Chancellor Gives State of the University, Reopens Field

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is celebrating in a big way.

UTC Chancellor Dr. Steven Angle gave his annual State of the University address, Thursday, before officially reopening a campus landmark.

“Today enrollment for Fall 2016 is 11,533 students, which is an increase over last fall,” Angle said.

Dr. Angle touted the school’s increase in graduation rates and enrollment in his speech.

“Our students get to be on our campus four years and enjoy that residential experience, and not just in the classroom, but the clubs, organizations, activities that are part of college life,” he said.

Junior Stephen Henry says he chose UT Chattanooga for that full college experience, even if it meant spending more money.

“I just think meeting new people constantly, and the things that you get involved in because you’re on your own, so it’s kind’ve like up to you what you want to do, rather than doing the normal of like what I did when I was in high school with my parents back at home,” Henry said.

Former UTC football player Tony Ball says he’s not surprised enrollment is up. There’s a lot of opportunity here.

“The way the city has transformed from the downtown to this campus, and the way it has transformed, it makes it enticing for students to want to come here because of the beauty of the campus, and the beauty of downtown in the city,” Ball said.

Many other former players like Ball are here to officially reopen the area where they played first played football – Chamberlain Field.

“For three or four years, every home game in this stadium was packed, so it brought about some great memories, and we had some tremendous wins on Chamberlain Field,” Ball said.

The stadium may not be here anymore, but the field will always leave a legacy.

“Where we’re going depends on our roots,” Angle said. “We were established for this community, to add value to the community and provide a quality education at an affordable price, and that is still an expectation that we’re living up to.”