A Fab-ulous Addition to the School of Education

Mary Ann Stewart (‘72, ‘76) will tell you that she’s a listener more than a speaker. When presented with an opportunity to create the John “Ebb” and Mary Ann Stewart School of Education Model Classroom and Fab-Lab in the recently renovated historic Hunter Hall, Stewart heard an incredible way she could invest in her first love: education.

A former educator and longtime professor at Chattanooga State Community College, Stewart and her late husband, John “Ebb” (‘53), are both two-time UTC alumni and graduates of the School of Education. John “Ebb” worked for 35 years for the McGraw-Hill Book Company in sales.

The John “Ebb” and Mary Ann Stewart School of Education Model Classroom and Fab-Lab feature state-of-the-art furniture, technology and resources to train future educators and provide an exemplary educational and future classroom model. Outfitted for distance learning, interactive technology and collaborative space, the classroom simulates many modes of education delivery and curriculum integration. The state-of-the-art Fab-Lab provides various technologies like 3D printers, a CNC laser engraver, a vinyl cutter and more that are critical to teaching today.

UTC, located in Hamilton County, Tenn., where the county school system represents the world’s largest concentration of educational Fab-Labs, this space will positively impact student recruitment, retention, graduation rates and job placement, adding value toa UTC education without adding to the cost of tuition.

“It just blows my mind to think that UTC has this, and I’m so proud of the school for all the advancements that have taken place,” stated Stewart on a visit to the spaces in September 2023 to unveil the plaque commemorating her gift to the School of Education. “This space allows the staff and students to enjoy their work more. And do what they like. That makes me happy.”