While there is much to celebrate, commencement season at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is also a time of reflection and gratitude. As approximately 6,200 graduates prepare to cross the stage during this spring’s commencement ceremonies, a few of them took a moment to thank the faculty and staff who have encouraged them, challenged them and shaped their experiences during their time on Rocky Top.
Gracie Amburn of Vonore, Tennessee, is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in history with an honors concentration. Her time researching in the Center for the Study of Tennesseans and War alongside Director and Professor Christopher Magra made a lasting impact on her college experience, encouraging her to refine her professional skills.
“Interning for Dr. Magra at the center has been life-changing,” said Amburn. “He has allowed me the space to research the topics important to me, even if they’re outside of his expertise. He has also given me the opportunity to tell the stories of Tennessee veterans, which has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Overall, he has been the best mentor I could have asked for; he has made me a better researcher, a better writer, a better storyteller and a better person.”
Amburn also thanks her academic advisor, Emily Brandel, for her consistent support and guidance.
“Emily Brandel, my academic advisor, has been such a great resource to me as a student,” said Amburn. “She really makes the effort to get to know her students individually, and she always goes above and beyond to help them.”
After graduation, Amburn plans to pursue an internship program at the Smithsonian Institution and will be applying to graduate programs to work toward an advanced degree in history.
Faith Barrett of San Diego, California, is graduating with her master’s degree in public administration. She is thankful for Robert Kelchen, professor and head of the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, for his leadership and mentorship.
“I have had the privilege of conducting research for Dr. Kelchen,” said Barrett. “He has been an incredible mentor, taught me invaluable lessons, and offered numerous opportunities for both professional and academic growth.”
Barrett also performed as a majorette with the Pride of the Southland Band during her time at UT and credits Michael Stewart, associate director of bands, for making her journey to the university possible.
“Being a member of the Pride and the majorette line was one of my greatest achievements,” said Barrett. “I am deeply grateful to Dr. Stewart. Thank you for giving me the incredible opportunity to twirl in the nation’s top college marching band.”
Barrett plans to return to her hometown after graduation to pursue a position in its parks and recreation department.
Mark Dyer of Powell, Tennessee, is graduating with his bachelor’s degree in nursing. He is grateful he had the opportunity to learn from Clinical Instructor Katie Jenkins, who made his coursework and clinical rotations manageable and engaging.
“In my experience, one of UT’s biggest strengths is the amount of capable and caring professors they have on staff,” said Dyer. “I have had many professors who really care about their students and want us to succeed, even when it’s a tough course. I had Katie Jenkins in two of my nursing courses and also as my clinical instructor for one semester. After clinicals during debrief, she taught in a very impactful way by putting us into the shoes of a nurse on the unit and seeing how we would respond to various situations.”
After graduation, Dyer will remain in Knoxville to work in a local intensive care unit, where he will apply the skills and knowledge he has gained through his nursing education.
Sally Grigsby of Clarksville, Tennessee, is earning her degree this spring after double majoring in electrical engineering and political science. Her favorite professors have been Lecturer and Adjunct Associate Professor Mohammed Olama and Teaching Assistant Professor Fatima Taousser, both from the Min H. Kao Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
“Both are incredibly dedicated educators who go above and beyond,” said Grisby. “They’re very passionate about their students and consistently make complex subjects like digital communications and advanced signal analysis engaging. Their kindness, approachability and enthusiasm have greatly impacted my experience here.”
Grigsby has been accepted to the Tickle College of Engineering’s engineering management master’s program and will begin taking classes this summer. As a member of UT’s Air Force ROTC program, she will be commissioned this May and begin serving as an electrical engineering officer in the U.S. Air Force.
Lucas Johnson of Lafayette, Tennessee, is graduating from UT for the second time this spring — this time with his master’s degree in public administration. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in economics in May 2024. While Johnson has enjoyed many of his professors, one who stands out is Don Bruce, Randy and Jenny Boyd Distinguished Professor and director of the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research.
“His expertise shines through in the classroom, and his ability to convey complex ideas simply is admirable,” said Johnson. “I admire the work that he does for our state at the Boyd Center and teaching both students and important stakeholders at the state capitol.”
Johnson is also thankful for Graduate Student Coordinator Zoe Web, who ensured that he explored new opportunities and expressed his creativity during his time as a student and graduate teaching assistant.
”Zoe is exactly what every student should hope to see in the person guiding them through a graduate program,” said Johnson. “She strives for the success of students and the program as a whole.”
Johnson has accepted a position in Nashville as a budget analyst with the Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration. He was also recently appointed the vice president and director of government affairs for the Macon County History Preservation Project’s board of directors. He ultimately plans to return to Macon County to be involved in community organizations.
Alex Shanks of Knoxville is graduating with his doctorate in veterinary medicine after having earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from the university in May 2020. Shanks is grateful for the many College of Veterinary Medicine faculty and staff who have inspired him to promote pork safety and support sustainability in the next phases of his career.
“There are so many individuals I am grateful for, but I’d especially like to recognize Dr. Cheryl Kojima for her support and academic coaching throughout my undergraduate studies, Dr. Lew Strickland for helping me prepare for the vet school admission interview, Carolyn Wilson for giving me my first on-campus job at the Veterinary Research and Teaching Center, Dr. Chiara Hampton for exposing me to the world of veterinary research, and Dr. Brian Whitlock for his support, mentorship and inspirations throughout my clinical year.”
Upon graduation, Shanks will join the Swine Medicine Education Center at Iowa State University as a postdoctoral research associate. He will focus on applied pharmacology research, educate veterinary students about swine medicine in domestic populations, and engage in field investigations supporting veterinarians and swine producers across the country. He plans to pursue an additional graduate degree to make further contributions to the veterinary medicine field.
Faculty and staff at UT are invested in students’ success across campus, ensuring that they graduate with the skills and knowledge necessary to achieve their professional and personal dreams.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Maggie Palmer (865-974-3993, mpalme19@utk.edu)