The Tennessee Aquarium has added Jason Sanders to its development team as strategic giving officer.
Sanders will work alongside Development Manager Mary Anne Williams and the Aquarium’s existing development staff to support fundraising initiatives.
According to the Aquarium, Sanders brings experience in relationship-based and future-oriented fundraising. During the past seven years in hospital and university development roles, he helped donors make nearly $30 million in transformational gifts.
Before joining the Aquarium, Sanders served as director of planned giving at Akron Children’s Hospital in Ohio, overseeing the foundation’s planned giving program. He previously held development leadership roles at Cleveland State University and University of Akron.
Sanders earned his law degree from the University of Akron School of Law in 2022. He also holds a master’s degree in sport administration from Mississippi State University and a bachelor’s degree in communication from Jacksonville State University.
Bingham named UTC new Honors College dean
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has named Dr. Shawn Bingham as the next dean of the Honors College, effective July 1.
Bingham currently serves as director of the University Honors Program and Mykles Endowed Chair of Honors at Colorado State University, where he leads a program of more than 1,800 students.
He brings more than 20 years of higher education experience, including leadership roles in honors education, interdisciplinary programming and undergraduate research.
UTC Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Jerold L. Hale announced the appointment, citing Bingham’s experience in honors education and student engagement.
Bingham previously served as associate dean of undergraduate studies and director of the Honors College at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and also held leadership positions at the University of South Florida.
He will succeed Dr. Linda Frost, who has led UTC’s Honors College since 2013 and will continue teaching in the Department of English.
Mashburn, Fowler, Vaughn earn teacher nods
Jefferson’s Restaurant has announced the recipients of its Chattanooga-area Teacher of the Year award, recognizing educators in Dalton, Kimball, Ringgold and Trenton.
The honorees are Mendy Mashburn of New Hope Elementary School, Amy Fowler of Marion County High School, Kathy Lindroth of Lakeview Middle School and Katy Vaughn of Davis Elementary School.
Mashburn, a third-grade teacher with 28 years of experience, was recognized for her engaging classroom environment and empathetic leadership style.
Fowler, who teaches psychology, personal finance, U.S. history and dual-credit courses, was honored for her community service work and kindness-first approach after 10 years in education.
Lindroth, an art teacher with 22 years of experience teaching grades K-12, was selected for encouraging creativity and stepping in to meet school needs.
Vaughn, a pre-K teacher with 15 years of experience, was recognized for creating a classroom where students feel cared for, curious and confident.
According to Jefferson’s, the winners were selected from nominations submitted by students and community members as part of the restaurant’s National Teachers’ Day initiative.
Each teacher will receive a $500 Jefferson’s gift card and recognition on a Teacher of the Year plaque displayed in the restaurants.
Jefferson’s President Brandon Graham said the educators were selected for their dedication to students and their communities, including volunteer and service efforts outside the classroom.
The Teacher of the Year initiative launched last year as a companion to Jefferson’s annual Coach of the Year program.
Area Salvation Army leaders transition roles
The Salvation Army Area commanders Maj. Douglas McClure and Maj. Storm McClure will leave Chattanooga in June after three years of service as they transition to new leadership roles in Birmingham.
The McClures will become area commanders in Birmingham as part of the organization’s regular officer appointment process, which rotates leaders to different commands every three to five years to meet organizational and community needs.
Douglas McClure said the couple enjoyed their time in Chattanooga and would miss the city.
During their tenure, the McClures said one of their proudest accomplishments was rebuilding and expanding The Salvation Army’s partnerships throughout the community.
They will be succeeded by Capt. Johnny Horton and Capt. Monica Horton, who will return to Chattanooga for a second assignment but serve as area commanders for the first time.
CommonSpirit adds Richards to care team
CommonSpirit Medical Group Orthopedics Ringgold has added nurse practitioner Sydney Richards to its orthopedic care team.
Richards earned her nursing degree from Northeast Alabama Community College in Rainsville and completed her master’s degree in nursing, family nurse practitioner, at Herzing University.
She joins Masoud Hamidian at CommonSpirit Medical Group Orthopedics Ringgold. The practice provides surgical and non-surgical treatment for injuries and conditions affecting bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles.
The clinic is located at 4700 Battlefield Parkway in Ringgold. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon.
To schedule an appointment, call (706) 841-1342.