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…
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…
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…
This article originally appeared in the Knoxville News Sentinel on October 28, 2025. By Ozlem Kilic, Vice Provost and Founding Dean Data is everywhere, but only those who understand it can harness its power. It is now the language of progress, and fluency in that language is becoming the new literacy of the digital age. Every time…
The College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS) is pleased to share two exciting personnel updates that mark the next phase of growth and collaboration within the college. Dr. Katie Cahill is stepping into her next big role in CECS as the Assistant Dean of Partnerships and Economic Development. Cahill has been instrumental in shaping…
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…
Knoxville, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) has been awarded a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to prepare Tennessee’s high school students and teachers for careers in the rapidly growing semiconductor industry—one of the most critical sectors of the U.S. economy. The three-year project, Explorations: Tennessee Experiential Learning for Teachers and…
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…
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…
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…