Their Journey, Their Gift

The Govans honor their UTC experience by supporting students and strengthening programs across campus.

Rick and Lori Govan took very different paths to UTC—but both found their way to a place that shaped their lives.

Rick (’69) enrolled at the University of Chattanooga upon graduation from the Sewanee Military Academy. The SMA headmaster drove him to Chattanooga for a campus tour, where he connected with Margaret Burhman and began his college journey.

Lori (’93) was a nontraditional student. She first attended Chattanooga State before pausing formal education to accept a full-time position at Provident Life & Accident Insurance Company. However, for career and personal growth reasons, she felt a strong desire to finish her degree, and with support from her employer, family, and coworkers—including Rick—she enrolled at UTC. As a working adult in her late 20s balancing a full course load, her days were filled.

Rick, meanwhile, immersed himself in student life, living in Stadium dorm, pledging Kappa Sigma, and joining the Canterbury Club. He also acted in plays as a drama and speech minor. He co-hosted “What’s New at UC” on WDXB with classmates Frank Griscom, Suzan Cotellesse, and B.B. Bell. Financial aid and a job at WFLI radio—where listeners knew him as “Ringo Van the Music Man”—helped fund his education.

Rick and Lori recall both faculty and staff being deeply supportive and invested in their success, including Robert Mildram, George Connor, Margaret Burhman, Dorothy Ward, Tom Ware, Larry Engel, Mike Richards, and Arlie Herron. Rick has a memory of encountering Dean of Students Mildram on campus one sunny morning (ubiquitous pipe in hand) singing “Welcome Happy Morning,” just one example of an approachable faculty member to the student body.

Rick enjoyed a 30-year career at Provident Life & Accident Insurance Company, culminating in his role as a regional VP of sales and marketing for the Group department. He then spent 13 years employed with the Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee, leading laity development efforts. Lori built a career in HR and communication and today is a director at Kenco Logistics.

Their college experience inspired them to give back. When completing their estate plan, the Govans included UTC, with a desire to support areas meaningful to them and to have an impact across campus.

“Due to our gratitude for this university, Lori and I want to help ensure that future students, especially those with financial need, experience similar opportunities to learn and grow,” Rick says.

Their planned gift focus is on scholarship support for English majors with financial need, attracting and retaining top-tier faculty in the English Department, UTC Athletics, and supporting WUTC. “Our campus hosts an outstanding radio station, providing an excellent mix of national news and locally produced programs that inform our community.”

The Govans are givers in every sense of the word. As Rick puts it, “The whole package—education, mentorship, friendships, and community—has shaped who we are today. We are cheerful givers.”