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Firings from Cumberland Gap, Smoky Mountains: ‘My whole world had shattered’
The Daily Beacon is published by students at The University of Tennessee on Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters. The offices are located at 1345 Circle Park Drive, 11 Communications Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-0314. The newspaper is free on campus and is available via mail subscription for
Approximately 222,000 job cuts have occurred since the start of 2025, setting a new record as the largest total of job reductions since 2009. For environmental and park ranger jobs, about 750 employees who work for United States National Parks were fired.
Here in Tennessee, the layoffs took a toll on the Smoky Mountains and the Cumberland Gap National Historic Parks.
According to Bill Wade, the executive director of the Association of National Park Rangers, there were approximately 12 firings, and possibly more, from the Great Smoky Mountains and four from Cumberland Gap.
“I don’t know specifically from these parks other than we heard that the trail crew in the Smokies had lost half of its staff, but generally across the NPS, two functions hit the hardest were interpretation/education (visitor center operations, ranger-led programs) and fee collectors (entrance stations),” Wade said.
According to NPS.gov, interpreters assist visitors by adding their own historical and educational knowledge to increase the connections between the trails and the visitors’ experience.
NPS.gov also states, “Interpreters come from many different backgrounds and have different educational journeys. Some study history or archeology.”
Nevaeh Casteel, a senior at the University of Tennessee, was laid off at the Cumberland Gap. Casteel’s major is history with a concentration in African studies, so her primary role within the park was to enhance Cumberland’s trails with Black culture and history.
Casteel shared her initial reaction when she received the determination letter.
“I literally just spiraled in complete shock,” Casteel said. “It felt in that moment like my whole world had shattered.”
Casteel was involved in the pathways
program available to current students, offering a plethora of occupational openings within the parks.
“The name suggests it allows students or recent graduates the recent opportunity to be federal employees as long as they are in school and is the pathway to your permanent job in the federal workforce,” Casteel said.
Cumberland gap was a vital location for Casteel’s incorporation of Black history into the trails.
“We have westward expansion, and the gap served as a gateway for that — so Black history in the park broader represents the implications of spreading settlement west,” Casteel said.
Regarding the reason behind Casteel’s and several other park employees’ firings, the determination letter from the U.S. Department of the Interior said, “The Department determined that you have failed to demonstrate fitness or qualifications for continued employment because your subject matter knowledge, skills, and abilities do not meet the Department’s current needs, and it is necessary and appropriate to terminate, during the trial period, your appointment to the position of Student Trainee (Park Guide), at Middlesboro, Kentucky, within the National Park Service.”
Yet, Casteel believes the reason for her firing — performance — is inaccurate.
“Because I had been there such a short time, I had not even been evaluated for my performance yet,” Casteel said. “When I asked my employer about it, it had nothing to do with my performance, and it had nothing to do with everyone else’s performance.”
As this raised an ethical concern, there are several questions regarding the multiple firings and the correlation of diversity, equity and inclusion challenges. Casteel shared her fears about the layoff since she was one of the Black employees at the park.
“I felt as though me being fired may have been in relation to this uprise in DEI hiring. I don’t think they are going to outwardly
say that — just because, more recently, departments are encouraging more diversity in all aspects.”
Casteel said she wants to give the National Park Service the benefit of the doubt and thinks in her case specifically, it may not have been due to discriminatory reasons but could be related to the broader firings.
According to Casteel, the firing did not come as a total surprise as she received the determination letter through email in January titled ‘fork in the road’ encouraging people to quit. Other members of her work also received this letter which explained that those who quit by a certain day would receive full benefits until September 2025.
“I could tell that the ‘fork in the road’ email was a threat 100%,” Casteel said. “I did not take that bribery because I did not think that it would be targeted towards me.”
Unfortunately, as Wade warned, Casteel will likely not be the last to go, as more firings will come before summer.
Recognizing that this news may alarm employees, Casteel provided guidance on coping with the unknown.
“My piece of advice would be that this is the perfect time to lean on your support and the people around you,” Casteel said. “Be vulnerable and share your story.”
The Beacon contacted the Cumberland Gap Region for a comment, but they did not respond.
The sign pointing travelers to the historic town of Cumberland Gap, TN. Saturday, March 8, 2025. Courtesy of Kelly Alley
Student arrested for slashing over 40 tires on campus over
SAMANTHA WHITLEY News Editor STAFF REPORT
spring break
A University of Tennessee student, Skye Scialabba, age 29, was arrested on Tuesday, March 18, at 4:30 p.m. on Middle Drive for felony vandalism following over 40 reports on and off campus.
After the first report was called in,
Scialabba was located and taken into custody within an hour. The University of Tennessee Police Department and the Knoxville Police Department worked together in locating Scialabba.
Scialabba has been charged with vandalism, unlawful possession of a firearm, simple possession/ casual exchange and unlawful drug paraphernalia. Scialabba is currently
being held in the Knox County Detention Center.
Scialabba vandalized and slashed the tires of 48 vehicles in parking lots on campus, as well as several off-campus in Fort Sanders neighborhood.
Court documents reported that police found a .22 caliber handgun, ammo, drugs and a folding knife.
Congressman Tim Burchett, Mayor Glenn Jacobs hold rally advocating for tax cuts for everyday citizens
JED BASO
Contributor
Saturday March 22, members of the Knoxville community gathered at the Cotton Eyed Joe, not to drink or dance but to support lower taxes.
In an event organized by Americans for Prosperity, dozens entered the club to see Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs and Tennessee Congressman Tim Burchett advocate for a renewal of President Trump’s 2017 tax cuts.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was passed over eight years ago under Trump’s first presidency, but it is set to expire at the end of 2025. This would mean a return to previous tax rates, which the act temporarily lowered.
“I hope that folks understand how important codifying the tax cuts are,” Jacobs said. “If that does not go into law, Americans will experience the largest tax increase of our lifetime. So it is imperative that we fight to make sure that Congress codifies the Trump tax cuts.”
Chuck Green, a Knox County resident, was among the many who attended the rally. Green explained that he didn’t believe the government should tell people how to spend their money.
“Why should someone come and tell me
Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs speaking at the Americans for Prosperity’s Protect Prosperity Rally at the Cotton Eyed Joe. Saturday, March 22, 2025. Ericksen Gomez-Villeda / The Daily Beacon
what I have to do? I’m not telling them what they have to do,” Green said. “You believe your things — I believe mine. That’s why we have the freedoms we have. Let’s just get along, everybody.”
Alongside the rally, protestors gathered across the street from Joe with signs calling out Elon Musk and asserting that the tax cuts only benefit the rich.
