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Student Leadership & Engagement

Expand Your Horizons

University Honors offers highly accomplished students the opportunity to expand their curiosity, collaborate with peers, discover their life-career direction, hone their academic and leadership abilities, and make an impact in Tennessee and beyond. Students in University Honors find that they belong to a community of peers, faculty, and staff that share the same drive to challenge themselves and improve the world around them. We foster this sense of community, in part, through our signature student leadership and engagement programs.

 

Engagement Opportunities

 

University Honors Ambassadors are selected each spring to serve as representatives of our programs at various events around campus.

Throughout the academic year, Ambassadors are called upon to meet with prospective students during campus and attend various admissions events both on and off campus.

As an Ambassador, students must participate in a weekly training course and have availability to participate in events on select weekends.

For more information about University Honors Ambassadors, please email honors@utk.edu.

Note: The University Honors Ambassadors application will open in August 2025.

Samantha Altman

Samantha is a sophomore in the Chancellor’s Honors Program. She is from Crystal Lake, Illinois, and is majoring in psychology and minoring in human development and family sciences. Samantha has thoroughly enjoyed her experience in University Honors because of the application to real-world concepts in her honors courses, interactions with professors and like-minded students, and overall support that she receives as an Honors student. 

On campus, Samantha is actively involved in Undergraduate research as a Research Assistant in Dr. Tas’ Visual Perception and Cognition lab.  She is also involved in Psychology club and Best Buddies where she serves as a peer buddy for UT FUTURE students. This year Samantha will be serving as a VOLthon team captain and is responsible for team planning and fundraising efforts. She is also a part of Greek Life on campus as a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending UT football games, volunteering, going to country music concerts, and painting. After graduation, Samantha plans to attend an Accelerated Bachelors of Science in Nursing program, and hopes to pursue a career as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Jamison Arthur

Jamison Arthur is a sophomore from Nashville, Tennessee, majoring in finance and accounting. She is part of the Chancellor’s Honors Program and the Haslam Business Fellows, enjoying the community of driven, like-minded students while being academically challenged. On campus, she is involved with groups like the Tennessee Capital Markets Society and the Masters Investment Learning Center, where she delves into finance and investment. Jamison has also taken on leadership roles, including heading recruitment for her sorority, Delta Delta Delta, and working as a Pilates instructor at a local studio. Passionate about giving back, she volunteers at Haynes Garden, helping kids with their schoolwork. After graduation, she plans to move back to Nashville to pursue a career in finance. As an Honors Ambassador, Jamison is excited to share her love for the program with prospective students who have similar aspirations.

Riley Bumgardner 

Riley is a sophomore from Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, majoring in biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology and minoring in American Sign Language. She hopes to one day get her MD/PhD and practice medicine while also working on groundbreaking medical research. Riley is part of the Chancellor Honors Program.

On campus, Riley has marched two seasons with the Pride of the Southland, UT’s renowned marching band. She is also on the executive board as the Vice President of Communications for an up-and-coming pre-med fraternity, Mu Epsilon Delta. As VP of Communications, she works on running the social media platforms for the fraternity and keeping up communication with potential members and speakers. In her free time, Riley loves dancing with her friends, curling up with a book, and being out in nature.

Thanks to the wonderful Honors community at UT, Riley has found a fantastic group of friends to help support and ground her as she works towards her degree.

Maddie Bell

Maddie Bell is one of our ambassadors in the Honors Leadership Program. She is a junior double majoring in journalism/electronic media and political science as well as pursuing a minor in leadership. During her time at UT she has been part of an acapella group on campus (VOLT), participated in the Disney College Program as a photographer in EPCOT, and worked at Tyson House Episcopal & Lutheran church as an intern.

As a freshman and sophomore, she had a great opportunity to serve as a research assistant for Dr. Rachel White helping her gather data on every public school district nationwide to track superintendent attrition, specifically looking at gender and race. She was invited to present with the research team at the Association for Education Finance and Policy in Denver, Colorado.

As a junior this year she is a part of the student government undergraduate senate, interning for the Knoxville Democrats, and serves as the leadership co-director in the Omega Phi Alpha coed sorority.

In her free time, she enjoys playing guitar, watching Disney movies, going to concerts, and hanging out with her friends and family.

She says “Being in Honors has given me so many opportunities and I am so thankful to be able to share about my experiences in the honors program to prospective students like you!”

Emma Collins

Emma Collins is a sophomore from Franklin, Tennessee. She is a part of the Chancellor’s Honors Program studying sociology in criminology & criminal justice and minoring in business administration. On campus, Emma spends her time outside of classes involved in many different organizations around UT. This includes, but not limited to, being a brother of the Kappa Alpha Pi Law Fraternity to advance her proficiency in professionalism, law, and government. Similarly, she is involved with the Undergraduate Association of Forensic Sciences to grow her knowledge of the field of forensics and scope of criminalistics. With this, she is also a part of the Honors Student Engagement Council as the enrichment director and treasurer, organizing and overseeing service-based, community, and outreach events for the honors program. Off campus, Emma is involved with the nationwide nonprofit organization Diversify Our Narrative and volunteers at the local animal shelter. Emma loves line dancing, advocacy, spending time with friends, animals, and experiencing new things! She has greatly enjoyed her time with University Honors and believes it is one of the most rewarding opportunities on campus.

