
By joining the Tennessee 4-H Horizon Award Scholarship program, UT Southern created additional scholarship opportunities for its students. UT Southern now awards $1,000 scholarships to eligible Tennessee 4-H senior Level 1 state project winners who enroll and meet scholarship requirements.
“Tennessee 4-H students have already demonstrated the leadership, dedication and life skills that will serve them well in college and beyond,” Chancellor Melinda Arnold says.
UT Southern Establishes Two Colleges

In June, the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees approved the creation of the first colleges in UT Southern history.
Upon the reorganization, Jessica Conrad was named dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, while Daniel McMasters was tapped as the dean of the College of Professional Studies.
“I look forward to working with them as we build the identity and future of these new colleges,” Prentice Chandler, provost and executive vice chancellor, says.
The colleges are comprised of the following:
College of Arts and Sciences:
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Department of Mathematics and Sciences
- Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development
College of Professional Studies:
- Department of Education
- Department of Criminal Justice
- Department of Nursing and Health Sciences
- Department of Business
Barth Appointed Interim Vice Chancellor
UT Southern Chancellor Melinda Arnold appointed Rick Barth as interim vice chancellor of integrated enrollment and brand strategy.
Barth brings more than 30 years of experience in enrollment management and admissions leadership at public universities.
“Rick’s depth of experience and proven leadership in enrollment management will be an asset to UT Southern as we continue building on our momentum,” Arnold says. “His expertise will help ensure continuity in our enrollment efforts while providing the opportunity to thoughtfully consider the long-term organizational structure that best supports our students and the university’s future.”

Nursing School Ranks Best in Tennessee

For the second year in a row, UT Southern’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program achieved the No. 1 ranking on RegisteredNursing.org 2026 Best Nursing Schools in Tennessee listing. Prior to this year’s ranking, the UT Southern BSN program recorded a 100 percent first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for its fifth consecutive year.


