The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has appointed Lee Williams Weldon as its next vice chancellor for advancement and executive director of the UC Foundation, effective July 16.
Weldon brings more than 15 years of higher education advancement experience and most recently served as senior associate vice president of development for Miami University and chief development officer for the Miami University Foundation.
In her new role, Weldon will lead UTC’s Division of Advancement and oversee the UC Foundation, directing fundraising strategy, alumni engagement and philanthropic partnerships.
At Miami University, Weldon led core development functions and managed a team of nearly 50 advancement professionals responsible for annual fundraising goals ranging from $80 million to $100 million. She also held advancement leadership positions at the University of Alabama, the University of South Alabama and St. Paul’s Episcopal School.
Weldon assumes the role following three consecutive record-breaking fundraising years at UTC. She says she looks forward to strengthening philanthropic partnerships that support the university’s future.
Kelly names Collins human resources chief
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly has selected Erica Collins to serve as the city’s chief human resources officer.
Collins joins the city after serving as vice president of human resources for Highland Rivers Behavioral Health in Dalton, Georgia. Her previous experience includes human resources roles with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee in Chattanooga and Life Care Centers of America in Cleveland, Tennessee.
She holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix.
According to city officials, Collins will lead the human resources team responsible for recruiting and retaining employees across city departments and helping fill critical positions that support municipal operations.
Collins says she’s eager to join the city’s human resources team and support Chattanooga’s One Chattanooga vision as the city continues its efforts to attract and retain talent.
UTC professor earns recognition from state
A University of Tennessee at Chattanooga professor has been recognized for her work preparing the next generation of athletic trainers.
Lynette Carlson, associate professor and director of clinical education for athletic training at UTC, has been named the Jerry Robertson Educator of the Year by the Tennessee Athletic Trainers’ Society.
The award recognizes Carlson’s contributions to athletic training education and highlights a journey that began when she earned a master’s degree in athletic training from UTC in 2002.
Carlson credits former professor and mentor Marisa Colston with encouraging her to pursue a career in higher education.
Colston recalls seeing Carlson’s potential as an educator while she was still a student, describing her as someone who helped classmates learn without simply giving them answers.
A certified athletic trainer since 2000, Carlson joined the UTC faculty in 2016 after years of clinical practice. She says education has always been a central part of her profession, whether working with patients, athletes or coaches.
The Jerry Robertson Educator of the Year Award honors an athletic trainer whose dedication to teaching and service reflects a commitment to learning and the advancement of the athletic training profession.