Mayor Jacobs countered their protests by explaining that the tax cuts would, in fact, keep taxes lower for the rich and low for everybody. He also added that money
the government takes is money taken out of the private sector, which affects business growth, job availability and worker paychecks.
Congressman Burchett was the main speaker of the afternoon. Peppered with political jokes about his co-workers and life on the Hill, Burchett pressed the need for everyday Americans to resist allowing lawmakers in Washington to take more of their money.
“You should never allow Washington the decision to do more of your money than
Weekly Campus Crime Log
Warrant Served (Existing on File)
Vandalism
Criminal Trespass (x4), Evading Arrest, Public Intoxication (x4), Underage Consumption, Possession Or Transport Of Beer (x4), Using a False Identification
Misuse of Registration, Confiscation
Simple Possession/Casual Exchange, Unlawful Drug Paraphernalia, Driving on Suspended, Revoked or Cancelled License
Driving on Suspended License
Indecent Exposure
Vandalism, Unlawful Possession of a firearm, Simple Possession/Casual Exchange, Unlawful Drug Paraphernalia
03/24/25 2256
03/23/25 1508
03/22/25 0251
03/21/25 1439
2256
1508
0251
2104
03/19/25 1340
03/18/25 0704
03/18/25 0059
1340
1550
they have already. They need to take less of it. And that’s what this is really all about. This fight is right now today, in here, at the Cotton Eyed Joe,” Burchett said.
Burchett also discussed the corruption he sees in D.C., what he’s been doing to fight it and how he’s continuing to advocate for everyday people.
“I have a bill dealing with stock trades. Now, everybody wants to rail on Pelosi,” Burchett said. “But, dadgum, she’s not even in the top ten folks — we ought to outlaw stock trades among members of Congress.” Insider trading, or using information not available to the public to buy advantageous stocks, has long been a criticism of D.C. politicians. Some say it is a corrupt practice that abuses their lawmakers’ privilege to benefit themselves. Burchett’s new bill, the End Congressional Stock Trading Act, seeks to stop this.
However, despite the deep division and problems that America faces and despite the fear many Americans have, Burchett wrapped up his speech with hope and optimism about the future.
Everyday citizens have the power and potential to make a better America through their voices and votes.
“No kidding, folks, we are on the cusp of doing something great in this country, and I hope y’all realize that you’re a part of it,”
Recapping Charlie Kirk’s presence at UT: An opportunity for students to engage in debate
PATRICK BUSCH Staff Writer
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk came to the University of Tennessee on Thursday, March 13. The event proved to be a popular opportunity for students to listen to, debate and express their own political views, with proponents and opponents of Kirk’s politics all coming together and engaging in discussion.
The controversial activist and executive director of the conservative political organization Turning Point USA did not give a speech. Instead, Kirk fielded questions from and engaged in debate with UT students.
Kirk first walked out flinging white hats with a golden “47” embroidered on them into the crowd for students to catch. The audience greeted Kirk with applause as he opened up and encouraged people to debate him.
“That’s a lot of people. How are we doing, University of Tennessee?” Kirk said. “It’s great to see you guys. Wow, this is really something. You know how it works, if you disagree, go to the line and we’ll have a great conversation here, and go Vols, everybody.”
As part of his American Comeback Tour, his event attracted thousands of attendees and elicited reactions from supporters and protestors.
The HSS Humanities Amphitheatre was full of students coming, going and staying to listen to prolonged discussions about today’s pressing issues, including topics like abortion access, foreign affairs and economic policy. The event was so well attended that the crowd entirely filled the amphitheater grounds, formed on all sides of Kirk’s tent, and several students even climbed trees to get a better view.
Kirk was brought to campus by UT’s chapter of the Turning Point USA organization, a nonprofit national organization that works to spread conservative politics in high schools and universities.
It was clear that many showed up in support of Kirk, with several attendees donning political attire, including red “Make America Great Again” hats. Luke, a finance major and attendee, was happy to see UT’s turnout and was waiting in anticipation to hear from Kirk.
“I think it’s great,” Luke said. “I love the massive turnout for Charlie Kirk coming. It’s great to see even people that disagree, that they at least care enough to take a stand.”
Others saw the event as an opportunity to spread messages for their own political agendas. Organizers from the Young Americans for Liberty, a national libertarian student organization, were seen holding a sign and advocating for allowing firearm concealed carrying on campus. Reagan
Bittel, a UT student and member of YAL, explained their group’s advocacy goals for campus carry.
“We’re advocating for students to be allowed to carry firearms on campus in a concealed manner,” Bittel said. “We think this is an important issue because we have an issue with school violence, mass shootings, we have issues out on Cumberland. … I feel that it should be the right of the students to carry a firearm on campus to defend themselves when help isn’t always readily available.”
While the event certainly drew fellowminded conservatives and right-wingers, it also brought out several protestors who opposed Kirk’s politics. The College Democrats organization stood in protest of what they deemed to be Kirk’s divisive and unproductive dialogue. Walker Kinsler, president of the organization, spoke about why the group protested Kirk’s event.
“The College Democrats are out here protesting the fact that Kirk brings a lot of hatred and division into politics, and we disagree with that,” Kinsler said. “My sign specifically mentions how he makes a lot of money off of it. I just don’t believe people should be profiting from polarization in America.”
Other students echoed similar thoughts about Kirk and his politics. Event attendee,
Eden believes Kirk promotes dangerous ideologies and is disappointed in Kirk’s welcome on campus.
“I honestly disagree with Charlie Kirk on a moral level about a lot of issues,” Eden said. “And I think platforming him is kind of dangerous, especially when he calls for a lot of dangerous ideologies that lead to harm towards others. It’s kind of disappointing to see just how many people are promoting him because of all the dangerous ideas he does platform.”
Kirk’s event brought out students’ politics and allowed those with conflicting beliefs to hear a bit from the other side. Kirk himself engaged with friendly attendees who agreed and with those on the polar opposite side of the political spectrum.
This allowed all attendees to at least hear both sides’ arguments on issues. Throughout the event, students could be seen diligently listening to debates and engaging in their own as they seized the opportunity to have productive discussions on all forms of policy.
The day after the event, Kirk said on his podcast, “The Charlie Kirk Show,” that the event was “magical” and one of the greatest events he’s ever done in his 13-year career.
“I’ve got to give the University of Tennessee credit,” Kirk said. “Not for anything they’ve done — but they built a great amphitheater.”
