News & Events

UT helping rural Tennessee overcome tech knowledge gap

This article originally appeared in the Knoxville News Sentinel on February 2, 2026. Emerging technology is no longer “the tech sector.” Computing, automation, big data and artificial intelligence are becoming the invisible layer in every sector, from manufacturing and logistics to health care, agriculture, and government. A revolution with unstoppable momentum is happening. Is every Tennessean positioned to benefit when it…
Student Spotlight: Cody Kihlberg

This week’s Student Spotlight is Cody Kihlberg, Data Science major. Continue reading to learn more about Cody, his professional experience and time at CECS. What interested you about CECS? “CECS helps you develop skills for the real world. When I first started at UT, CECS wasn’t originally here. Once I heard about it, I switched majors…
Faculty Spotlight: Aubra Anthony

Dr. Aubra Anthony, a Teaching Assistant Professor, Online at the College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS), describes herself as a “reformed physicist.” What began as a hobby exploring technology policy during her time at the University of Colorado soon became her focus. She pivoted toward Science and Technology Studies (STS), ultimately building a career…
Student Spotlight: Jack Hanowski

This week’s Student Spotlight is Jack Hanowski, a CECS Student Assistant, majoring in Data Science. Continue reading to learn more about Jack and his time at CECS. What brought you to CECS? I decided to come to CECS because I was interested in a Data Science undergraduate degree. I felt CECS had initiatives which I agreed…
Faculty Spotlight: Candice Adams

Candice Adams is a Teaching Associate Professor in the College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS), where she brings deep industry expertise and a learner-centered approach to online education. Her teaching and research are grounded in data-driven decision-making and user-centered design. Adams is a ‘Triple Tiger,’ having earned her PhD, master’s, and bachelor’s degrees from…
Student Spotlight: Eileen Loebner

This week’s Student Spotlight is Eileen Loebner, a CECS Student Assistant, majoring in Applied AI. Continue reading to learn more about her and her time at CECS. What brought you to CECS? A big reason CECS grabbed my attention was because the of the size of the college. I am able to build meaningful relationships with…
Faculty Fellow Spotlight: Mehmet Aydeniz

Mehmet AydenizProfessor of STEMDepartment of Theory & Practice in Teacher EducationCollege of Education, Health, and Human Sciences As a Faculty Fellow with the College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS), Mehmet Aydeniz has been instrumental in helping CECS build momentum during a period of growth and experimentation. A faculty member in the College of Education, Health,…
CECS Continues Momentum with Major Wins in Research and Workforce Development Funding

The College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS) continues to accelerate its mission to expand access to future-focused education, research, and workforce development through several major grant awards this year. These competitive investments from federal agencies, statewide initiatives, and regional partners highlight CECS’s growing leadership in emerging technologies, K–12 talent pipelines, and research that strengthens…
Faculty Fellow Spotlight: Josh Rosenberg

Josh RosenbergAssociate Professor, STEM Education/ScienceDepartment of Theory & Practice in Teacher EducationCollege of Education, Health, and Human Sciences Dr. Josh Rosenberg is the longest-serving Faculty Fellow in the College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS) and one of the driving forces behind some of our most impactful initiatives. As a faculty member in the College…
Student Spotlight: Jonathan Aranzazu

This week’s Student Spotlight is Jonathan Aranzazu, a U.S. Army Veteran and CECS Student Ambassador, double majoring in Applied AI and Philosophy. Continue reading to learn more about him and his time at CECS. What brought you to CECS? I came here because I wanted an education that acknowledges complexity and the chance to treat…