I enjoyed Richard's assessment of our "branding" at the hands of UTK. I like the idea of changing our name to Chattanooga University, as well. It is time that we the faculty be heard in all this, and that UTC step out of the shadow (or litter box) to which we have been cast. One way to assert our own vision is to consider the Merger agreement with the UT system. This contract gave UTC full standing in the UT "system"-it states we are to be an equal to UTK-in doctoral program status, pay and entrance requirements. Let's talk about all these issues.
What do other think?
Shela Van Ness
Sociology
-----Original Message-----
From: Richard Rice <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Date: Mon, 19 Feb 2007 09:54:09 -0500
Subject: [UTCSTAFF] UT Litter Box
There has been some public concern (Free Press) and campus discussion of our
place in the new Orange "branding campaign."
This issue came up the last time UTC was "defining its mission" under Bill
Stacy. I suggested to the hired consultants that we change the name then to
further the idea that we had a unique "metropolitan" mission different from
UTK, but apparently the idea was dropped or perhaps squashed by Joe Johnson,
no friend of UTC: that's why he got part of a dorm and not a building named
after him. At least it was better than a bench.
I still support a distinct name, but advocate "Chattanooga University"
instead of "University of Chattanooga" for at least two reasons. One, it is
new and forward looking, not to be confused with the pre-1969 private
school. Second, it will appear early (as does Auburn in the Alabama system)
in alphabetical lists of colleges and will stand out, rather than be buried
under "university of..." and further buried within the UT category. We will
be easy to find. We would be right up there with Colorado University
(University of Colorado) and we might attract some clueless skiers.
This may seem silly, but it is real: as an "R" I have suffered alphabetism
all my life, although being tall has balanced that out, as heightism is also
rampant in our society, according to a new book on the issue. But I digress.
It is instructive that no one in Knoxville, unless a lot of other campus
reps are around, says "UTK" up there. They say, "UT" meaning their own
flagship campus. The faculty and administrators up there do not intend to
demean us, it is just a matter of culture and outlook. It is simply too
tedious to add the "K" when you are flagship stuff. They simply do not know
much about, or care much about UTC. It is only at UTM and UTC and perhaps in
Memphis at the medical programs (a different issue as they are clearly
professional schools) that it is necessary to use the full three letters.
Finally, I admit to being totally biased in favor of this blue and white
institution. A few years ago I sent back a parka I ordered from L.L. Bean
because the "Forester Red" in the catalog arrived looking like UT Orange. I
own nothing orange, but would consider a kitty litter box, except I think
the cat too might object. Still, it might be worth a try.
Richard
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