Chancellor Melinda Arnold met with employers across a 13-county economic corridor in Southern Middle Tennessee to align academic programs with workforce opportunities.
Beginning in Giles County, Arnold visited industries that create that county’s economic backbone, including Magotteaux and Frito Lay. She met with leadership about workforce needs, skills alignment and opportunities to strengthen long-term collaborations.
The engagement continued in Lawrence County with industry tours. Employers—including Rick’s Barbecue, Modine Manufacturing Company and Magna International—joined university leaders in discussions about manufacturing innovation and workforce demands. These conversations focused on internships, customized training and practical employer partnerships to retain and upskill local talent.
In Maury County, Arnold met with economic development partners and local employers, including Landmark Ceramics. Local leaders described the engagement as a meaningful step toward deeper collaboration between higher education and economic development.
“By aligning academic programs with local school systems, industry partners, health care providers and economic development leaders, we’re helping students gain meaningful credentials while staying rooted in their communities,” Arnold says. “That’s where higher education becomes a true force multiplier.”
Faculty Recognized for Academic Excellence
Two UT Southern academic leaders were recently selected for national programs focused on advancing higher education and student success.
Jessica Conrad, School of Arts and Humanities chair, was selected as one of 37 participants nationwide for the 2026 Department Chair Leadership Institute (DCLI), hosted by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. The semester-long institute brings together department chairs from across the country to strengthen leadership at regional public universities. Through immersive learning and peer engagement, participants focus on aligning academic priorities with institutional strategy, managing resources, navigating complex conversations and sustaining professional well-being.
“Department chairs sit at the heart of academic operations,” says Charles Welch, association president and CEO. “Through DCLI, we are equipping leaders with the tools, perspective and community they need to strengthen their departments and institutions.”
Daniel McMasters, School of Education chair, was selected as a 2025 Impact Academy fellow through Deans for Impact. McMasters is one of 18 education leaders nationwide chosen for the program’s 10th cohort, which focuses on transforming teacher preparation and improving pre-K–12 outcomes.
McMasters has helped lead innovations in educator preparation through mentorship, data-informed practice and strong partnerships with local school districts.
“We know that great teaching can change lives,” McMasters says. “This fellowship reflects the collective work we are doing at UT Southern to ensure future educators are prepared to serve their communities well.”
