The Southern Conference All-Faculty and Staff Team was released by the league office today, and included two representatives from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Dr. Gretchen Potts, a professor of Chemistry, and Lisa Tarr, the Mocs' Coordinator of Student Support Services were both recognized for their effort to support UTC student-athletes.
While the selections were left up to each institution's discretion, the recipients all shared the common characteristics of demonstrated service and contributions to campus life and the local community.
Faculty members selected have a proven record of high scholastic achievement among students and/or recognition for a research project or written academic piece, while staff members came from the instructional/teaching ranks or the non-instructional ranks and are recognized for bringing out the best in others and creating conditions for success.
The inaugural team consisted of just faculty members, but the group was expanded this year to include staff, as well, doubling the number of recipients of the honor.
The Citadel's Melanie Maddox and Sally Keltner; ETSU's Dr.
Andrea "Andi" Clements and Stefanie Murphy; Furman's Sandy Roberson and Rob Carson; Mercer's Dr. Laura Lackey and Emily French; UNCG's Dr. Jerry Walsh and Dr. Brett Carter; Samford's Dr. Robert Hensarling and Michelle Durban; Chattanooga's Dr. Gretchen Potts and Lisa Tarr; VMI's Col. W.G. "Grigg" Mullen Jr. and Lance M. Fujiwara; Western Carolina's Dr. David Claxton and Christy Wyatt; and Wofford's Dr. Nancy M. Williams and Dr. Phillip Stone comprise the all-league faculty and staff team.
Each member of the All-SoCon Faculty and Staff Team will be presented a plaque and honored at a home basketball game at his or her institution. The Mocs' recognition is set for the men's game against VMI on Jan. 25.
Dr. Gretchen Potts, Chattanooga
A professor of chemistry, Chattanooga's Dr. Gretchen Potts also serves as the program director for the university's Integrated Studies Program. Through this role, Potts works with students to complete a degree that works across multiple disciplines and assists them to reach an academic goal that might otherwise not be available. She has assisted many students who have returned to school to complete a degree interrupted by other life events. Also an avid supporter of Mocs athletics, Potts knows many of UTC's athletes personally and acts as a mentor, guide and informal cheerleader and attends dozens of athletics events throughout the year, both home and away.
Lisa Tarr, Chattanooga
Lisa Tarr serves as the academic coordinator for the Chattanooga football team. She joined the athletics department in the spring of 2011 after working a year with the UTC Center for Advisement and Student Success. Tarr serves on the StepUP Leadership bystander intervention committee at UTC, a program initiated by the UTC Counseling and Student Development Office in partnership with the NCAA. An avid supporter of Chattanooga athletics, Tarr provides the right balance of challenge and support for UTC student-athletes and has become a trusted confidant for many of them.