UTC Faculty Commons
We are men and women of the academy who find the person and works of Jesus Christ to be satisfying and true. We look to him as the beautiful hope for the world.
OUR MISSION
Faculty Commons UTC is a community of believing faculty committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our mission is to encourage and support one another that we would grow and stand firm in Christ together. Through us, Christ’s love will shine out to the university.
Next Events:
New location for FC Luncheon
Chickamauga Room in the UC
Wednesday February 26, Noon Chickamauga Room in the UC
February Luncheon
New Date New Location
Pray4UTC Zoom
Faculty Commons Luncheon
Other Luncheons this Semester
Thursday, March 26
Thursday, April 17 (exam week)
David Mustard
University of Georgia
Phil Bishop
University of Alabama
Adegbola Adesogan
University of Florida
A Common Call
Feburary 14, evening - Feburary 15 , 2025Chattanooga ,TN
This conference is a rare opportunity to engage with other believing faculty from around the region who seek to honor Jesus Christ in their relationships, teaching, research, and service.
Meet the Staff
Jim and Cindy Hynds
Jim and Cindy Hynds returned to Chattanooga from Europe after serving with Cru for 13 years in Prague, Czech Republic. Faculty Commons was launched in January of 2014 with 7 wonderful UTC professors. It has grown to an active community of more than 100 faculty who share a common love for Jesus Christ, for students, and for fellow faculty.
Jim and Cindy have three grown children, seven grandchildren, and one Black Labrador.
Resources for Faculty
Faculty Commons National Website
Cru Website
“A Grander Story”
What We Believe
Today’s professors are building the leaders of the next generation.
Today’s students are struggling: record rates of depression, mental illness, loneliness, and spiritual disconnection. Sadly, they are more likely to commit suicide than the generation before them. These students, referred to as Generation Z, are also twice as likely to identify as atheist compared to the general population.
Add to this the influence of professors. At elite universities, many of them are non-religious and some are even hostile to Christianity. But there are Christian professors who want to be a light on campus for Jesus. As Christ-followers, they are looking for ways to do so that are ethical, legal, appropriate, and winsome. We can help.
The Influence of Academia
Leverage. The power of professors is why faculty ministry is imperative. Professors have a strategic platform to influence minds and hearts.
“It is hard to stay strong in your faith when the riptide of the world is so strong; it was people like you who kept me grounded. I was told that you pray over your students. This brought me so much encouragement–beyond what I can express….It meant so much to me to be encouraged in my faith by a professor.””
— Gratitude from a student
Faculty Commons on campus
Faculty Commons is a supportive community that stays active on campus at UTC! Some of our most common programs are below.
