Southern Spark: Where Community Celebrates New Students

PULASKI, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Southern is welcoming students back to campus for the Fall 2026 semester with Firehawk Welcome Week, Aug. 13-19. The week features a variety of events and activities, where new and returning students connect with each other and the community, starting the year off strong.

A highlight of the week will be Southern Spark, a community-wide celebration on Tuesday, Aug. 18, beginning at 6 p.m. This free, on campus event is open to the public, featuring a fun-filled schedule designed to create life-long memories.

Activities include:

• 6 p.m.: More than 10 food trucks located on W. Madison Street
• 7 p.m.: Burning Las Vegas Band
• 8:45 p.m.: Firework Show on the Campus Green
• $1,000 cash giveaway
• Community Expo, hosted by the Giles County Chamber of Commerce

“Welcome Week is one of the most exciting times of the year on our campus,” UT Southern Chancellor Melinda Arnold said. “We are thrilled to bring our neighbors and campus family together for our annual concert and fireworks on the Green, branded this year as ‘Southern Spark.’ Connecting our students with the incredible community that surrounds them is at the heart of what we do, and we can’t wait to kick off the new academic year together in such a dynamic way.”

Families and friends are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy this festive evening together.

The full Firehawk Welcome Week schedule is available here.