Charlie Kirk protestors gather outside of HSS. Thursday, March 13, 2025. Ericksen Gomez-Villeda / The Daily Beacon
Students attend Charlie Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour” on HSS Lawn. Thursday, March 13, 2025. Cole Moore / The Daily Beacon
Knox County implements new webpage, promotes healthy eating
JAXSON BERG Contributor
College students face several challenges regarding nutrition and healthy eating, including the abundance of fast food around campus and the high costs of meals. Some students may arrive at college without knowing how to prepare food for themselves, making them more dependent on fast food.
The dorm life also creates an obstacle for acquiring balanced meals as the dorms include less storage for fresh produce that requires refrigeration.
To combat these issues, the Knox County Health Department recently established a new website with more than 60 recipes that promote healthy eating. The recipes are beneficial for students as it allows them to incorporate these ideas into their meals.
“The Knox County Health Department N.E.A.T. recipe page consists of meal and snack ideas hand-picked by our team of Registered Dietitians, so users can be confident knowing that they are selecting recipes that are simple, culturally relevant, budget-friendly, and nutritious,” Kelsey Wilson, director of community relations for Knox County, said.
Knox County’s main goal is to prioritize proper nutrition by encouraging healthy habits as the menus combine fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy.
“We realized that not everyone had experience cooking with the fruits and vegetables distributed, and many families wanted to find new ways to eat them,” Wilson said.
The balanced menus are easily accessible for anyone to use. They create fun and new ways for students and the general population to adopt smart eating habits. Students also benefit from these menus by becoming more knowledgeable about easy recipes they can make at home with little preparation and cost.
“I think it is especially good for students because it offers more resources to learn more about healthy eating and provides new recipes,” Ava Laug, a sophomore studying accounting, said.
Once the habits are formed, people can reference the recipes provided to maintain their habits and continue to develop even healthier and varied habits.
Knox County seeks to create a positive perspective on healthy eating and to make students realize it is easier than they think. The creation of this platform helps students gain a better understanding of how to feel more confident when picking out items at a store.
“We want individuals to feel inspired to try new foods and cook at home,” Wilson said. A challenging part of finding a personalized meal plan is knowing where to start. It can seem daunting to figure out how to develop ingredients effectively into a balanced meal. Finding something enjoyable to eat while obtaining adequate ingredients is also difficult.
Given this difficulty, the new recipes give direct instructions and the exact ingredients for each delicious meal. Listing the ingredients and steps is also helpful for students who have specific eating habits and allergies.
Knox County aims to increase awareness of this webpage since this is a new initiative and encourages individuals to share these recipes with friends and families. Recipe ideas can be sent to nutrition@knoxcounty. org, and more information can be found on their website.
“We understand that it can be intimidating to purchase fruits and vegetables you may never have tried or seen before, so our goal is to bridge the gap between buying and actually consuming these foods in a delicious way.”
Knox County Health Department encourages healthy eating by creating a new webpage that includes over 60 recipes. Friday, March 7, 2025. Samantha Whitley / The Daily Beacon
Kelsey Wilson Director of Community Relations Knox County
1. Zakai Zeigler (5) celebrates a Tennessee three during an NCAA Tournament game against UCLA at Rupp Arena. Saturday, March 22, 2025. Cole Moore / The Daily Beacon
2. Chaz Lanier (2) shoots a jumper during an NCAA Tournament game against UCLA at Rupp Arena. Saturday, March 22, 2025. Cole Moore / The Daily Beacon
3. Tennessee takes on UCLA in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena. Saturday, March 22, 2025. Cole Moore / The Daily Beacon
4. Tennessee women’s basketball head coach Kim Caldwell watches Ohio State warm up prior to their NCAA Tournament game at Schottenstein Center. Sunday, March 23, 2025. David Smith / Contributor
5 .Jordan Gainey (11) rises to the rim during an NCAA Tournament game against UCLA at Rupp Arena. Saturday, March 22, 2025. Cole Moore / The Daily Beacon
6. Samara Spencer (7) brings the ball down the court during the NCAA Tournament game against Ohio State at Schottenstein Center. Sunday, March 23, 2025. David Smith / Contributor
7. Samara Spencer (7) goes up for a layup during the NCAA Tournament game against South Florida at Schottenstein Center. Friday, March 21, 2025. David Smith / Contributor
8. Jahmai Mashack (15) celebrates during an NCAA Tournament game against UCLA at Rupp Arena. Saturday, March 22, 2025. Cole Moore / The Daily Beacon
9. Tennessee’s Jillian Hollingshead (53) blocks a shot from Ohio State’s Ajae Petty (1) during the NCAA Tournament at Schottenstein Center. Sunday, March 23, 2025. David Smith / Contributor
10. Talaysia Cooper (55) drives up the lane during the NCAA Tournament game against South Florida at Schottenstein Center. Friday, March 21, 2025. David Smith / Contributor
‘We wanted to win so bad’: Lady Vols stick together, advance to Sweet 16
JACK CHURCH
Assistant Sports Editor
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Kim Caldwell had plenty of doubters when she got to Knoxville.
It started with her introductory press conference last April. A reporter asked about her style of play translating to the national level and got back an emphatic response.
“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think we could do it here,” Caldwell said.
Three hundred forty-eight days later, a door-die moment arrived. The Lady Vols needed a win over Ohio State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament to get back to the Sweet 16, one of the preseason goals Tennessee set. In the moment when it counted, Caldwell and the Lady Vols got it done, beating the Buckeyes 82-67. Caldwell faced several challenges this season. Two years removed from the Division II ranks, she took on the pressure and attention that comes with the Tennessee job. She moved on from West Virginia, her longtime home. She gave birth to her first son and was back in practice four days later.
Sunday’s Sweet 16 win over Ohio State was one of the final steps in Caldwell’s journey through her first season as head coach of the Lady Vols. The journey had its fair share of ups and downs but included a high Sunday.
Tennessee’s players felt that work Caldwell put in. She sacrificed time with her child for more time with her team, and her team rewarded her with a big road win.
“Coach works her butt off,” Jillian Hollingshead said. “The whole coaching staff, they work their butts off...so we had to pull it home for them.”
“We were the most connected”
The night of destiny came for the Lady Vols on a cold, rainy Sunday in Columbus. They entered the game without a road win over a tournament team and had been shaky in tough environments all season.
The road woes for Tennessee started in Nashville when a last-second basket by Mikayla Blakes gave the Lady Vols their first unranked loss. Conor Scott Caldwell was born the next day, and Tennessee lost at Texas three days after that.
Bad losses to Missouri and Florida nearly happened, but the Lady Vols got themselves out of holes to avoid the upset. In its most recent true road game, Tennessee suffered its only blowout loss of the season, a 24-point defeat at Kentucky. With the crowd being a major factor, Tennessee needed to take back momentum quickly when it was lost. That happened early after Ohio State got an 11-point lead. Tennessee bounced back to only lead by four after the opening frame.
