The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is celebrating a major statewide achievement, as three members of the UTC community have been named recipients of the prestigious 2026 Harold Love Outstanding Community Service Award.
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) recently announced this year’s honorees, celebrating the exceptional dedication of students, faculty, and staff across the state who go above and beyond in their commitment to public service.
Among this year’s distinguished awardees are UTC student Joshua Clay, alongside esteemed faculty members Dr. Rick Dierenfeldt and Dr. Chandra Ward.
The Harold Love Outstanding Community Service Award stands as one of the highest recognitions for public service in Tennessee higher education. Established by the General Assembly in 1991, the award was created to honor the enduring legacy of the late Representative Harold Love Sr.
Elected to the General Assembly in 1968, Representative Love was a Tennessee State University alumnus and a successful Nashville insurance salesman renowned for his profound compassion and good humor.
From serving on community center boards to using his own resources to aid constituents, Love was an emblem of true public service. His presence in the House of Representatives famously inspired the phrase, “Love is in the House.”
Today, the awards serve to recognize individuals who carry forward that exact spirit of compassion, leadership, and volunteerism.
This year’s UTC recipients represent a diverse cross-section of academic and community leadership, demonstrating how higher education can directly uplift regional communities.
Representing the next generation of leadership is Joshua Clay, a standout student pursuing integrated studies in accounting administration and enterprise rhetoric.
Clay has consistently leveraged his interdisciplinary coursework to drive impactful change across the region. By combining sound business acumen with a deep dedication to civic advocacy, he exemplifies the power of student-led community engagement.
In the realm of faculty leadership, Dr. Rick Dierenfeldt has been recognized for his tireless work as a UC Foundation Professor and Head of the Department of Criminal Justice.
Dr. Dierenfeldt bridges the gap between academic research and real-world public safety solutions. His hands-on community outreach has been vital in addressing critical criminal justice issues and creating actionable pathways for local reform.
Joining them in this prestigious honor is Dr. Chandra Ward, a UC Foundation Professor and Associate Professor of Sociology. Known as a passionate advocate for civic engagement, Dr. Ward centers her academic and community efforts on elevating marginalized voices.
Through her sociological research and direct local initiatives, she works to build sustainable support systems and lasting partnerships throughout the Chattanooga area.
As the state’s higher education coordinating body, THEC aims to build a strong educational landscape across Tennessee. By highlighting these three individuals, the Commission underscores the vital role higher education institutions play in the welfare of their local communities. In its official announcement, THEC commended the UTC recipients and their fellow honorees for serving as statewide ambassadors, congratulating them for their outstanding contributions and lasting impact on their communities.