As another semester draws to a close at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, more than 5,300 students are preparing to cross the stage during commencement ceremonies, May 16-18. Some of them recently took a moment to reflect on the invaluable support and guidance they received from UT faculty and staff along the way.
Flora May Ayers of Huntsville, Tennessee, is graduating with a Master of Science in teacher education from the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. Among the many faculty members who left an unforgettable mark on her college journey, three stand out: Associate Professor Mari Beth Coleman-Lopatic, Clinical Associate Professor Cate Smith and Senior Lecturer Joan Grim. These professors sparked Ayers’ passion for the disability community through their guidance, support and course content, inspiring her to pursue her dream of being a special education teacher.
Charles Bell of Dalton, Georgia, is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in physics from the College of Arts and Sciences. During his time at UT, Bell was supported by multiple faculty members in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. He is particularly thankful for Assistant Professor Lawrence Lee, who has been his greatest mentor since they began working together in October 2022, and for the opportunities provided by Director of Undergraduate Labs Christine Cheney and Joint Faculty Professor Thomas Papenbrock.
Kevin Craddock, an Air Force ROTC cadet, has lived across the U.S. as part of a military family but considers Knoxville his hometown. He is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in computer science from the Tickle College of Engineering. Craddock thanked all of the faculty and staff who impacted his college experience, including John Hoffschneider and Travis Griffin in Dwight Hutchins Engineering Diversity Programs. His favorite professor, Assistant Professor Doowon Kim, encouraged him as he pursued cybersecurity as a career path, helping him work toward his goal of becoming a cyber officer for the U.S. Air Force.
Jack Mellom of Kennesaw, Georgia, is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in plant science with a minor in public health from the Herbert College of Agriculture. Mellom extended his gratitude to those who supported him and inspired him to succeed, including Admissions Counselor and Assistant Volunteer Team Director Logan Kerr, Mabel’s Cafeteria employee Sherry Lundy, Professor and Associate Dean John Stier, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students Byron Hughes, Director of Enrollment Services Cassie Johnson and Admissions Counselor Maddie Barnhill.
Jordan Oxendine of Memphis is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering from the Tickle College of Engineering. Logan Kerr oversaw Oxendine’s participation in UT’s Ambassador Program for three years. Oxendine said she feels lucky that Kerr taught her how to show up for her friends and peers, stand up for her beliefs, command a room and be unapologetically herself.
Jennifer Ross of Detroit is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in supply chain management from the Haslam College of Business. Global Supply Chain Institute staff members Cole Burns, director of supply chain management student development and career management, and Tyler Orr, associate director of student development and career management, made a huge impact on her college career. Ross described them as “nothing short of amazing” and commended their commitment to helping students find their paths, both at UT and for their futures.
“Students choose UT because of the reputation of our outstanding faculty and their dedication to student success, academic excellence, and preparing graduates for the next stage of their journeys,” said Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor John Zomchick. “Our professors set the bar high and then help our students reach their goals, all the while creating a campus environment that encourages intellectual curiosity and independent thought. Our commitment to research, scholarship and creative activity ensures that UT remains a top choice for students looking for a fulfilling college experience.”
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Maggie Palmer (865-974-3993, mpalme19@utk.edu)