The road environment didn’t faze the Lady Vols. They played through the adversity and found their way back into the game.
“They had the crowd,” Hollingshead said. “They had the noise. They had everything. We just knew we had to create our energy, stay
together. I thought we were the most connected.”
The major run came for the Lady Vols right after halftime. Tennessee allowed two Ohio State points but scored the next 14, getting up 17 points early in the third.
In moments, Caldwell didn’t even need to be in the huddle. The Lady Vols were doing everything they learned from their coach over the past 32 games.
“They had it handled at halftime,” Caldwell said. “They had it handled in the time-outs before I got there. They were saying things before I said it. I mean there were countless times that I was getting ready to say something and they already said it. So they kind of led themselves, which is big.”
“We had so much more effort”
With the Ohio State partisans making their voices heard, the Lady Vols needed to get momentum back late. The Buckeyes erased Tennessee’s 17-point lead and took a lead of their own through a 20-2 run.
Tennessee had one way to make a comeback, and it was through effort. Every time there was a loose ball or a 50/50 play, it gave something that Ohio State didn’t.
“We wanted to win so bad,” Sara Puckett said. “We had so much more effort and played harder than they did, and we were just able to get steals. We fed off the energy of each other.”
The Lady Vols didn’t let the game — or the breaks — go against them. They put on more steam. That meant another short run and a seven-point lead after three quarters.
Tennessee has given up leads late several times this season, but that didn’t happen in the biggest moment of the year so far. The Lady Vols pulled further and further away from the Buckeyes, refusing to get complacent as they might have early in the season.
It wasn’t a clean game, but that was fine for Tennessee. The Lady Vols wanted a fast pace, and that fast pace paid off.
“We were making mistakes, but we made up for those mistakes,” Jewel Spear said. “When we turned it over, we got it right back.”
Talaysia Cooper was crucial for the Lady Vols, especially in the second half. She scored 14 of her 19 points after the break, dishing out five assists and grabbing eight rebounds over her 30 minutes of game action.
Perhaps Cooper’s most crucial plays in the game were her seven steals, five of which came after halftime. She turned it over six times but got it back for the Lady Vols more than she gave it away.
When both teams were coughing up the ball, every possession had value. Cooper allowed Tennessee the opportunity to make those errors.
“We had a couple possessions where we turned it over and we got it right back,” Caldwell said. “We turned it over and we got back and contested a shot at the rim and got the rebound. We would miss a layup, and then we would go get the rebound.”
“The job isn’t done”
When the dust settled, Tennessee turned it over nine less times than Ohio State. It out-
scored the Buckeyes by 22 off turnovers and got seven more steals.
Tennessee perfectly played Caldwell’s style. It shot a worse percentage than the Buckeyes but took 17 more field goals. Over the course of the game, those extra shots add up.
Since the first day she stepped on campus, Caldwell never thought anything was impossible for the Lady Vols. Yes, it looked unlikely at times, but every game was an opportunity.
It was a special opportunity for the seven seniors whose careers will end the next time the Lady Vols fail to win. Despite it being her first season, Caldwell made it a priority to win for the seven players who couldn’t play college basketball again after this season.
“Our culture is very strong,” Jewel Spear said. “When she came here, she said she wanted to win now, and I think that just speaks to a lot of us, especially the seniors.”
The win means Tennessee will keep dancing into the second weekend, getting back there after missing last year. The Lady Vols will either have a rematch with Texas or a game against Illinois for the first time since 2000.
While getting to the Sweet 16 was an important milestone for Caldwell’s Lady Vols, it certainly isn’t the end goal. Tennessee will head to Birmingham looking for more wins and more moments to define the Caldwell era of Lady Vols basketball.
“The job isn’t done yet, and I feel like that’s her mentality,” Spencer said. “We didn’t come in thinking we could do anything less, and I feel like we’ve shown that.”
The Tennessee Lady Vols celebrate their NCAA tournament victory over Ohio State at Schottenstein Center. Sunday, March 23, 2025. David Smith / Contributor
In dying age of midrange shots, Tennessee basketball uses jumpers to take down Wofford in NCAA Tournament
TREVOR MCGEE Sports Editor
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Cade Phillips cleared the lane as Jordan Gainey worked around a screen near the free throw line for Tennessee basketball.
Gainey stopped in his tracks and pulled the shot without a defender in his path — swish.
The basket at the 13:45 mark of the first half was the beginning of a successful night inside the perimeter. In a dying age of the midrange shots, the No. 2 Vols used it to their advantage to take down the upset-minded Wofford Terriers, 77-62.
“We practice those shots,” senior guard Jahmai Mashack said. “Whatever percentages they say with midranges — if it’s an open shot, you shoot it, and we get a lot of open midrange shots, and we’re really good at it, so we’re going to continue to get there.”
Tennessee took 17 jumpers in the game and came away with nine makes. Whether drawn up off an inbounds pass or coming off a screen, the Vols are destined to make an identity with the shot that has all but been phased out of the sport.
Mashack believes it can be sustainable for a team that is looking for its first Final Four appearance in program history.
“Especially when you’re hitting it at a high clip like that,” Mashack said. “Obviously, you
want to be able to get good, open threes, get to the rim, but any open shot is a good shot, especially when you can go out and rebound your own shot. It’s important to really take those open shots, because you may not get a better one.”
Chaz Lanier particularly took advantage of the space he was given inside the arc. While the North Florida transfer did add six 3-pointers, it was his work from the elbows that gave Tennessee momentum.
With 12:18 remaining in the first half, Lanier buried back-to-back jumpers to put Tennessee ahead by nine points. On the very next possession, Igor Milicic Jr. made it three straight buckets away from the basket — pushing the Vols’ lead to double-digit and giving breathing room.
“I feel like these are just the shots that we practice a lot with coach Barnes,” Lanier said. “I feel like we’re comfortable shooting them whenever we get the opportunity to do so. It’s just taking what the defense gives us, and we get a lot of open looks like that when we run our actions. So being ready to shoot them, that’s what we do.”
Lanier’s stroke was on in his first NCAA Tournament game. He finished with a gamehigh 29 points on 11-for-22 shooting. That included a personal mark of 5-for-9 on jumpers.
“It’s my focus,” Lanier said. “I mean, I tried
my best to be focused coming into the game, and seeing that ball going early, it always gives you a little bit more confidence to shoot the next shot.”
