Kevin Reeves, director of Strategic Initiatives for the Division of Student Success, has been named one of 32 individuals to be selected for the Complete Tennessee Leadership Institute (CTLI).  

The institute, a joint initiative of the State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) and The Hunt Institute, selects leaders from higher education, K-12 education, government, business, and nonprofit organizations to a one-year program aimed at equipping leaders from across Tennessee with the strategies and knowledge to play a leading role in eliminating barriers to postsecondary education and completion in Tennessee. In partnership with The Hunt Institute, SCORE will provide learning opportunities for the 2022-23 CTLI participants and support cohort members in translating that learning into action. 

“We have a bold vision to enhance and reimagine the student experience so that every student thrives,” said Amber Williams, vice provost for student success. “We are thrilled Dr. Reeves has been selected for the CTLI. The knowledge he gains from the institute will foster our goals becoming reality.” 

Reeves joined the Division of Student Success in July 2021 having previously been the neighborhood director of Student Success at Michigan State University and with more than 15 years of professional experience, including at the University of Florida, Virginia Commonwealth, and Wayne State University.  

As the director of Strategic Initiatives, Reeves provides leadership for high-priority initiatives, including Summer @ Rock Top, Rocky Top Commuters, and the Vol Success Summit.  

“I am honored to be selected to this prestigious role and look forward to sharing the Volunteer vision for providing access to all student scholars across the state and country,” Reeves said. 

Since 2019, SCORE has partnered with The Hunt Institute to not only engage deeply on solutions in Tennessee, but also to provide access to national perspectives, experts, and best practices for CTLI participants. Over the course of a year, cohort members will meet four times to expand their knowledge about postsecondary policy and practice, learn about best practices to improve postsecondary access and success, and build action plans to accelerate postsecondary success in their own communities. This diverse group of leaders will work to identify the barriers and equity gaps that exist in Tennessee’s postsecondary system and advocate within their own communities to drive change. 

With plans to make their own impact on the world, 10 University of Tennessee students will take on Washington D.C. after securing internships with the United States Congress through the Congressional Internship Program (CIP). The summer program runs anywhere from six to 10 weeks during which the students work closely with legislative staff on a variety of projects.

Current interns, Cierra Potter and Savannah Jones, shared their experiences living and working in D.C. through the program. “I have already gained so much knowledge about how congress really works,” Potter said. “I feel like I learn something new every day while being here, sometimes it’s about policy, sometimes it’s about politics, and sometimes I learn things just about the professional world in general.”  

Both emphasized the importance of using the career center as a resource and not being shy to “just go for it” when it comes to applying for new opportunities and expressed how much they are learning already.  

“I’m learning new things every day and meeting so many new people,” Jones said. “Every day is different. I answer constituent calls, make callbacks, draft communications, give tours of the capital, attend briefings, do research for the legislative assistants, and meet with visitors who come to the office.” 

The Congressional Internship Program gives students from all majors with an interest in government, public policy, and Capitol Hill careers the opportunity to see the inner workings of Capitol Hill.  

“We’ve had students from nearly all of UT’s colleges participate in the CIP over the years and find value in the experience,” Stephanie Kit, executive director of the Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration, said. “The CIP provides a great opportunity for students to experience a congressional office firsthand and explore their career goals. One of the most valuable takeaways from the experience is building a network of contacts that can help with future career plans.” 

The summer 2022 Congressional Internship Program interns and the offices where they are working:  

• Meredith Bailey: Class of ’23, majoring in political science, Congresswoman Harashbarger 
• Robert Fieldan Bowman: Class of ’24, majoring in finance, Congressman Burchett 

• Garrett Everett: Class of ’23, majoring in political science, Congressman Burchett 
• Savannah Jones: Class of ’23, majoring in agricultural economics, Congressman Desjarlais 
• Abigail Lawrence: Class of ’23, majoring in geography, Congressman Burchett 
• Cierra Potter: Class of ’23, majoring in psychology, Congressman Desjarlais 
• Shrujana Senthil: Class of ’24, majoring in political science, Congressman Cohen 

• Sarah Sexton: Class of ’23, majoring in English, Congressman Rose 
• Noah Smith: Class of ’23, majoring in supply chain management, Senator Hagerty 
• Catelyn Williams: Class of ’22, majoring in political science, Congressman Cohen 

Students can learn more about the Congressional Internship Program and how to apply through the Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration. Members of the CIP committee interview selected applicants. If chosen for the program, students must apply to all Tennessee congressional offices they wish to intern with. Once their offer and internship are secured, they will receive funding from the career center to offset the costs of living in Washington D.C.  

Contact:

Lacey Wood (laceywood@utk.edu)

Riya Patel (rkh814@vols.utk.edu)

First-Generation Initiatives, a key unit within Student Success, celebrated first-generation students, faculty, and staff during events held Tuesday, April 5, and Wednesday, April 6. 

The inaugural class of the newly established Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri Alpha) Honors Society was inducted on April 5 in the Student Union Flying J Ballroom. UT’s Provost John Zomchick, a first-generation student, was the first of 166 inductees into the honors society and gave opening remarks. Zomchick accepted the charter for the new organization during the ceremony, which began with a networking reception for students and their families. 

“I am deeply honored to be inducted into Alpha Alpha Alpha and to celebrate with our first-generation students,” Provost Zomchick said. “First-generation students not only change their own lives, but they also become role models for their friends and family. The entire course of a family can change because of a first-generation student’s courageous decision to pursue higher education. We are proud to support these students on their journey.” 

“Provost Zomchick advocates and supports our programs, and we wanted to acknowledge him with inducting him as the first member,” Talisha Adams, director of First-Generation Initiatives, said. 

Associate Vice Provost for Student Success Leonard Clemons provided the keynote address. In addition to the students, eight faculty and staff members who serve on the First-Generation Advisory Council were inducted as honorary members.  

Autumn Large, a sophomore in mathematics and inductee into Tri Alpha, said she appreciates the idea of being a role model for further generations. “It is a journey of unfamiliarity, yet persistence despite the odds being somewhat against me,” Large said. “It is a reminder that I am creating my own legacy for subsequent generations of my family.” 

Following the ceremony, inductees will elect the first executive board before the semester ends and kickoff fall 2022 as a member of the society.  

The following day, April 6, the inaugural First-Generation Faculty & Staff Reception took place in the Frieson Black Cultural Center, cohosted by the Office of the Provost and First-Generation Initiatives. Approximately 40 faculty and staff attended.  

Provost Zomchick again offered remarks during the reception, especially relating to his identity as a first-generation college student and graduate. Vice Provost for Student Success Amber Williams spoke about the university’s support of first-generation students and both current and future initiatives that are dedicated to the success of those students.  

“During this week of honoring our first-generation student scholars, faculty, and staff, it was an honor to celebrate alongside them and acknowledge the unique perspectives and strengths they bring to the Volunteer community,” Williams said. “Their contributions are not only seen and felt at UT, but throughout the larger community and world.” 

First-Generation Initiatives will host the First-Generation Graduates Reception on May 9 from 3 p.m.-5 p.m. in the Student Union Pilot Flying J Ballroom.  

The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project (TCDJHP) presented the Veterans Success Center at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a $25,000 donation on Tuesday, March 22.

Board members David Corlew, co-founder of the organization and manager for the late Charlie Daniels, and Major General Terry “Max” Haston (retired) visited the center to meet with student veterans and attended the Tennessee vs. Butler home baseball game for a check presentation with Jayetta Rogers, director of the Veterans Success Center, and Leonard Clemons, associate vice provost for Student Success.

“Continuing education has and continues to be an important step in the reintegration of many returning veterans,” Corlew said. “Charlie had a close relationship with the University of Tennessee, so it’s our mission to support our veterans that are pursuing their educational needs. The Veterans Success Center is growing daily with Jayetta and the team, and we are proud to be of assistance in any way possible.”

The $25,000 donation will go to the creation of a Veterans Success Institute, student veteran transformational grants, a veteran emergency fund, and technology upgrades. The donation is the third and largest gift UT has received from The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project, and Rogers said she hopes it’s the beginning of a long and meaningful relationship with the organization. “Charlie Daniels was a tremendous supporter of the University of Tennessee, and we are beyond grateful to receive this gift that will enhance the academic, professional, and personal success of our student veterans while at UT.”

“Ensuring that veteran students have a solid foundation for success is the reason that The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project supports our state universities’ Veterans centers. TCDJHP believes that assisting and supporting veterans in obtaining a quality education is a critical phase line in their ‘Journey Home’,” Haston said. “We hope that by contributing to the University of Tennessee Veterans Success Center will start a habit for others to follow ensuring the center’s future.

About the UT Veterans Success Center

Established in 2017, the Veterans Success Center is uniquely qualified to enrich the transition to UT for student veterans and military-affiliated students with tailored services that enhance academic success and holistic development. The center supports more than 1,000 Vol veterans and military-affiliated spouses and children, including active duty, Army Reserve and National Guard, military families, and survivors.

About The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project
The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project (TCDJHP) is a not-for profit organization that assists other not-for-profits in securing funds to help causes that benefit veterans of the United States Armed Forces. The organization was co-founded in 2014 by the late country music legend Charlie Daniels and his manager, David Corlew. Board members include Corlew, Major General Terry “Max” Haston (retired) and most recently in 2020, Hazel Daniels. Conscious of the need to assist our nation’s veterans, TCDJHP partners with organizations that do the most good, with the least overhead. Working in tandem with these organizations, TCDJHP is making a difference in the lives of American patriots. TCDJHP’s daily operations rely solely on public donations. For more information or to donate, visit thecharliedanielsjourneyhomeproject.org.

UT’s work with Gallup strengths and well-being is highlighted on the GALLUP^® website with more information on the collaboration between Student Success and the strengths leader. Read the entire article here.

This spring, the University of Tennessee will support 64 undergraduate students across campus as part of the Departmental Research Assistantship (DRA) Program. This program is funded through a the Division of Student Success as part of the >Volunteer Experience and in alignment with UT’s Strategic Vision. During the spring semester, student employees in the sciences, social sciences, humanities, and performing arts will earn $1,500 to aid faculty researchers in their major.

“The Volunteer Experience is transforming the undergraduate experience at UT, and the DRA Program is one element in that transformation giving our undergraduate students experiential learning opportunities that will benefit their long-term academic and professional goals,” Amber Williams, vice provost for Student Success, said. “The student-faculty relationship is the foundation of our Vols having a meaningful, influential experience here at UT that will make them graduates who are confident, resilient, and self-motivated.”

The DRA program is meant to remove financial barriers to engage students who are low-income and first generation with undergraduate research and enhance relationships with faculty and mentors. A partnership between the Division of Student Success, Undergraduate Research & Fellowships (URF), and departments across UT and UTIA, the program will also recognize faculty mentors and measure student demand for research opportunities and the supply of those opportunities on campus.

Response to the application was significant, as was the interest of the departments and faculty to engage in the program. Students have been awarded in 44 departments across all UT undergraduate colleges. At least 244 faculty were eager to work with a DRA student, and eight departments offered to fund additional DRA students to match URF funding.

“This semester’s award is the largest funding of semester-based, co-curricular undergraduate researchers in the university’s history,” Erin Darby, URF faculty director and associate professor in the Department of Religious Studies, said. “We are excited at the opportunities this program will give students to discover undergraduate research and build more meaningful relationships with their faculty mentors.”

Students from the program will present their research during Discovery Day in fall 2022, and URF will work with Dr. Patrick Biddix, professor and associate director of the Postsecondary Education Research Center (PERC), and graduate students to design an assessment program for the inaugural DRA year.

The Office of the Provost at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for associate vice provost & executive director of Honors & Scholars Programs with the Division of Student Success. More information and links to the job posting are located with the search announcement.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, was represented in “Reflections on Fall Campus Connections,” a feature by Inside Higher Ed. Vice Provost for Student Success Amber Williams discussed students’ transition to UT this fall and their well-being and strengths in response to mask mandates, the pandemic, and adjusting to a new hybrid academic experience.

Patrick Akos, consultant to the University of Tennessee and professor of education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, visited campus November 11-12 to meet with faculty and staff to discuss well-being, student success, and the Volunteer Experience.

While at UT, Akos met with campus leaders from the Office of the Provost, Teaching & Learning Innovation, College of Arts & Sciences, and College of Education, Health & Human Sciences. In addition, Dr. Akos hosted a campus-wide workshop to demonstrate the impact of well-being on students’ holistic success.

“The institutional commitment to student well-being is amazing,” Akos said. “From Provost Zomchick to academic departments to Teaching and Learning Innovation to the First-Year Programs team and the entire Division of Student Success – everyone is deeply committed to helping ALL students not only learn but also thrive.”

Professor Akos consults with UT’s Strengths Advisory Council, charged by Provost John Zomchick, to propose actionable items to support the Volunteer Experience as articulated in goal one of the Strategic Vision. His discussions and presentations focused on incorporating well-being into the undergraduate experience and understanding from a holistic perspective how students will thrive when their strengths and well-being are considered. This work will produce graduates who are self-motivated, resilient, confident, and driven by service.

“Dr. Akos understands how to develop deeper meaning in the work we do towards students’ academic success,” Amber Williams, vice provost for the Division of Student Success, said. “Our Volunteer community was better able to understand how our work will make a transformative difference in the lives of our Volunteers who want to succeed and make a meaningful difference in the world.”

The Office of the Provost is partnering with Teaching & Learning Innovation and the colleges to launch faculty-specific programs and initiatives to develop the Volunteer Experience across campus.

Contact:

Lacey Wood (laceywood@utk.edu)