Delaney Holman – Head Editor

Delaney Holman is a senior at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, majoring in communication with a concentration in journalism and a minor in political science. Holman serves as the Head Editor of Rising Rock for the Spring 2026 semester. She also wrote for the Strike Magazine Chattanooga issue 10 and is continuing to write for issue 11. Holman works as a research assistant, writes for the University Echo, and is an intern, writing human interest stories for Chattanooga’s Parks and Outdoor Department. Holman envisions focusing on politics and using her skills in written and photojournalism to engage with and learn from people in the Chattanooga area. She believes in a journalists responsibility to share stories that foster curiosity, understanding, and community. Let Delaney tell your story to bridge the societal gaps that disconnect us, utilizing the power of staying informed, connected, and compassionate. To contact Delaney, email her at kqb147@mocs.utc.edu. 

Kayelyn McCaslin- Assistant Editor

Kayelyn McCaslin is a senior at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, majoring in communication with a minor in marketing. She currently works as a producer and anchor at UTC’s student-run MocsNews program. McCaslin is passionate about the media industry and visual storytelling, with developed skills in video production, news editing, and digital marketing. She expanded her network nationally at the International Radio & TV Society’s Future Media Leaders workshop (2025) and intends to step into a hands-on broadcast news or media marketing role after graduating in May 2026. McCaslin’s mission is to reach often underserved audiences with eye-opening stories, especially ones that inspire action, service, and empathy. If interested in more of Kayelyn McCaslin’s work or getting in contact, visit her portfolio website and reach out at kayelynmccaslin@gmail.com

Malcolm Key – Audio Editor

Malcolm Key is a senior communication major with a minor in Environmental Studies at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. Key is a previous Division 1 NCAA athlete turned multimedia artist and visual storyteller. He is passionate about sharing truths of the human experience. He is currently a Broadcast Assistant 1 for WUTC, an NPR affiliate. Where he connects his passions with audio journalism and production to highlight the overlooked and shine light on the forgotten. Key’s keen interest lies within the world of art, music, global culture, urban development, and infrastructure. If you want him to shine light on your story or collaborate on a project, contact him at tfc775@mocs.utc.edu. For his graphic works, click here.

Corbin Winters

Corbin Winters is a Senior studying communication with a minor in creative writing at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He works as a staff photographer with the UTC Echo. Winters has also photographed youth travel baseball working with Glossy Photos over the summer. His passion is listening to diverse stories and hearing untold perspectives. In his free time Winters enjoys playing marimba, teaching marching band and writing creative fiction. After graduating, Winters plans to pursue photojournalism, using the camera as a way to connect people through powerful, real-world stories. You can reach him at zvx374@mocs.utc.edu or view his photography work here.

Moses Malone

Moses Malone is a graduating senior at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga majoring in communication with a minor in film & television. While he enjoys photography, his main skills lie in video and audio production. He has a passion to pursue a career in writing and directing gripping and heartwarming films that will strive audiences to be better versions of themselves. In his free time, you can find him building relationships with other film artists in the city of Chattanooga. To contact or collaborate with Moses, email him at hhp457@mocs.utc.edu. 

Cooper Thompson

Cooper Thompson is a senior studying communication with a minor in marketing at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Thompson was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. He is the Vice President and Social Media Manager for the UTC Men’s Club Soccer team. Thompson works for Vecoma at the Yellow River and serves as their main wedding photographer. He also focuses on Sports Photography, and Thompson brings his camera with him to document his travels around the world. This past summer, he captured the emotions and beauty of Japan while focusing on the messages that lie in each of his photos. Thompson is a hard-working, determined, and kind person who uses his skills and personality wherever he goes. Growing up, playing soccer has always been his main passion, and after college, he aims to pursue a career in Sports Photography. To connect with Thompson, email him at mbw143@mocs.utc.edu .

Conner Coady

Conner Coady is a senior studying psychology and communication at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. Coady utilizes his concentration in Social Sciences to journalism and the world of mental health as he documents intersecting societal and emotional issues. His photos have been published by the The University Echo and he has been on the front line of mental health awareness and action. When Coady is not in the photo lab, you can find him at local live music events, reading classic literature, or moderating discussions surrounding films as President of UTC Film Club. For further inquiries, please contact Conner at STR943@mocs.utc.edu and view his photography here

Kara Newstreet

Kara Newstreet is a junior studying communication with a minor in marketing at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She is a videographer with special interest in social media, digital design, and advertising. Her passions include fashion, keeping up with trends, traveling, and exploring her home, Chattanooga, TN. Kara is experienced in adobe software and final cut pro. Currently a member of the Student Marketing Association, Ronald Mcdonald House Charities Club, and Alpha Delta Pi sorority, she enjoys meeting new people and volunteering in her community when she has free time. Holding an All-Georgia In News/Documentary award from the Georgia Scholastic Press Association, she finds
passion in using her work as an outlet to tell stories. Her future goals include working in Advertising or Digital Marketing in a creative environment. To contact Kara, reach her at jkc774@mocs.utc.edu.