Tennessee, as a whole, mostly abandoned driving to the rim. The Vols failed to get good looks inside, and it can be a credit to Wofford’s physicality — but more importantly, a testament to the open shots that Tennessee was seeking away from the basket.
The Vols shot 10-for-28 from the 3-point line. That left nine total shots near the rim. Tennessee finished 3-for-4 on dunk attempts and 4-for-5 on layups.
“We always try to fight to get good looks every single day in practice, and it translates to the game,” Gainey said. “And then Wofford’s defense. They were really good, both on both making us shoot threes and inside the paint, but you know we just take what the defense gives us.”
Gainey has been a master at the midrange shot this season. His stroke has been efficient, and it showed up on Thursday for a pair when the Vols needed it most.
As for Zakai Zeigler, it also made his job easier when the shots were falling. The experienced guard finished with 12 points and 12 assists, breaking the Tennessee all-time assists record with 716. It came on his second dish of the game, adding another 10 to his total afterward.
March 20, 2025.
“It was a big blessing,” Zeigler said. “We knew that was going to be there. We watched a lot of film. I gotta give a lot to my coaches and my teammates, just seeing an open guy and not trying to force too much. Breaking a record that was 50 years old is a really big blessing and it means a lot to me.
Tennessee basketball plays 5th game in 9 days with defense as strong as ever
TREVOR MCGEE Sports Editor
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Jahmai Mashack swiped in as a help defender on UCLA’s Tyler Bilodeau, forcing a tie-up. Mashack roared and flexed as he walked back to the other end of the court.
It was just that kind of night for Tennessee basketball on the defensive end — as it has been all season.
Despite playing their fifth game in the span of nine days, all in postseason action, the Vols’ defense was as strong as it has been all season.
“That’s what we do every day,” guard Jordan Gainey told The Daily Beacon. “This isn’t nothing new for us. We play defense extremely hard every single day in practice. We’ve been doing it since April, just trying to get better.”
No. 2 Tennessee held the Bruins to 37% shooting from the field on 54 shots. UCLA only mangled 48 points across the first 28 minutes of the game. A last-chance push in the final two minutes made the deficit more reasonable and the scoring total more respectable, but it was an overall strong outing from the defensive side of the ball that allowed the Vols to take down the Bruins.
“It’s in our DNA,” Mashack said. “How you practice every day gets you prepared for
moments like this. We knew we weren’t going to fall, we knew we weren’t going to break, and our main thing going in was to not just do it for four minutes, not do it for 20 but do it for the whole game. And I think that’s what we did.”
In the SEC Tournament, the Vols fell victim to offensive droughts that kept their opponent in the game. It was the case on multiple occasions this season, but the switch flipped during late-night festivities in Rupp Arena on Saturday. Tennessee’s defense caused multiple droughts, which the offense used to its advantage.
Nearing halftime, the Vols and Bruins were in a tightly contested battle. Trent Perry buried a 3-pointer with 5:27 remaining in the first half to give UCLA a 23-21 lead. Then, the course of the game changed behind Tennessee’s defense.
The Bruins went the remaining five minutes of the first half with only one made shot, allowing the Vols to go on an 11-2 to take a comforting lead into the break.
“It’s what we pride ourselves on doing, man,” forward Cade Phillips said. “We love to guard the ball. We love when teams are struggling offensively. And so that’s something that travels.”
To open up the second half, UCLA continued to struggle. Skyy Clark made a three in the opening minutes to break the original drought, then buried another less than two minutes later, but then the incapabilities persisted.
Tennessee kept the Bruins from scoring for nearly four minutes after Clark’s make at the 17:44 mark of the second half. UCLA’s
next make did not come until the 13:56 mark on a Lazar Stefanovic jumper. Over that span, Tennessee jumped out to a 15-point lead from a 9-0 run facilitated by defensive excellence.
“It’s very rewarding because this is what we all put our pride on, and this is what we stand for, and defense is all we do,” Gainey said. “We know that’s going to win us basketball games. Doesn’t matter how our offense is. We can be missing shots, but we are going to always hang around on defense.”
Even through playing vigorous minutes over the past week-plus, Tennessee basketball’s defense is at the top of its game. Still, there’s no level of complacency in the locker room.
“I feel like the most impressive part about our team is that we have so much more room to get better,” Phillips said. “And I feel like we’re continuing to grow as a team even this late in the year. And so I think it’s awesome to see that the defense is getting even better this time of year.”
Now, the Vols will have a chance to earn some rest as they will not take the court again until March 28 in Indianapolis, Indiana, for the Sweet 16.
“Man, we don’t need rest at this point,” Igor Milicic Jr. said. “We can play these backto-back days, it is what it is. We going to do our best, but it’s definitely going be good to give a little rest for our bodies and be ready for the next game.”
Jahmai Mashack (15) celebrates during an NCAA Tournament game against UCLA at Rupp Arena. Saturday, March 22, 2025. Cole Moore / The Daily Beacon
Chaz Lanier (2) shoots a jumper during an NCAA Tournament game against UCLA at Rupp Arena. Thursday,
Cole Moore / The Daily Beacon
Karlyn Pickens throws fastest pitch in history for Tennessee softball
JACK CHURCH Assistant Sports Editor
At 78 mph, Karlyn Pickens threw the fastest pitch in softball history during Tennessee softball’s 3-2 win over Arkansas.
Earlier this season, Pickens threw a 77 mph pitch, tying the record set by former Tennessee pitcher Monica Abbott. Monday, she went one tick higher on the radar gun to set a new record.
Pickens threw the pitch in the sixth inning while defending a one-run lead. She was in a 1-1 count against Arkansas slugger Bri Ellis when she hit 78 on strike two.
The new record had been a goal for Pickens previously, especially after the junior tied Abbott’s mark. She was finally able to execute that in Monday’s win.
“Seventy-eight is a big number,” Pickens said. “It’s obviously something I’ve had my mind on to hit that number, to beat the record.”
Abbott set the record in a professional game in 2012. She was playing for
the now-defunct Chicago Bandits in National Pro Fastpitch when the record was first set.
After Pickens finished off Tennessee’s win, her new record was announced to everyone at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium. The rest of the Lady Vols immediately went to her to celebrate.
“There were a lot of emotions at first,” Pickens said. “I was just super excited to celebrate that with my team. It’s way cooler finding out that way than finding out at home after the game.”
As Tennessee’s ace this season, Pickens has thrown 89.1 innings so far. She’s allowed just 11 earned runs and 45 hits while striking out 131 opposing batters, the seventh most in the country.
Pickens’ parents made the trip from Weaverville, North Carolina for the game, and they saw their daughter break a record. It was a major moment for those who have led Pickens on this journey.
