College: Health Professions


New Statewide Effort Aims to Tackle Cancer Crisis

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Photo of a researcher in a cancer lab.

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center will host the inaugural Tennessee Statewide Cancer Collaborative on October 29–30, 2025, at the Hutton Hotel in Nashville. The two-day conference aims to unite researchers, clinicians, and policymakers to chart a path toward a stronger, more coordinated statewide cancer strategy. With the theme “Advancing Cancer Research Across Tennessee,”… Read More


Longtime Leader, Gifted Educator, and Dedicated Mentor, Ashley Harkrider, PhD, Named Dean of the College of Health Professions

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After 16 years of stellar leadership as the chair of the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Ashley Harkrider, PhD, has been named the new dean of the university’s College of Health Professions, effective Wednesday, October 1. A respected leader, strategic innovator, enthusiastic collaborator, and dedicated mentor to… Read More


2025 Health Professions Magazine Illustrates College’s Statewide Service

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Fall 2025 Health Professions Magazine cover

Under its new leader, Ashley Harkrider, PhD, the College of Health Professions at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center continues to make strides with new programs, collaborative projects, and improved training and clinical spaces. The fall 2025 issue of Health Professions Magazine explains how the college’s passionate students, faculty, and alumni are making a… Read More


Fourth Annual Family Campaign Underway

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Headshot of Valerie Wheeler

“Giving back to my workplace is heart-warming,” said Valerie D. Wheeler, a benefits specialist in Human Resources. “Just knowing that whatever I give will be appreciated and applied to a meaningful need makes me feel not only fortunate but grateful to be part of a dynamic place where everyone can play a part in its… Read More


The University of Tennessee Health Science Center Chosen as Tennessee Rural Health Care Center of Excellence

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Photo of Dr. John Dunn, Dr. Wendy Likes, and Dr. Jim Bailey

The Tennessee Department of Health has selected the University of Tennessee Health Science Center as the Tennessee Rural Health Care Center of Excellence and awarded the university a $12 million grant to lead a four-year initiative to help close the gaps driving differences in health outcomes for rural Tennesseans. Tennessee ranks 44th in the nation… Read More


Summer Advisory Board Meeting Emphasizes Leadership, Statewide Accomplishments, Future Success

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Photo of Executive Dean Michael Hocker speaking at the podium

During its summer meeting Friday, August 15, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s Advisory Board was introduced to new leaders at the university, learned about the recent accomplishments of the six colleges, received an update on financial and compliance issues, and heard about plans for the proposed new College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Building. The… Read More


Student Leader Aims to Serve as Advocate for Students and Patients

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Portrait of Samantha Townsend

When Samantha Townsend was visiting the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy for her admissions interview, Christian Phillips, then-president of the Pharmacy Student Government Association (PSGA), gave her a tour of the college. “I remember looking up to him and thinking that PSGA was something I could see myself doing,” she said. Fast… Read More


Advisory Board to Hold Summer Meeting August 15

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Photo of the Mooney Building and quadrangle

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s Advisory Board will meet Friday, August 15, at 2 p.m., in the Mooney Library, 875 Monroe Ave., on the Memphis campus. On the agenda:  While the meeting will be conducted in person, it will also be available to view online. The webcast link, more information about the UT Health… Read More