Zoie Denton

Zoie Denton is a senior studying communication with a focus in marketing at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Denton serves as Head Sports Editor of the University Echo for the 2026 Spring Semester. She also works as a freelance sports writer and writes for her own blog. Through UTC programs, she has excelled in sports journalism, photography, PR, marketing, social media, and audio work. She has also gained skills in Adobe Photoshop and Audition. After graduation, Denton hopes to pursue a career in sports, introducing new stories for the world to hear. She wants to make all voices heard. Find Denton’s work here and contact Denton at zcl644@mocs.utc.edu.

Ashlyn Yoes

Ashlyn Yoes is a junior at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, majoring in communication and minoring in marketing. She is skilled in journalistic writing, but her passion lies in photography. Yoes is a news writer and photographer for The University Echo and is proficient in Adobe programs. She mainly photographs sporting events but has begun to work in portraits. She wants to use photography to not only capture memories but also highlight people’s stories. In her free time, Yoes enjoys creating art and reading. To contact Yoes, email her at bvr974@mocs.utc.edu.  

Sicily Hardgrave

Sicily Hardgrave is a Junior at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga majoring in
communication with a concentration in journalism and a minor in entrepreneurship. Hardgrave
has a passion for writing and storytelling and continues to expand her skills in photography and
videography. She strives to tell people’s stories and share their importance to the world. She has
continued working on outside projects as a production designer for Strike Magazine Chattanooga
for three issues and is a choreographer for student-led short films. In her free time she enjoys
being out in nature, hanging out with friends, and creating art. Hardgrave hopes to pursue a
career in Photojournalism and to continue her education within. To reach Hardgrave, contact
wpq733@mocs.utc.edu.

Hannah Godel

Hannah Godel is a senior double majoring in communication and studio arts at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Originally from Los Angeles, California, she now works as a staff photographer for The University Echo, using photography to explore stories that challenge and broaden her perspective. In addition to her work with the Echo, Godel has written a blog for the Chattanooga Tourism Co., expanding her interest in storytelling beyond photography. She is passionate about documenting culture, people and places, and hopes to travel the world after graduation covering cultural stories through visual media. Outside of photography, she is often found with a book in her hand and one of her pets nearby. To connect with Godel, contact her at zyd457@mocs.utc.edu 

Mackenzie Sweat

Mackenzie Sweat is a senior majoring in communication and minoring in marketing at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and is on track to graduate in the spring. She is a creative individual who aspires to pursue a career in marketing and photography after graduation. She currently serves as the editorial photographer for Strike Magazine’s 11th issue. She also supports large-scale marketing projects as a communications and marketing intern at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She loves to travel and, in 2024, took a once-in-a-lifetime 3-month study abroad trip to Florence, Italy. For inquiries related to marketing or photography, you can contact Mackenzie at Jrv211@mocs.utc.edu

Andromeda Stewart

Andromeda Stewart is a senior at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, majoring in communication with a minor in marketing. Stewart currently serves as the Assistant Photo Editor for the University Echo, often focusing on sports photography, as well as being a freelance photographer. She studied in Spain and is hoping to apply her proficiency in Spanish within the field of communication. Traveling and photography has always been a passion of Stewart’s; she loves telling stories through her lens. After graduating she hopes to continue her passions and have a career within photojournalism and marketing. To contact her, reach out to txh633@mocs.utc.edu.

John Talley

John Talley is a Senior studying communication with a minor in rhetoric & professional writing at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. John is a visual storyteller interested in photojournalism and multimodal works of communication, combining audio and visuals. He aims to promote Chattanooga-based stories and share what makes his city so amazing, from its citizens to its unique local events. John believes there are stories worth telling all around, often overlooked or left untold. In his free time, John likes to go climbing outdoors and go on runs around the city. You can contact John through his email at: YRV129@mocs.utc.edu.

Robbie Waller

Robbie Waller is a senior at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, majoring in communication with a minor in criminal justice. Waller is the production director of the Perch, a
student intern for WUTC, and has done audio and camera work for MocsVision. He served on the media team at Stanley Heights Baptist Church for 9 years, working with cameras, audio, and directing live streams. He possesses skills in audio and video, as well as extensive
experience with Adobe programs. Waller has a passion for sports and aspires to work in sports
broadcasting upon graduation. Waller enjoys playing basketball and golf, and likes spending time outdoors in his free time. Waller has always used media as a way to express his interests and
hopes to do so for a career. To contact him, you can email gsv539@mocs.utc.edu.