UT partnering with Lenoir City

 

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.-- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has chosen Lenoir City to be its 2016–17 Smart Communities Initiative "Mini" program partner.

UT pairs faculty and students with Tennessee cities, counties, special districts, and other governmental organizations to engage in real-world problem solving aimed at improving the region's economy, environment, and social fabric.

The university says SCI emphasizes experiential learning through real-world problem solving.

UT's inaugural partner was the city of Cleveland in 2014-15. This year, UT has partnered with the Southeast Tennessee Development District. Faculty and students in 20 courses have been working on 22 projects ranging from researching of Cherokee Indians who walked the Trail of Tears to developing proposals for water quality improvements across the region.

During the 2016-17 academic year, SCI will work on five to 10 projects for Lenoir City aimed at enhancing the downtown central business district.