UTC\u2019s Challenger Learning and Teaching Center has a new name. Dr. Richard G. Rhoda, Executive Director of Tennessee’s Higher Education Commission (THEC) recently approved a name change from the Challenger Learning and Teaching Center to the Challenger STEM Learning Center.<\/p>\n
Dr. Phil Oldham, UTC provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, requested the name change and official recognition to ensure a greater statewide understanding of the role that the Challenger STEM Learning Center performs for UTC.<\/p>\n
“While we at UTC are aware of the Center\u2019s role, many people across the state are not. The Challenger Center was STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) focused since it’s opening in 1994 and makes it the first such center in the state, and the first to be located on a college campus nationally,\u201d said Oldham.<\/p>\n
Tom Patty, Director of the Challenger STEM <\/strong>Learning Center said the Center is a living testimony to the dream of the Challenger crew.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen the crew of the Challenger space shuttle perished in 1986, they were on a pioneering mission to extend the boundaries of human knowledge. Challenger Centers are continuing that mission today by preparing students for life,\u201d said Patty.<\/p>\n