UTHSC News


New Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program Approved

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Photo of OT students in class

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center now offers an Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) degree in addition to the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree it has traditionally offered. The OTD program was recently approved by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. The first cohort is set to start in August. “The launch of our new… Read More


College of Nursing Dean to Lead Statewide Rural Health Initiative

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Portrait of Dean Wendy Likes

Wendy Likes, PhD, DNSc APRN-Bc, FAAN, FAANP, dean of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing, will fill a new role as executive director and special advisor on rural health for the university. Dean Likes will continue her role as the College of Nursing’s dean. Chancellor Peter Buckley, MD, made the announcement… Read More


PhD Candidate Receives Major Grant from National Cancer Institute for Gut Microbiome-Breast Cancer Research

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Portrait of Margaret Bohm

Margaret S. Bohm, a doctoral candidate from the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, has received a $130,000 grant from the National Cancer Institute to fund her research on how manipulating the gut microbiome might delay the onset and improve treatment of breast cancer, particularly in the… Read More


Outstanding Higher Education Leader Named Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications and Marketing

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Portrait of Karla Leeper

After an extensive nationwide search, Karla Leeper, PhD, MBA, MA, a highly accomplished communicator with decades of leadership experience in higher education and health care, has been named the new vice chancellor for Strategic Communications and Marketing at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. She will join the university July 7. Dr. Leeper has… Read More


Advisory Board Recommends Approval of FY26 Budget Proposal

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Photo of Raaj Kurapati speaking

During its spring meeting Friday, May 9, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s Advisory Board unanimously approved a $711.3 million balanced budget proposal for FY 2026, which will now go as a recommendation to the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees at its meeting in June. The board also recognized the university’s vital 10-year clinical… Read More


Spring 2025 Graduate Health Sciences Magazine Shares Stories of Scientific Success

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Graduate Health Sciences Magazine Cover

This year, the College of Graduate Health Sciences at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center is renewing its commitment to preparing well-rounded scientists for successful careers. The latest issue of Graduate Health Sciences Magazine highlights this dedication through stories of thriving students, faculty, and alumni. Driven to Achieve More Learn why a doctoral student,… Read More


UT Health Science Center to Graduate 821 Students During Spring Commencement

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Photo of students at commencement

Students from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s six colleges will receive their degrees during the Spring Commencement ceremonies Monday, May 12, at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts. Joy E. Fleming, a student in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, is one of 821 graduates expected to walk across the… Read More


2025 Student Government Banquet Recognizes Outstanding Faculty and Student Leaders

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Group photo of award recipients

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center Student Government Association Executive Council (SGAEC) hosted its annual end-of-the-year banquet last month, honoring outstanding faculty and student leaders for their significant contributions to the university community. The banquet served as a powerful reminder of the profound impact dedicated faculty, staff, and students have on fostering a vibrant,… Read More