By Alex Cate It’s been almost seven years since Roger McDonald’s nephew was killed during a shooting in Central High School’s cafeteria, but McDonald’s commitment to keeping his nephew’s memory alive only intensifies with each passing year. In 2011, he established the Ryan McDonald Toy Drive to ensure families throughout East Tennessee will have a … Continued
From volleyball team banquets to Lions Club dinners, Carole Thomas’ goal is to make it easy for her community to come together. As manager of UT Space Institute’s dining hall, known around town as “The View,” Thomas serves the Tullahoma community by offering superb food and service that have people from all over driving out … Continued
By Alex Cate Through acting, singing and dancing, Steve Ray is helping improve the lives of Chattanooga’s homeless population. Ray volunteers with a safe haven ministry run by the Salvation Army that offers refuge to the homeless during the day while shelters are closed. The ministry, ReCreate Café, also focuses on the social and spiritual … Continued
By Alex Cate Whether she’s helping teach disabled community members to cook or strengthening mother-daughter relationships through group meetings, Shelly Barnes says her job doesn’t feel like work. “Really it’s a service career that gives me a lot of enjoyment and excitement,” she said. As a UT Extension agent specializing in family consumer sciences, Barnes … Continued
By Alex Cate Karen Blake takes one look at a child suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and melts. Blake, an attorney and court specialist with the UT Institute for Public Service’s Municipal Technical Advisory Service, was diagnosed six years ago with rheumatoid arthritis and has since taken a leading role in helping advocate for research funding … Continued
By Alex Cate Pam Houston feels a since of duty in helping affect change in the young people around her. “My mom used to always tell me that whatever you can find for your hands to do—do it,” Houston said. So when an alarming statistic came out about teen pregnancies in Memphis public schools, Houston, … Continued
By Alex Cate Clinton Smith’s office is covered with pictures of his athletes and their smiles. While other people display pictures of their children, Smith proudly flaunts the accomplishments of his Special Olympians for everyone to see. Smith, an assistant professor of special education at UT Martin, has been a certified basketball and track and … Continued
Get to know seven UT employees who share a passion for service and making a difference in their communities.
For Deborah Seward, It’s About Helping Members of Her Community Whether it’s working with community members or 4-H youth, Deborah Seward finds ways to help Gibson County residents. “Working with the 4-H program has been the most rewarding part of my job. They keep me on my toes and young,” Seward said. Seward was identified … Continued
