The College of Social Work held a pre-conference celebration for an enthusiastic crowd the night before the eVOLve Conference. The event was to honor the establishment of the Dr. Roger and Carol Nooe Endowed Chair, which was funded by a $2 million gift from Phillip and Janet Lawson. Partygoers enjoyed remarks from the guests of honor, hors d’oeuvres, and dancing with music provided by UT’s favorite DJ Sterl the Pearl.  

The gift will support a senior scholar with research expertise in mental health practice. It is the first endowed chair in the college’s 81-year history. The chair was established to honor Dr. Roger Nooe and his wife, Carol. Dr. Nooe, Professor Emeritus at the UT College of Social Work, began his career at UT in 1975 as Knoxville Branch Director and Associate Dean. A longtime Knoxville scholar and therapist, he has worked tirelessly to strengthen the community’s response to homelessness, mental illness, and other challenges facing local families. He retired in 2005 after 30 years of teaching, mentoring, and inspiring students.