Dr. Elizabeth O’Brien, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s vice provost for faculty affairs, has been selected for the 2026-27 Becoming a Provost Academy, a national leadership program offered by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.
O’Brien is one of 37 higher education leaders chosen for the yearlong academy, which prepares senior academic administrators for provost and chief academic officer roles.
She says the program will help her strengthen her leadership skills while gaining new perspectives on higher education challenges such as enrollment and student retention.
O’Brien has served as UTC’s vice provost since January after nearly two decades on the university’s faculty.
UTC names Brantley director of art institute
Art historian and curator Rebecca Brantley has been named curator and director of the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA Chattanooga) at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and will also serve as a faculty associate in the Department of Art.
Brantley joins UTC from Piedmont University in Demorest, Georgia, where she led the Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art, expanded its collections and exhibition program and helped increase attendance by 58%.
At UTC, she will oversee ICA Chattanooga’s exhibitions and community engagement efforts while working with students through the art department.
Brantley brings experience in museum leadership, curatorial work and community engagement, along with a record of securing arts grants and publishing on contemporary art.
ICA Chattanooga connects the community with regional, national and international contemporary artists through rotating exhibitions.
Large named chair of Erlanger board
Barry Large has been named chair of the Erlanger board of trustees, effective July 1, succeeding Sheila Boyington after her four-year tenure in the role.
A Chattanooga entrepreneur, Large is cofounder and managing partner of Dynamo Ventures. He previously cofounded Access America, where he served as chief financial officer before the company merged with Coyote Logistics, a UPS subsidiary.
He also helped found Steam Logistics and Reliance Partners and remains active in Chattanooga’s startup community through Brickyard, in addition to serving on several civic and philanthropic boards.
Boyington will continue serving on the Erlanger board of trustees, supporting the leadership transition and mentoring emerging leaders.
Shimmel leads Chamber programs
Jamison Shimmel has joined the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce as director of leadership programs, where he will oversee Leadership Chattanooga, Young Professionals of Chattanooga and Protégé.
Shimmel previously participated in all three of the Chamber’s leadership programs, graduating from Protégé in 2019 and Leadership Chattanooga earlier this year.
He most recently served as chief stability officer at Northside Neighborhood House, where he developed programs supporting single mothers in northern Hamilton County.
Earlier in his career, he worked as a Spanish teacher before moving into nonprofit leadership.
In his new role, Shimmel will oversee the Chamber’s flagship leadership initiatives, with plans to expand alumni involvement through mentoring, volunteer opportunities and program planning while continuing to develop Chattanooga’s next generation of community and business leaders.
Lee University announces academic leadership
Lee University has announced several leadership appointments within its Academic Affairs division, effective July 1, as part of a restructuring aimed at strengthening academic leadership and operations.
Under the new structure, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jean Eledge will continue in her role while serving as the university’s chief academic officer. Former Provost Dr. Debbie Murray has transitioned to senior ambassador in the Office of the President, where she will represent the university at selected church, alumni, donor and community events.
The university also named Dr. Shane Griffith assistant vice president for academic affairs, overseeing assigned academic units and strategic initiatives, and appointed Dr. Paul DeLaLuz senior director for academic affairs, where he will lead academic operations, curriculum coordination, faculty processes and academic policy.