For two decades, the Martin Movie Theater at UT Southern has served as more than just a place to watch films—it’s been a cornerstone of campus life and a cultural anchor for the Pulaski community. Opened in 2005 as a shared-use facility, the Martin remains the only movie theater in town and offers affordable entertainment for students, families and residents across Giles County. Operated by a team of student workers, the theater provides hands-on experience in customer service, operations and event planning. Its programming spans first-run features, student-organized movie nights and special events that bring the campus and community together. This year, the theater was voted “Best Place for Family Fun” by The Pulaski Citizen—a fitting tribute as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Melinda Arnold Named Chancellor
With a record of expanding access, growing enrollment and securing external funding, Melinda Arnold brings more than two decades of higher education experience to her role as the new chancellor of UT Southern. She has served in senior leadership positions at regional, comprehensive universities with a strong focus on supporting first-generation, rural, transfer and adult learners. Previously, she served as special assistant to the president at Texas A&M University-Texarkana, and she was provost there and at Montana State University Billings. Her background also includes leadership positions in criminal justice organizations and extensive experience with grant writing and policy development. Arnold earned Ph.D. and master’s degrees in criminal justice at Rutgers University, a master’s from Northwestern University and a bachelor’s from the University of Texas at Austin. Her appointment in Pulaski began July 1.
Campus Retail Reinvented
Shelley Sarmiento didn’t just take a job—she took a chance. As the new manager of The Nest, UT Southern’s campus spirit shop, Sarmiento is transforming university retail into something far more dynamic: a hub for student culture, brand energy and community engagement. A seasoned entrepreneur and former instructor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Sarmiento brings deep experience in retail strategy. Sarmiento serves as the university’s go-to expert for branded merchandise, partnering across departments and expanding The Nest’s reach through athletic events and community activities. This summer, Sarmiento will debut the Firehawk Entrepreneur Boot Camp for regional high school students, introducing them to college and career paths in retail innovation. “At UT Southern, we’re proving that even small campuses can lead big change,” she says.
