me about the AI program and introduced me to…
Student Spotlight: Jonathan Gardin

Meet Jonathan Gardin, a CECS Student Advisory Council member double majoring in Applied Cybersecurity and Japanese Studies. What interested you in CECS? “I was drawn by the academic freedom that CECS offers, the flexibility, and the courses I can take.” What is your major/minor/certificate? “I’m an Applied Cybersecurity major and a Japanese Studies major.” Why…
Student Spotlight: Elizabeth Hughes

Meet Elizabeth Hughes, Applied Artificial Intelligence major with a minor in Human-Intelligent Systems Interaction and Business Management and member of the CECS Advisory Council. What interested you in CECS? “I liked the availability that I’m able to have with advisors, researchers, and the community within CECS. I was really attracted to RISE Base Camp, a…
Katie Cahill Named Director of Workforce Development

The College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies and the Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development (ORIED) are pleased to announce that Dr. Katie Cahill has been named Director of Workforce Development as an extension of her work as the CECS Assistant Dean of Partnerships and Economic Development. In this jointly appointed role, Cahill will…
Student Spotlight: Charles Branning

We sat down with Charles Branning, who is a CECS Advisory Council member, VP of AI Vols and double major in Applied Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity, to discuss his time at CECS. What interested you in CECS? “I was originally going to be an architecture student, but I got denied from architecture school. After talking…
Student Spotlight: Spencer Dore

We sat down with Spencer Dore to discuss his time at CECS, current pursuits, and future plans. What interested you about CECS? “I actually stumbled into CECS accidentally. I was basically trying to find an elective course and found AI 101. I was aware that AI was and is still becoming a more impactful part…
Faculty Spotlight: Jimmy Ardiansyah

With more than 20 years of industry experience spanning healthcare, government, and global technology leadership, CECS Teaching Assistant Professor, Online, Dr. Jimmy Ardiansyah brings real-world insight directly into the classroom. Before stepping into academia, Jimmy built a career at organizations such as Cigna, UnitedHealth Group, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and IBM. His work experience spans…
Faculty Fellow Spotlight: Robin Hardin

Dr. Robin Hardin serves as a Faculty Fellow for the College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS), overseeing the development of the Sport Analytics Certificate. As a faculty member in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, Hardin brings deep expertise in intercollegiate sport, including governance, consumer behavior, sport communication, and holistic care for…
Student Spotlight: Wyatt Phillips

Meet Wyatt Phillips We sat down with Wyatt Phillips to discuss his time at CECS and future goals. What interested you about CECS? “When I explored transferring to UTK, I learned that some of my credits would not carry over, which led me to look for alternative pathways. During that search, I discovered CECS and…