CHATTANOOGA, TN. — The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Division of Access and Engagement will host a special fireside chat with renowned music executive, educator and brand architect Dr. Mathew Knowles on Friday, February 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the Roland Hayes Concert Hall at the UTC Fine Arts Center.
Knowles, widely recognized as the creator and longtime manager of Destiny’s Child and the father of global artists Beyoncé and Solange. returns to UTC for the first time since the early 1970s, when he attended the University as one of its early Black students. The conversation will focus on leadership, education, entrepreneurship and opportunity.
“I see this visit as a chance to invest in the future of UTC students and to be part of forward-looking conversations about leadership and opportunity,” Knowles said.
He began his college career at UTC before transferring to Fisk University, where he earned undergraduate degrees in business administration and economics. He later completed an MBA and a Ph.D. in strategic leadership and organizational culture. For Knowles, the visit to UTC represents both a return and a reflection.
“My time at UTC helped shape how I think about leadership, responsibility and using education as a platform for impact,” Knowles said. “Returning to UTC is meaningful to me because it represents growth, reflection and the power of education to open doors.”
The fireside chat will be moderated by Vice Chancellor for Access and Engagement Stacy Lightfoot and is sponsored by UTC’s Division of Access and Engagement and WUTC 88.1.
“Welcoming Dr. Mathew Knowles back to campus for the first time since the early 1970s is a historic moment for UTC. His return allows us to connect his story with the University’s story in ways that many people have not fully seen or recognized,” Lightfoot said. The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are required and can be reserved at http://www.utc.edu/fac or by calling 423.425.1423.