Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel has announced the 2024-25 John C. Stophel Distinguished Students from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Gary W. Rollins College of Business.
This year’s honorees are:
• Taylor Dunagan, accounting and construction management
• Jacob Gould, management and political science
• Brooke McMillen, finance
• Nevaeh Morris, marketing
• Vanee Patel, finance and business analytics
• Justin Straus, accounting and finance
• Erin Yenawine, economics and political science
Chambliss President and Managing Shareholder Steve Barham says the firm is honored to recognize these students for their commitment to both their community and academic pursuits.
“This award serves as an opportunity to acknowledge several highly accomplished students who demonstrate the remarkable qualities of future leaders,” Barham adds.
Chambliss presents the John C. Stophel Distinguished Student Award annually to business students who have made “significant and meaningful civic contributions to UTC and the Gary W. Rollins College of Business while maintaining a strong academic record,” states a news release from the firm.
Award recipients are chosen based on their outstanding leadership, decision-making and communication abilities, as well as a high level of self-motivation, says Michael Jones, interim dean of the Rollins College of Business.
“We’re proud of this group,” Jones continues. “As leaders among their peers, these students have demonstrated a commitment to academics and community service. Our partnership with Chambliss gives students a chance to connect with potential mentors and future employers, and we’re grateful for the firm’s commitment to recognize the accomplishments of these outstanding students.”
Chambliss established an endowment at UTC in 2008 to honor the legacy of John C. Stophel, whose leadership was instrumental in shaping the firm’s culture following the merger that formed Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C. in 1997, notes the news release.
Throughout more than 50 years of practicing law, Stophel led numerous civic, charitable and religious initiatives to benefit the Chattanooga community. Additionally, he served as chairman of the University of Chattanooga Foundation board of trustees from 2001 to 2004.