Tennessee Professor Cancels Midterm Over Swift-Kelce Engagement Skit

Associate Professor Matthew Pittman of the University of Tennessee went viral after playfully announcing the cancellation of a biochemistry midterm exam due to the news of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's engagement. The video, which shows Pittman telling his class they need time to process the announcement, sparked cheers and laughter before it was revealed as a staged skit designed to connect the pop culture moment with classroom learning. Pittman, a specialist in social influence and social media, highlighted the significance of the engagement not only for fans but also from an advertising and cultural perspective. The engagement announcement, made by Swift nearly two weeks after a record-breaking podcast appearance, quickly became one of the most shared posts on social media. The professor’s humorous approach resonated widely, earning him praise as a favorite teacher and demonstrating how celebrity news can be creatively integrated into educational contexts. Both Swift and Kelce, who have been dating for two years, confirmed their secret proposal through a romantic photoshoot, captivating fans across platforms.