By Herald staff
Seven students from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Gary W. Rollins College of Business have been recognized for their academic excellence, leadership and service as recipients of the 2025-2026 John C. Stophel Distinguished Student Award.
The law firm of Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel has announced this year’s honorees, congratulating the students for what the firm described as exceptional achievement both inside and outside the classroom.
The 2025-2026 recipients are John Dempsey, management and human resources management; Kestutis Dubininkas, data analytics; Madison Goble, accounting; Chandler Mason, finance; Ana Morris, entrepreneurship; Paige Proseus, marketing; and Juliet Romines, economics.
“We’re proud to recognize these seven outstanding students for their remarkable academic achievements and service to their communities,” says Chambliss President and Managing Shareholder Steve Barham. “Their accomplishments reflect the integrity, dedication and leadership that will serve them well as they continue in their professional journeys.”
The John C. Stophel Distinguished Student Award is presented annually to high-achieving business students who have made significant and meaningful civic contributions to UTC and the Rollins College of Business while maintaining strong academic records. In addition to scholastic performance, recipients are selected based on leadership, commitment to community, communication skills and a demonstrated level of self-motivation.
Dr. Robert Dooley, dean of the Rollins College of Business, praises both the students and the firm’s ongoing partnership with the university.
“This is an outstanding group of students,” Dooley says. “The John C. Stophel Distinguished Students are leaders among their peers. They demonstrate a strong commitment to academics and community service. We’re honored by the commitment Chambliss has made to recognize their accomplishments and mentor them as they prepare for their careers.”
The award honors the legacy of John C. Stophel, whose leadership helped shape the culture of Chambliss following the 1997 merger that formed the firm as it exists today. In 2008, Chambliss established an endowment at UTC in Stophel’s name to ensure the continued recognition of student excellence at the College of Business.
During more than 50 years of practicing law, Stophel was known not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his deep civic engagement. He led numerous charitable, civic and religious initiatives that benefited the Chattanooga community and served as chairman of the University of Chattanooga Foundation board of trustees from 2001 to 2004.
Source: Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel