University of Tennessee, Knoxville, senior Lauren Urbi has been accepted to CLS Spark, an initiative of the Critical Language Scholarship program.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the program will support Urbi as she gains critical language skills and intercultural competence that will bolster her career readiness.

CLS Spark provides opportunities for American undergraduate students to study Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Russian online at a beginner level. Students who participate receive academic credit, a stipend for equipment costs, and noncompetitive eligibility for employment in the U.S. government for up to three years after program completion.

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The Office of Undergraduate Research & Fellowships (OURF) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville has announced junior Layla Moore has been named a finalist for the prestigious and highly competitive Truman Scholarship.

Layla is among 201 finalists chosen from a pool of 743 applications representing 288 institutions nationwide.

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Tyler Myers, a senior at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been awarded the Churchill Scholarship. The prestigious scholarship supports students furthering their education in the fields of science, mathematics and engineering.

The scholarship is awarded to 18 students annually, funding one year of master’s study at the University of Cambridge while positioning recipients at the forefront of scientific and technological research. Recipients can also apply for a $4,000 special research grant, making the total value of the award approximately $75,000. Students are selected based on outstanding academic achievement, proven talent in research and outstanding personal qualities.

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The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, officially launched The Vol Edge, an innovative career readiness program designed to provide student scholars with the essential skills and transformative experiences needed to enhance their career prospects and foster personal growth.  

The program debuted with The Vol Edge Career Kickoff, held on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the Humanities and Social Sciences Plaza, signaling the start of an exciting new chapter in student career development at the university. 

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Cataloging Careers

When she was younger, Krystyne Savarese didn’t see herself in higher education. She wanted to be a librarian.

Savarese, an associate vice provost of student success and the new executive director of the Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration (CCDAE), finds her passion in the community of storytelling. A lifelong reader, Savarese bridged her love for stories with her dedication to college student experiences throughout her career, which brought her to the forefront of The Vol Edge.

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As the day winds down across the University of Tennessee campus and offices close their doors, a new initiative, Student Success Express, is just beginning. Designed to provide students with a convenient after-hours option for support and resources, this program marks an exciting step toward enhancing student success beyond traditional office hours. 

It’s here where staff and departments across the Division of Student Success (DSS) come together to offer support, answer questions, and provide resources to help UT student scholars thrive.  

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Make the most of Winter Mini Term by tapping into the many resources designed to help you succeed! This condensed semester is the perfect opportunity to focus on a course, sharpen your skills, or get ahead in your academic journey.

Take advantage of academic support services, from tutoring and study tools to time management workshops, and explore online resources tailored for quick-paced learning. Staying organized and proactive is key—create a study plan, connect with your instructors, and lean on peers for motivation.

With the right tools and mindset, you can turn Winter Mini Term into a major success!

Dream Weaver 

After three decades of dedicated service, Stephanie Kit leaves behind a legacy of impact, mentorship, and success. While people, projects, and spaces evolved over the years, her mission never wavered—connect students with dream careers.  

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The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Undergraduate Research & Fellowships are proud to announce that Avery Noe has been named as a finalist for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship.

Noe, a Chancellor’s Honors Scholar, is a senior musicology and history student and is minoring in music theory and applied music.

The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully funded postgraduate award that allows its recipients to study at the University of Oxford in England. If she wins the award, Noe plans to study Musicology and Modern History.

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“When you change the metric from percentage to people, the prospect suddenly becomes more real.”    

– Amber Williams, Vice Provost for Student Success 

What’s the secret to success? Often you’ll hear it’s a combination of embracing risk, resiliency, or thinking outside the box. All true of course. But it can also be about simplicity—a streamlined process executed well that leads to a better outcome. And in the case of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s, impressive growth of retention and graduation rates over the past five years—simplicity, strategic partnerships, and a dedicated community of caring turned out to be a winning recipe for success.   

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