UT Martin Regional Centers & Online Programs

What are you most excited for this semester, and what goals are you setting for yourself?

Share your thoughts in the comments-we’d love to hear from you!

Skyhawks, the first day of class is just around the corner! Take a moment to review your schedule, order any required materials, and begin planning your semester calendar today to get started off strong. If you need any assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help!

Meet Sarah Rasmussen, the UT Martin Online Program Director!
Sarah grew up in Manhattan, Kansas, and attended Kansas State University for her first three years of college. She then transferred to St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a goal of teaching inner-city kids. After a few years in the field and a career switch, she went on to earn her Master's in Management, with an emphasis in Criminal Justice from Colorado Technical University.

Sarah has spent the past 25 years in higher education, working primarily with non-traditional learners, including working adults, first-generation students, veterans, and busy parents. She chose online education because it removes barriers and creates opportunities for students who may have thought earning a degree was out of reach. “There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a student realize their goals are possible. It’s been inspiring to watch online education evolve over the years, and I’m excited to continue finding new ways to help students achieve their dreams.”

In her free time, she enjoys being out in nature (preferably hiking), golf, finding new adventures, and cozying up with her Labradoodle and a good book on the couch.

📢 Building Stronger Healthcare Pathways for West Tennessee 🏥🤝🎓

UT Martin's HOPE Program Director Melanie Parham and Regional Centers and Online Programs Executive Director Erica Bell recently met with the leadership team at West Tennessee Healthcare Bolivar Hospital, reinforcing our shared commitment to expanding access and opportunity across the rural communities we serve.

Through the UT Martin Regional Centers and the HOPE (Healthcare Opportunities Powering Excellence) Rural Healthcare Opportunities Grant, we're creating pathways that connect rural students to high-demand healthcare careers and help address workforce shortages in our region. These efforts are designed to remove barriers to education and employment by bringing high-quality programs, support services, and career opportunities closer to home.
Together, we explored strategies to strengthen workforce pipelines, expand clinical and educational partnerships, and develop innovative solutions that meet the unique needs of rural healthcare systems. By aligning academic programs with regional workforce demands, we can ensure that students in our rural communities have clear, attainable pathways into meaningful healthcare careers.
This partnership represents a shared investment in rural access, student success, and the long-term health of our communities. We look forward to continuing this important work and to the lasting impact it will have on expanding opportunity and improving healthcare outcomes across West Tennessee.

Meet Erica Bell, the Executive Director!

Erica Bell serves as Executive Director of UTM’s Regional Centers and Online Programs, leading six regional centers and advancing online, dual enrollment, distance education, and workforce-focused initiatives that expand access across West Tennessee and beyond. As a first-generation college graduate, she is passionate about turning “I can’t” into “I can” for all students. Outside of work, she loves camping, boating, and spending time with friends and family.

The UT Martin Ripley Center opened in 2005, and offers a variety of undergraduate courses supporting bachelor’s degree requirements in more than 80 specialized programs, including criminal justice, education, history, interdisciplinary studies, nursing, political science, psychology, and social work. A wide array of general education undergraduate courses accommodates students wishing to begin working toward a degree close to home. The state of the art facility includes general classroom space; nursing, science, and computer labs; distance learning classrooms; conference room; student lounge and snack bar; administrative offices; library resources center; and lecture hall. The Ripley and Lauderdale County Communities and local businesses provide more than $50,000 in scholarships to UTM Ripley Center students.

For more information on the Ripley Center, visit www.utm.edu/ripley

Meet the Director of the UTM Ripley Center, Sonia Scott!
With a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications from the Great Bethune-Cookman University and both a Master’s and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, she brings a wealth of experience and a passion for education.

Inspired by the Ripley Center’s long-standing impact on Lauderdale County, she is proud to be part of a team dedicated to growth, collaboration, and student success. She values the resilience and innovation of our community and is excited about expanding educational opportunities through strong partnerships and forward-thinking initiatives.

Her vision is clear: to continue building the UTM Ripley Center as a leading institution of higher education in Northwest Tennessee, creating pathways for success for generations to come.

For more information about the UT Martin Ripley Center, please visit www.utm.edu/ripley

The UT Martin Springfield Center marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to providing seamless and supportive educational pathways for students in Robertson County and surrounding communities. With the center’s opening in 2024, students will have access to a high-quality, affordable four-year University of Tennessee degree close to home in partnership with VSCC-Springfield.

For more information on the Springfield Center, visit www.utm.edu/springfield

A new degree is available at all 6 UT Martin Regional Centers: Health and Human Performance with a concentration in Public Health!

This program is designed to introduce the concepts of population health and the basic processes, approaches, and interventions that identify and address major health-related issues facing various populations.

Career Opportunities:
🟠Anesthesiology
🔵Dermatology
🟠Public Health
🔵Radiology

Visit www.utm.edu/centers and select the center you are interested in attending for more information!
Apply today at www.utm.edu/apply!

Meet the Springfield Center Coordinator: John Bartee

John has earned a master’s in animal science from Murray State University and a bachelor’s in agriculture and communications from Austin Peay State University, He chose the Springfield Center because he has been a resident of Robertson County since 1993 and wants to give back to the community. One reason he loves Robertson County is they strive to maintain their rural identity amidst their rapid growth, being located between Clarksville and Nashville. John is excited to be involved in the growth of the Springfield Center and assisting students with achieving their goals in higher education and future employment.

If you are interested in learning more about the Springfield Center, please visit their website at www.utm.edu/springfield.