World Acrobatic Society Recognizes UT Professor’s Achievements

Jay Whelan, head of UT’s Department of Nutrition, has been recognized with the Golden Achievement Award by the World Acrobatics Society and induction into the Gallery of Legends Hall of Fame.

The award is given to accomplished athletes who have gone on to have successful careers outside of their athletic accomplishments.

Whelan, who is also the interim department head of public health, will be inducted along several other former athletes, some of whom are considered to be among the best in the world.

“Certainly, many of their achievements far exceed my own, so it is a great honor to be part of that group,” he said.

Whelan was a successful national and international gymnast in the 1970s and 1980s, prior to coming to UT as a faculty member.

Five PhD Students Named Tennessee Doctoral Fellows

Five UT doctoral students have been named Tennessee Doctoral Fellows. These prestigious awards are funded by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and UT’s Graduate School.

Tennessee Doctoral Fellows are chosen every three years; this is only the second group of fellows at UT.

The recipients, all Tennessee residents, were chosen from nominations made by departments across campus. The three-year awards consist of an annual $20,000 fellowship, a 25 percent assistantship in the student’s home department, a tuition waiver, and a $2,500 educational allowance to fund conference travel or other academic expenses.

Niederhauser Named to Sara Rosenbalm Croley Endowed Dean’s Chair

Victoria Niederhauser, Dean of the College of Nursing, has been named to the Sara Rosenbalm Croley Endowed Dean’s Chair. This is the first endowed dean’s chair for the college and the third for the university.

The $2 million endowment was given by Ross and Sara Croley as a reflection of Niederhauser’s service and transformational leadership. Sara, for whom the endowment is named, received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UT in 2000. The earned endowment funds directed by the dean will be used to support student success, enhance learning experiences, and further the mission of the college.

“This gift is an endorsement of our confidence in Dean Niederhauser and her vision for the College of Nursing,” said Sara Croley. “We know Tennessee needs more nurses, and we feel our gift will be a catalyst in fulfilling this vision.”

Kalas Named Interim Director of Marco Institute, Curator of “Visions of the End” Exhibit

Associate Professor of Architecture Gregor Kalas has been named the Interim Riggsby Director of the Marco Institute for Medieval and Renaissance Studies.

The Marco Institute is housed in the College of Arts and Sciences and is an interdisciplinary center for accomplished scholars in medieval and Renaissance studies. ​The institute sponsors visiting lectures, an annual scholarly symposium, and academic publications to advance scholarship, education, outreach​, and faculty and student development in the field.

As interim director, Kalas will oversee the institute while continuing his duties at the College of Architecture and Design.