“They’ve pushed me and they’ve reminded me of that number, just to keep working toward that,” Pickens said. “So for that to happen and them to
be here at the game to experience that, I’m just super grateful.”
Pickens entered the game out of the bullpen for the Lady Vols, relieving Sage Mardjetko. She got the final out of the third inning on the first pitch she threw.
Arkansas only managed one walk in the fourth inning, and the Razorbacks went down in order in the fifth and sixth frames. Despite a walk and an error in the seventh, Pickens got the final out of the game to finish off Tennessee’s win.
Why Tennessee softball took series loss to Arkansas personally, rebounded to avoid sweep
Assistant Sports Editor
After Tennessee softball’s series loss to Arkansas, head coach Karen Weekly issued a challenge to her team.
The Lady Vols lost the opening game of the series in extra innings, giving up three runs in the eighth during the 6-3 loss. The next day, Tennessee suffered a 9-0 blowout loss, losing a series at home for the first time in three years.
Despite the prospect of a first home sweep in 17 years, Monday’s game wasn’t a must-win. Still, the Lady Vols had to play differently than they had the prior two games.
“I wanted them to know this was a must-change,” Weekly said. “We must change how we come to the field and compete and stay in the fight.”
Just like the first two games of the series, the Lady Vols went down early. NCAA home run leader Bri Ellis hit a tworun shot off Sage Mardjetko to give the Razorbacks a first-inning lead.
Tennessee’s offense responded, something it didn’t do in Sunday’s shutout loss. First, a sacrifice fly from Sophia Nugent scored a run. In the next at-bat, Laura Mealer took the lead with a two-run double.
Mealer thought her hit went outside
the ballpark and hit a railing instead, but her plea for a challenge didn’t work.
“I heard it hit the metal, so I thought it was a home run,” Mealer said. “I was trying to tell Karen it was a home run, but she didn’t want to use a review I guess.”
Tennessee’s goal was for Mardjetko to get nine outs, and she almost got there.
After a two-out error in the third inning, Karlyn Pickens came in and went the rest of the way without giving up a hit.
After giving up six runs Saturday, including three unearned runs in the eighth, Pickens knew she needed to bounce back. She hoped Tennessee would learn from the first two games, and they
did to avoid the sweep.
“We took those games personally,” Pickens said. “I think that everybody, no matter what their job was today, showed up and they competed.”
Pickens’ greatest achievement Monday had nothing to do with the on-field result. She threw a 78 mph pitch, the fastest in softball history.
Mealer was one of several players who went to Pickens postgame to celebrate. She has plenty of experience facing the Tennessee ace and her speed but can’t say she’s faced a 78 mph pitch in practice.
“I’m not sure,” Mealer said. “I know it gets in there quick though.”
Tennessee’s schedule doesn’t get any easier. The Lady Vols head to No. 1 and four-time defending champions Oklahoma next, taking them on in a three-game series for the first time since the 2014 Super Regional.
The Lady Vols need to carry the lessons learned from the near-sweep into next weekend. Monday, Tennessee carried the fight to their opponent and kept it there for seven innings after the two previous losses.
“I think we took it personally, and the coaches challenged us to step up and fight,” Mealer said. “That’s what we did from the start of the game all the way to the end.”
JACK CHURCH
Karlyn Pickens (23) pitches against Arkansas at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium on Monday, March 24, 2025. Jayden Randolph / The Daily Beacon
Head coach Karen Weekly takes the field for a game against Arkansas at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium. Monday, March 24, 2025. Cole Moore / The Daily Beacon
Latino Business Student Association: Building confidence, community
Godfrey emphasized the importance of building a community wherever you go, especially regarding networking.
Being a woman in any field comes with its challenges. According to an article from the Society for Human Resource Management, women earn 83 cents for every dollar earned by men. Also, compared to white, non-Hispanic men, the wage gap is 43% for Hispanic women, according to the United States Department of Labor.
On March 12, three Latina women in professional fields shared their experiences in the workforce with the Latino Business Student Association — a student organization dedicated to creating a community for Latino students interested in business.
The three panelists who spoke were Karah Godfrey, María Martínez Weiss and Valentina Gómez — all three women are University of Tennessee alumni.
Godfrey graduated from UT in the fall of 2024 with her bachelor’s in civil and environmental engineering. She currently works in roadway and traffic design and is aiming for her professional engineering license.
Godfrey got her start at UT through a week-long summer camp that allowed underrepresented students to take engineering classes, live on campus and interact with faculty. Godfrey loved the experience so much that she went back repeatedly through high school.
In her undergraduate years, she faced many challenges as a woman in STEM.
“Going through engineering was scenario after scenario of conflict with others because I was constantly underestimated,” Godfrey said. “Over and over again, I felt like I had to prove myself to be taken seriously. I’ve had to learn to stand up for myself and be sure of who I am.”
“When you have a good sense of community, networking becomes so much easier,” Godfrey said. “Being the only one in a space can be hard and lonely but it’s not the end of the world because it won’t always be like that.”
Godfrey’s mother inspired her throughout her career journey. From being underestimated in her field to a professor who told her she wasn’t cut out for it, her undergraduate experience did not hold back on challenging her.
“My four years at UT were very messy, but I had people cheering me on, if you don’t have family who will cheer you on, find people who will.”
Karah Godfrey UT Alumni
Having the opportunity to be in a diverse space also motivated her.
“I am a product of increased exposure to underrepresented groups,” Godfrey said. “Without that exposure, I may have never been motivated to pursue engineering. Diversity is integral, and it’s the only way we can gain differing perspectives. There is a simple solution to a shortage of workers and it’s to open doors to underrepresented students.”
Confidence and boundaries are significant factors in navigating the workforce as a woman, according to Godfrey.
“Don’t think you have to walk a tightrope all the time,” Godfrey said. “Also, notice when a workplace is toxic. If you don’t want to work there, then don’t.”
Godfrey’s career goal is to encourage more Hispanic women to pursue engineering. She also encourages men to challenge their assumptions that women can’t or don’t want to do specific tasks.
Weiss graduated in 2016 with a bachelor’s in modern foreign languages and literature and is pursuing a Ph.D. in higher education administration. She works at UT as assistant director in education development for the Division of Access and Engagement.
In 2024, she was awarded a grant as part of the graduate student research awards for her project that fostered inclusive environments for Latinx students in higher education.
She began to like the idea of working in administration after working as an orientation leader and resident assistant.
“I loved that there were a lot of professionals that wanted to see me be great and grow and I wanted to be that for others,” Weiss said.
She struggled with imposter syndrome a lot, discussing the difficulty of being the only one in a group in a space. Like Godfrey, she said the key is self-confidence and having people who will support you.
