Academic and Pathway program
Today, Nutrition partnered with Knox Co. Schools. Knox Co. has an Academic and Pathway program with several of its high schools. The actual Pathways for students on campus today are (Sports & Human Performance, Therapeutic Services, and Dietetics & Nutrition). They came on campus today to learn more about Dietetics and nutrition. The visit also encompassed Kinesiology and Therapeutic Recreation.





Kids Cook with Heart Program
Can’t get enough of cooking fun! Dr. Marsha Spence and Hearty are looking for heart-healthy recipes for the Kids Cook with Heart Program.
2025 Tim Williams is Why Award
In 2018, Tim Williams, a dear friend of the American Heart Association, Knoxville, passed away after a major heart event at just 43 years old. To honor his legacy, the Association introduced the Tim Williams is Why Award in 2019. This award recognizes those who embody the relentless commitment to the mission at the American Heart Association.
This year, Dr. Marsha Spence was the recipient of the 2025 Tim Williams is Why Award from the American Heart Association, Knoxville!
Dr. Spence, a dedicated member of the Knoxville board of directors, has played a pivotal role in advancing the American Heart Association’s Kids Cook with Heart program, bringing her nutrition expertise from the University of Tennessee to help educate and empower the next generation. Her leadership, passion, and dedication make a lasting impact on our community.
Congratulations Dr. Spence!
8th Cohort of Community Engagement Academy Fellows Celebrated
On October 22, the 2024 Fall Community Engagement Academy (CEA) cohort delivered their final presentations to the campus at a closing ceremony and celebrated completion of the 5-week program. Scholars were congratulated by Javiette Samuel, Associate Vice Chancellor & OCEO director, and Tyvi Small, Vice Chancellor for Access and Engagement.
Throughout the experience, early-career faculty, graduate students, and postdocs learned and applied the fundamentals of community engagement, engaged scholarship, assessment and evaluation, and more. In addition to the fall academy, a summer intensive is offered for graduate students each June. Applications will be available in Spring 2025. View more photos here

Researchers Address Health Issues in Underserved Communities
Click here to read the complete article
Faculty and UT Coaches Luncheon
Dr. Carolina Cawthon, Smokey and Dr. Marsha Spence (left to right) attended the annual Faculty and UT Coaches Luncheon 2024. Our beloved Smokey wanted to get on the fun!
CEHHS Endowed Awards: College Senate
Dr. Sarah Colby was awarded the Mary Helen Byers Faculty Award
Awarded to a faculty member or team in the Department of Nutrition to promote the College’s mission through innovative teaching.
Lab Safety Culture Awards
Please join me in congratulating Dr. Ahmed Bettaieb for being recognized with two awards at the Lab Safety Culture Awards Dinner last night (12/7) hosted by UTK’s Environmental Health & Safety Department.
He was recognized as/with:
- 1st place winner of the Lab Safety Culture Award in Spring 2023. This award is given to person(s) for developing a positive culture framework through good laboratory housekeeping.
- Foundations Award. This award is given to the person(s) who demonstrated excellence in developing systems and processes that control risks in the workspace.
Congratulations, Ahmed! We are so proud of you!
Summer Program 2024
2024 Summer Pre-College Program dates coming soon!