People: Staff News


2025 Dentistry Magazine Showcases College’s Commitment to Caring for People

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With a new leader, Dean Ken Tilashalski, DMD, the College of Dentistry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center has a renewed vision: to take care of people. The Winter 2025 issue of Dentistry Magazine highlights how the college’s alumni, faculty, and students are putting this vision into action to improve the health of… Read More


Master Clinician and Inspirational Academic Leader Named Executive Dean of the College of Medicine at UT Health Science Center

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Dr. Mike Hocker portrait

After an extensive nationwide search, Michael Hocker, MD, MHS, a highly accomplished academic physician, innovative educator and mentor, and inspirational servant leader, has been named the new executive dean of the College of Medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. He will begin his tenure in July 2025. Dr. Hocker currently serves as… Read More


Sounds and Science: How One Researcher Balances Life in the Lab and on the Stage

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Richard Cushing

Richard Cushing spends his days in the lab at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, helping to unravel the mysteries of Alzheimer’s disease. But by night and on weekends, he leads the popular Memphis band FreeWorld, playing on Beale Street and at other venues at least five times a week. “Studying biology during the… Read More


New Director of Military-Affiliate Student Services Committed to Supporting Veterans, Students

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Commander Mark MacNamara

In 2015, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center was named the first institution in the UT System to receive the “VETS Campus” distinction from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, recognizing the university’s work to help veterans transition from military service to higher education. UT Health Science Center has recently taken another major step in… Read More


UT Health Science Center Leaders Participate in UT Leadership Institute

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Kristi Forman, DBA, director of Admissions Operations in Enrollment Management at UT Health Science Center said last week’s UT Leadership Institute was “the most impactful experience of my professional career.” Forman was one of four from UT Health Science Center who joined a total of 50 mid-level managers from across the UT System in participating… Read More


UT Health Science Center Receives Coveted R1 Designation: A Testament to Excellence Among University Scientists and Educators

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Researcher photo

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center has earned the prestigious R1 designation from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. This honor underscores the pivotal role of research to the university’s mission and highlights the university’s enduring commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation. It also represents a significant strength that UT Health Science… Read More


Advisory Board Approves Tuition Changes, Praises Longtime Chair

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Photo of Dr. Wenk

At its winter meeting Friday, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s Advisory Board unanimously recommended increases to tuition and mandatory fees, honored the board’s inaugural chair, Phil Wenk, DDS, and heard from Chancellor Peter Buckley, MD, and the college deans about the university’s latest accomplishments and goals. The recommendations for tuition and mandatory fee… Read More


Inaugural Year for Staff Senate a Success, Looking to the Future

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photo of the arches

The Staff Senate is beginning its second year with new officers and a commitment to increase recognition for the outstanding work being done by staff across the university. “I am excited to be a part of this Staff Senate that desires to talk less, do more, and show appreciation to staff members every chance we… Read More