“If you don’t see yourself reflected in certain spaces, it’s natural to feel you don’t belong,” Weiss said. “Having others around to support me or self-affirmation is nice.”
In the workforce, Weiss struggles the most with how to present herself.
“I’m always thinking a lot about how to get my point across due to being aware of how society in general views women like me,” Weiss said.
Weiss and her mother immigrated from Colombia to the U.S. when she was eight. Her mother and her students are her main inspirations.
“Seeing how hard my mom worked so I could have a better life keeps me grounded,” Weiss said. “It’s also an honor to get to work alongside students and see them become incredible members of society.”
She emphasized the importance of accepting failure and ditching perfectionism.
“We stand on the shoulders of giants, and I think that carries immense responsibilities and pressure,” Weiss said. “Allow yourself to be human and learn from your mistakes.”
She finds it very important to protect her Latina identity in a professional setting — this includes hanging the Colombian flag in her office.
”I want people to know where I come from because I’m proud of it,” Weiss said.
Gómez grew up in Chile and moved to the U.S. five years ago. She is the
coordinator for special events within the Center for Global Engagement.
“I’m very passionate about helping international students and domestic students studying culture and language,” Gómez said. “It’s helping people like me.”
One of her struggles growing up was figuring out how to navigate her intersectionality.
“The intersection of being an international student, Hispanic and a woman was tough,” Gómez said. “Growing up in Chile, I was just another Chilean, and going here, I’ve taken on a new identity I didn’t even know I could have.”
She encourages diversity in the workplace, as she was inspired by female directors who encouraged her.
“I know it is a privilege to be in a place where there is diversity, so I consider myself lucky to be able to gain knowledge from them,” Gómez said. “If you spend a week in a company that is diverse versus one that is not, there is a big difference.”
Diversity is something employers should consider to create a welcoming environment for their employees, according to Gómez.
“Some people don’t bother to hire others who look like me or who come from diverse backgrounds,” Gómez said. “I think many people are owed a space that is diverse and inclusive, so they have a safe space.”
She wishes to represent Chile in a positive light and inspire Latina women who want to go into communications.
Lisbeth Muñoz, a sophomore majoring in business analytics and vice president of LBSA, asked the panelists various questions about how to navigate the workforce as a Latina woman.
“I don’t think imposter syndrome is talked about enough, so having the speakers bring it up in front of our members and audience made me feel valid to know that others are struggling with it as well,” Muñoz said. “It’s also nice to know that they are continuing to grow from it.”
“At first, I didn’t even know if I wanted to go to college,” Muñoz said. “It felt like it wasn’t for me because I came from a low economic background. I thought it was just for white kids.”
Muñoz eventually attended college to achieve her dreams and set a legacy for her family — she appreciated seeing the different perspectives of the panelists.
“Seeing the representation of women that have faced struggles and what they did to overcome them was inspirational,” Muñoz said. “These women are a good resource for us students. They’ve been through it, and we are currently going through it.”
SARAH-NICOLE JACKSON
Contributor
The Latino Business Student Association featuring Karah Godfrey, Maria Martinez-Weiss and Valentina Gomez Marchant. Friday, March 14, 2025. Sarah-Nicole Jackson / The Daily Beacon
Review: Riding the Dust Bowl: Kristin Hannah’s ‘The Four Winds’ delivers storm of emotion
KACIE BURNS Staff Writer
Kristin Hannah, the author of “The Nightingale” and “The Great Alone,” had much to live up to when releasing another historical fiction novel. Hannah is known as one of the greats of this genre, so the expectations were high for “The Four Winds.”
This depression-era epic quickly became a bestseller and a staple in modern historical fiction. But does it deliver the same gripping narratives readers have come to expect from Hannah, or does it get lost in the dust?
Set during the Great Depression, “The Four Winds” follows Elsa Wolcott, who transforms from a weak, overlooked girl into a resilient mother willing to risk everything for her family.
The novel centers around themes of motherhood, the American Dream and survival — depicting the harsh realities of the Dust Bowl for working-class Americans.
“The Four Winds” begins in 1921 in Texas, where Elsa is abused and confined by her wealthy family following a childhood illness. However, one night she is feeling rebellious and leaves home, where she meets Rafe Martinelli.
Years later, Elsa and Rafe are living on his parent’s farm with their two children, when drought and economic devastation ravage Texas and their marriage. Elsa must make a difficult decision — stay, suffer and most likely die in the Dust Bowl or head west with her children to California and start a new life.
Elsa’s development throughout the novel is both heartbreaking and empowering. She begins as a woman full of self-loathing and doubt, but over the course of the novel, she finds her inner strength — not only for herself but for the lives of her children.
The emotional core of this novel is the
Anthony.
The supporting characters represent many real-life emotions of the Dust Bowl. Rafe represents the broken spirit of a man who cannot face reality. Loreda is both a source of conflict and hope, representing the divide between those pushing for change and those enduring hardship, while Anthony represents the love and innocence of young children at that time.
The novel sheds light on many issues during that time, including migrant worker strikes, labor rights, childhood mortality, communism and rampant homelessness.
Hannah paints a beautiful yet devastating picture of America during the Dust Bowl. The imagery of bare fields, dust storms and starving families gives the audience a truly immersive experience. Readers can feel the dust in their teeth and lungs, the desperation of Elsa and can share in the disappointment of the American government.
Some readers might find the beginning of the book slow but taking the time to set up Elsa’s early life is imperative to who she was and who she becomes for her family. However, the pace picks up drastically once Elsa sets out on her journey west — hardly giving readers a second to catch their breath.
“The Four Winds” is not for the faint of heart. Hannah does not shy away from suffering, and some may find the relentless hardship of Elsa’s life overwhelming. While the novel offers some moments of joy, it is largely focused on her struggles — making this story rather bleak and requiring emotional investment.
This novel is completely gripping and will leave many haunted by its themes long after the final page.
and inspires, “The Four Winds” delivers on every front.
If you have enjoyed other novels by Hannah or are looking for a good stepping stone into
the world of historical fiction, this book is a must-read. But do not expect easy victories.
