The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga (UTC) stands as a vibrant public university, serving over 12,000 students with a commitment encapsulated by its motto, 'Faciemus' – 'We will do.' As a proud member of the distinguished University of Tennessee system, UTC offers a dynamic environment for learning and discovery, deeply rooted in its community.

UTC's roots stretch back to 1886, initially established as the private and racially exclusive Chattanooga University. Its journey to becoming the inclusive institution it is today is marked by a series of significant transformations. After merging with the Athens-based Grant Memorial University in 1889, it became the Chattanooga campus of U.S. Grant Memorial University, later simply the University of Chattanooga by 1907. A crucial step towards its modern identity was the 1964 merger with Zion College, which had evolved into Chattanooga City College, broadening its reach and mission.

The definitive shift occurred in 1969 when the University of Chattanooga officially joined the renowned UT system, solidifying its status as the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. This integration not only expanded its resources and academic offerings but also aligned it with a statewide commitment to public higher education. Supporting its ongoing mission, the University of Chattanooga Foundation Inc., a private corporation formed in 1969, expertly manages the university’s substantial private endowment, which now stands at $0.2 billion, ensuring a stable foundation for future generations of students.