The Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences has named University of Tennessee at Chattanooga assistant professor of criminal justice Katelyn Hancock the recipient of the Ken Peak Innovations in Teaching Award.
Hancock, who’s in her third year as a UTC faculty member, will be honored at the ACJS Awards Luncheon March 14 during the organization’s annual conference in Denver.
The Ken Peak Award recognizes faculty members for innovative teaching methods that enhance learning experiences and have the potential to be replicated by other educators.
The ACJS is recognizing Hancock for “Pouring for Purpose,” a classroom initiative she introduced in her Ethics in Criminal Justice course that combines active learning, community engagement and creative expression.
Students in the class collaborate to design and solve ethical dilemmas related to the criminal justice system, focusing on areas like police, courts or corrections. They develop solutions, apply ethical systems discussed in class and use color keys to represent their reasoning – and then pour these colors onto canvases, creating artwork that visually captures their decision-making process.
The finished pieces are showcased in a gallery event where donations collected for the paintings support local victim service organizations.
“Pouring for Purpose” beneficiaries have included Partnership for Families, Children and Adults, the Chattanooga Hamilton County Family Justice Center and the Children’s Advocacy Center.
Rick Dierenfeldt, Ph.D., UC Foundation associate professor and head of the Department of Criminal Justice, praised Hancock’s achievements.
“Dr. Hancock is a remarkable educator who invests an incredible amount of energy and care into her classes and the learning experiences of her students. To see her recognized for her efforts at this level and at this stage of her career is truly special.”
Police lieutenant enters leadership program
Chattanooga Police Department lieutenant David Young is one of 35 law enforcement officers from across the United States accepted into the fourth cohort of the University of Chicago Policing Leadership Academy (PLA). This program is designed to enhance police leadership, reduce gun violence and improve the effectiveness and fairness of policing.
Research at the University of Chicago Crime Lab that found that changes in police department management can impact violent crime rates and police use of force informs the PLA program. Young’s five-month training will include courses on management and leadership, community engagement and strategies for violence reduction.
Young is the third CPD Officer to participate in the program. He follows Chief John Chambers, who graduated with the third cohort in November 2024, and Captain Jay Evan Montgomery, who graduated in the second cohort earlier last year.
The fourth PLA cohort began in early January; graduation is expected to take place in late spring.
Pinnacle adds two financial advisors
Pinnacle Financial Partners has expanded its presence in Chattanooga with the addition of two new associates to its Broad Street office. Chanel Santiesteban and Fernando Santiesteban each bring decades of industry experience to the firm.
Chanel is serving as a financial advisor. She joins the firm from Regions Bank, where she served as vice president and wealth advisor in the private wealth management division. She also served in various roles at Washington Mutual Bank and Bank of America.
Chanel was named top wealth advisor at Regions in 2022 and 2023. She attended Miami Dade College.
Fernando also serves as a financial advisor. He joins Pinnacle after serving at Regions Bank, where he was senior vice president of commercial banking. While at Regions, he received multiple Chairman’s Club awards along with numerous Top Performer awards. He also has experience at Bank of America, where he started his career in 1992 and held multiple roles before specializing in wealth management and commercial banking.
Fernando attended Miami Dade College and is RMA Credit Risk-certified.
Rotary honors K-9 deputy Andrew Voss
Hamilton County Sheriff (HCSO)’s Office K-9 Deputy Andrew Voss is the recipient of Chattanooga Hamilton Place Rotary Club’s Outstanding Service Award.
Each year, the club recognizes members of local law enforcement who embody the organization’s motto of “Service above self.” As part of the award, the club included a donation to Voss’ charity of choice, the Hamilton County Humane Society.
Voss serves as the K-9 unit trainer for the HCSO. He is recognized as a leader in law enforcement and K-9 operations across the U.S., notes the Rotary Club in a news release.
With over two decades of law enforcement experience, Voss has served in various roles within the HCSO, including SWAT operator, patrol deputy and corrections deputy. His career also includes serving as a Violent Crimes Task Force officer with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, where he prosecutes federal gun crimes in the Eastern District of Tennessee.
In addition to his professional responsibilities, Voss volunteered as a rescue technician with the Hamilton County Rescue Squad for over 20 years before retiring March 2023. He specialized in rope and high-angle rescue operations.
“The rigorous training, physical endurance and personal risk required to execute high angle rescues far exceed the standard demands of most first responders,” states the Rotary’s news release. “Despite these challenges, Andrew’s selfless service has directly contributed to saving many lives throughout Hamilton County.”
Voss began his career in public service working as an EMT and paramedic with Memorial Hospital and Hamilton County Emergency Medical Services (HCEMS). It was during his time with HCEMS when he began his initial service with the HCSO as a SWAT medic prior to officially joining the agency full-time in 2012.