Rating: 5/5
Staff Writer Kacie Burns says, “The novel centers around themes of motherhood, the American Dream and survival — depicting the harsh realities of the Dust Bowl for working-class Americans.” Ansley Graves / The Daily Beacon Ryan Osborn, Cartoonist
Opinion: The power of disconnecting: Finding presence in everyday moments
AMELIA FOX Staff Writer
One of my favorite parts of my daily routine in Knoxville is running through the beautiful Sequoyah Hills neighborhood. This beloved area features a scenic path that winds right down the middle of the road, a perfect space for runners and walkers. It’s a popular spot, not just for college students, but for the entire Knoxville community. As I run, I always try to make an effort to greet everyone I pass with a smile or a small wave — a simple gesture of connection. Running in this park is the part of my day I feel the most present in. I take in the trees, the lake, the crisp air, the playful dogs, and the people around me. Today, however, something stood out to me. I noticed how many people were out for a walk, but completely absorbed in their phones, barely even looking up to take in the beautiful scenery. It made me wonder how my generation (and those to come) can address the growing challenge of being more present in our everyday lives? How do we find moments of genuine connection in a world so often distracted by screens?
As I reflect on these questions, my mind often goes back to my childhood and the little moments of complete presence that I now cherish. One simple tradition my family continues, one I’ve come to appreciate more and more, is eating dinner together at the table with no phones allowed. This everyday routine gave my parents, sisters and I a space to share about our day and connect — free from distractions.
Another place I consider a treasure is my family’s cabin on the Buffalo River. In the middle of nowhere in Tennessee, this little cabin and the river have taught me more about the importance of being present than I could ever have imagined. With no cell service in the heart of the country, what some might see as an inconvenience, I’ve come to recognize as a gift. In our cabin’s living room, phones are nowhere to be found. Instead, card games are being played, photo albums are passed around and books are read.
The simplicity of the cabin reminds me how special it is to be in the moment.
However, I didn’t always feel this way. In fact, I used to see these moments of presence as inconveniences. Hearing, “We’re going to the cabin for the weekend,” would immediately frustrate me because it meant a whole weekend without my phone. When my mom called, “It’s time for dinner,” I’d feel irritated, worried about how long dinner would take — after all, Instagram was waiting for me. At the time, I
says,
we all spend too much time on our phones, but simply taking the
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didn’t realize how much I was missing by being so attached to a screen.
The fight to preserve the rarity of genuine presence is an uphill battle in today’s world. Screens are everywhere, kids are getting phones earlier every day and technology is advancing at an insanely fast pace. While creating a more present world is challenging, it’s not impossible — it requires accountability and a willingness to make the effort. Ultimately, we all spend too much time on our phones, but simply taking the step to put the screen away for any given amount of time is a step in the right direction.
It’s easy to hide behind your phone in an awkward moment, use it to kill boredom or escape distractions, but in a world full of screens, choose to be present. Life is short, and what matters are the people and places around you,
Letter to the Editor: Why UT should consider the 4.3 grading scale
Contributor
The University of Tennessee holds its students to high academic standards, but the current grading system doesn’t fully reflect the difference between meeting expectations and truly exceeding them.
Currently, the highest grade a student can earn is an A, whether you’re barely scraping by with a 92 or consistently overachieving and turning in near perfect work. Without an A+ option, students who go the extra mile aren’t properly recognized for their hard work.
As a current college senior, I’ve experienced firsthand the struggles and stress that come with maintaining a high grade point average. There have been several classes where I’ve worked diligently to earn the highest grade possible, only to feel like my hard work went unrecognized.
I’ve earned a 92 in one class and a 98 in another, yet both counted the same toward my GPA. It makes you wonder, why push yourself to go the extra mile if it doesn’t make a difference? On the flip side, I’ve also worked incredibly hard in a class and come up just short with a 91, knowing that one point meant there was no way to get my GPA back to the 4.0 I’ve always strived for.
These experiences are exactly why I believe the grading scale needs to change. Adding an A+ to the grading scale, weighted at
4.3, would give credit where credit is due. Plenty of other schools, like Louisana State University and the University of Alabama, have already made this change, proving that it’s possible to reward higher-performing students without inflating GPAs.
The A+ would not make it easier to get a higher GPA, it would set the bar even higher, only given to students who consistently go above and beyond.
The reality is that GPA matters. Whether you’re applying to grad school, internships or competitive jobs, even the smallest decimal points can make a difference.
If UT students want to have the same opportunities to stand out as students from other universities, something must change. From the very beginning, not having an A+ option has put Vols at a disadvantage in those cutthroat application pools.
Beyond the numbers, adding an A+ would push students to work harder. College is already overwhelming with classes, jobs and extracurriculars, so why not give students an extra incentive to really engage with their coursework?
Knowing there’s a higher reward for extra effort could create a culture where students feel more motivated to work hard. In the study The Effect of Various Grading Scales on Student Grade Point Averages, conducted by Kelli Barnes, she compared whole-letter grading to a plus/minus
grading system.
Here, she found that introducing an A+ can be a motivational tool for students. Knowing that exceptional work can be rewarded with a higher grade may encourage students to engage more deeply with their coursework and strive for excellence. Not only would it provide the extra incentive, but it would also give students a chance to compensate for lower grades.
Further, if UT acknowledges that an A- is different from an A, why doesn’t it recognize that an A+ exists, too? If a student receives an A- in a difficult class, they would then be able to balance out the hit to their GPA by earning an A+, allowing for a more balanced grading system that gives room for grace.
Some might argue that the current system treats everyone equally, but fairness doesn’t mean ignoring exceptional work. Recognizing the best of the best would inspire everyone to aim higher without taking away from anyone else’s success.
Others may express concerns about grade inflation. However, as Barnes found in her study, implementing a plus/minus grading system — which includes the A+ grade — has been associated with a reduction in grade inflation. Research indicates that such systems provide a more accurate representation of student performance and can decrease the overall grade inflation trend.
At the end of the day, adding an A+ isn’t about
not the TikTok or Instagram post you might not have gotten to. Take in the fresh air, look at the flowers blooming on the trees or laugh at the funny-looking dogs.
Take a moment to appreciate the simplicity of life.
at vny825@vols.utk.edu.
Columns and letters of The Daily Beacon are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Beacon or the Beacon’s editorial staff.
handing out higher grades. It’s about giving credit where it’s earned.
UT students work hard, and the grading system should reflect that. Implementing the A+ would show that UT values not just meeting expectations but exceeding them, and that’s precisely the standard a top university should set.
Caroline Hayes is a senior at UT majoring in kinesiology. She can be reached at chayes45@vols.utk.edu.
Columns and letters of The Daily Beacon are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Beacon or the Beacon’s editorial staff.
In her Letter to the Editor, Caroline Hayes explains why UT should consider the A+ GPA system as other colleges have. Shelby Wright / The Daily Beacon
Amelia Fox is a senior majoring in marketing. She can be reached
Columnist Amelia Fox
“Ultimately,
step to put the screen away for any given amount of time is a step in the right direction.” Ansley Graves/
