UTC Announces Cleveland Partnership

Hundreds of University of Tennessee students will be taking part in a variety of Cleveland projects this academic year.

The city of Cleveland was chosen earlier this year as the first partner city for UT's service learning program, the Smart Communities Initiative.

The list of projects was unveiled Wednesday evening when university students and officials met with city of Cleveland staff members and people from partnering organizations such as Main Street Cleveland, Impact Cleveland, Lee University, Tennessee Department of Transportation, Chamber of Commerce and many others.

Faculty and city staff will lead the projects.

The students will be working on the projects, writing reports and suggesting solutions for the issues they study.

Projects range from sheltered city bus stops and sidewalks in some locations to traffic and housing needs, and storm water issues. Other projects include developing a promotional and branding campaign for the city and more alternatives for citizen comments.

Mayor Tom Rowland addressed the group via a recorded video message. City Manager Janice Casteel welcomed the group. Both the mayor and the city manager thanked the participating agencies and the City Council for approving the project.

Dr. Susan Martin, UT Provost, said programs like SCI gives students an opportunity "to learn by doing."

Kelly Ellenburg, UT campus coordinator for service learning within the provost's office, said the city and the university developed a list of 19 projects last spring. The projects can benefit city planners and residents, she said, while offering real world experience for students.

SCI will choose one municipality each academic year, she said. "We are fortunate that Cleveland is our first," she said.

Some Lee University students may be involved in longer term work, she said.

Anticipating growth, the city plus Bradley County and the city of Charleston developed a strategic plan several years ago, said Greg Thomas, city planning director. SCI, he said Wednesday, will enhance that plan.

"As a professional planner, SCI is like winning the lottery," Mr. Thomas said.