UTC Names Five John C. Stophel Scholarship Winners

The award recognizes students at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for leadership and community involvement.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Scholarships

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Five University of Tennessee at Chattanooga students have been named winners of the 2026-2027 John C. Stophel Distinguished Student Award. The honor highlights individuals for their leadership, academic success, and contributions to the Rollins College of Business.

Why it matters

The program honors the professional legacy of John C. Stophel, who practiced law for 50 years. It rewards students who demonstrate self-motivation and active involvement within the local Chattanooga campus community.

Five students were selected for the 2026-2027 period, an program supported by an endowment established at UTC in 2008. The firm responsible, Chambliss Bahner and Stophel, has roots dating back to its formation in 1997.

The players

John C. Stophel

He was a legal professional whose 50-year career is honored by the endowed scholarship program at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Chambliss Bahner and Stophel

This law firm established an endowment at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2008 to support student leadership.

The details

Recipients include Dylan DeHart, Reagan Frase, Ainsley Henderson, Jayda Turner, and Briana White. To earn the distinction, students must prove strong decision-making and communication skills while maintaining high academic standards and supporting the Rollins College of Business.

1997: The law firm Chambliss Bahner and Stophel was formed.
2001-2004: John C. Stophel served as the foundation board chair.
2008: The firm established an endowment at UTC.
2026-2027: The period for the awarded scholarships.

Culture Shift

These awards reflect a broader shift toward integrating professional law firms into the local academic pipeline to cultivate leadership. The program mirrors long-term philanthropic trends where private entities directly shape the educational development of university students.

Students at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga can utilize this program to gain professional recognition and financial support for their academic journey. The award requires active civic participation, encouraging a stronger link between the Rollins College of Business and the city.

The takeaway

This recognition program demonstrates how long-standing professional endowments can bridge the gap between higher education and local industry. Students looking to participate in future cycles should focus on documenting their leadership and service to the campus community.