On the occasion of Dr. Betsy Chesnutt's promotion to Senior Lecturer
This book is one of my favorites! It is a fun story that explores important themes, such as how different human societies collectively create unique realities and how the past continues to impact the present in ways that are both obvious and subtle.
On the occasion of Dr. Tara Kolar Bryan's tenure and promotion to Associate Professor
This book articulates the important connection between democratic practice and organization management. Mary Parker Follett was a woman before her time and her writings and scholarship have had a profound impact on my thinking and many others in the field of public administration.
The New State: Group Organization, The Solution of Popular Government
On the occasion of Dr. R. Scott Roark's promotion to Clinical Professor
I've enjoyed listening to Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook in their podcast "The Rest Is History." I chose this book by Tom to further my newfound enjoyment of history.
On the occasion of the tenure of Dhiraj Anil Vattem, PhD, as Professor
Discovery of India by Jawaharlal Nehru is a remarkable book for its insightful and comprehensive exploration of India’s cultural, historical, and philosophical heritage. Written during Nehru’s imprisonment in the 1940s, it reflects both his personal love for India and his intellectual curiosity, offering readers an emotionally powerful and reflective narrative. The book’s broad scope covers India’s ancient civilization, philosophy, religion, art, and politics, while synthesizing these diverse elements to present a holistic view of the country’s evolution. Nehru’s eloquent writing, blending poetic expression with lucid historical analysis, makes it engaging and accessible to a wide audience. As a significant work in shaping India’s post-colonial identity, Discovery of India not only fosters a sense of pride in the nation’s rich cultural roots but also inspires a vision for its future, making it an enduring and influential masterpiece.
On the occasion of Kimberly A. Smith's promotion to Distinguished Lecturer
This book has recently touched the lives of my closest family members. As I seek to help foster the well-being mindset at UTK, I hope it will also help others learn how to live a healthier, happier, more balanced life.
On the occasion of Dr. Elizabeth Perrault Derryberry's promotion to Professor
In honor of my promotion to full professor, I select this book by my dissertation advisor, Steve Nowicki, whose mentorship shaped my career. His emphasis on curiosity and selfless guidance inspired much of my work, and this book continues to influence my research today.
The Evolution of Animal Communication: Reliability and Deception in Signaling Systems
Department - Mechanical, Aerospace & Biomedical Engineering
On the occasion of Dr. Zhenbo Wang's tenure and promotion to Associate Professor
Pale Blue Dot beautifully encapsulates the profound and humbling perspective of our planet in the vast cosmos. It inspires a sense of wonder and a reminder of our shared responsibility to cherish the only home we’ve ever known as we explore the possibilities of the future.
Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of the Human Future in Space