Jasmine Crigler

Jasmine Crigler is from Memphis, Tennessee. She is a junior accounting major with a collateral in Information Management in the Haslam College of Business and a graduate of the 1794 Scholars program. Jasmine holds the role as the Professional Development Chair of NABA Inc. and is responsible for communicating and coordinating with most of the local, regional, and national accounting firms. She is also a member of Multicultural Enhancement for the University of Tennessee (ME4UT) to promote diversity to prospective students and engage with other underrepresented students with similar interests. Jasmine’s intended graduation date is May 2025, and after her undergraduate career she plans to pursue a master’s degree in Accounting and her certification as a Public Accountant. Jasmine looks forward to making prospective students feel at home within University Honors by speaking on her experiences in the 1794 Scholars Program and her academic field. When Jasmine is not in the classroom, she enjoys listening to music, watching streaming services, and spending time with family and friends.

Caroline Doyle

Caroline Doyle is a sophomore in the Chancellor’s Honors Program. She is from Rockville, Maryland, and is majoring in nursing. Her time in University Honors has allowed her to grow not only as a student but as a leader and a global citizen. Outside of the classroom, she is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma where she serves as the new member event coordinator. She is also involved in many philanthropic student organizations including acting as the vice president of community outreach for the Helping Hands club and as social media chair for our school’s chapter of Period. She is also a member of the Student Nurses Association and several other clubs allowing her to pursue her passion for service. In her free time, Caroline enjoys spending time outside, photography, working at AS Revival, and attending UT sporting events! Her experience as an ambassador and an honors student has taught her many valuable life lessons about professionalism, fostering meaningful relationships, and managing her time. She hopes to use what she has learned at UT to pursue a career as a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner after graduation.

Parker Fields

Parker Fields is a junior from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He is majoring in supply chain management with a collateral in Information Management in the Haslam College of Business. Parker is also a graduate from the 1794 Scholars program and is in his second year as an Honors Ambassador. He is actively involved in his fraternity, Beta Upsilon Chi, where he has served in various leadership roles. Most recently, he served in the officer position of secretary in 2024. Through this experience and his Honors coursework, he has learned how to balance school and Greek life and remain active in both. He has also been through the process of switching majors, so he is happy to answer any questions about this or other aspects of student life! When Parker is not in class, he enjoys watching new movies, listening to country music, or playing tennis at TRECs.

Samantha Gross

Samantha Gross is a third year from Waxhaw, North Carolina. She is majoring in biological sciences with a concentration in biochemistry and cellular and molecular biology. She is a part of the Honors Leadership Program. This is her second year as an honors ambassador. In addition to her role as an honors ambassador, she is a supplemental instructor through the Vol Study Center. In her free time, she is an active member of Alpha Sigma Kappa, a sorority for women and gender minorities in STEM. She is currently the professional development chair and homecoming and banner co-chair. For the 2025 calendar year, she will be president of this organization.

She says “The honors program here at UTK has allowed me to push and grow myself as a person and a leader. I am forever grateful for the educational and experiential opportunities provided through this program.”

Cole McFarland

Cole McFarland is a junior in the Chancellor’s Honors Program from Marshall, Illinois. He is a double major, majoring in anthropology with an Honors concentration, as well biological sciences with a concentration in biochemistry & cellular and molecular biology. His focus is primarily on archaeology and human origins. Cole is also a squad leader for the Pride of the Southland Marching Band and an FYP Peer Mentor. Being a Chancellor’s Honors student has allowed Cole to take part in many different opportunities. Through his Honors thesis project, he has been able to take part in anthropology research in UT’s archaeology labs and the body farm. As a member of the PotS, Cole has been able to represent UT outside of Rocky Top. His favorite trip with the band was to London last summer! He encourages all students to take part in groups like Honors to meet new people, learn important skills, and take part in new experiences!

Ryan Mesler

Ryan is a sophomore majoring in biochemistry with minors in English and Spanish. He is a member of the Chancellor’s Honors Program, acting as both an Honors RA for Dogwood Hall and the events team lead for the Honors Student Engagement Council. On campus, he is also involved in All Campus Theater, the Museum Student Advisory Board, and as an undergraduate research assistant in the Johnson Lab. During his free time, he enjoys reading classic literature, going on runs, hanging out with friends, playing piano, and acting in local plays and musicals. After college, Ryan hopes to go to graduate school and possibly do research for the CDC.

Simbisoyashe Mushayamunda

Simbisoyashe Mushayamunda (Simbi) is a junior from Johnson City, Tennessee. She is majoring in interior architecture, and is a part of the 1794 Scholars Program. Outside of academics she is a resident assistant, a teaching assistant in the school of Architecture and Design, a member of the Leadership Knoxville Scholars program, secretary of the African Student Association, and she is a member of Strange Fruit Dance Company. In addition, Simbi is a committed volunteer in the Knoxville community. In her free time she enjoys pilates, traveling, and spending time with her friends. After college, Simbi hopes to pursue higher education and research in preservation design and sustainability.

Brandon Sisson

Brandon Sisson is a Sophomore in the Chancellor’s Honors Program from Raleigh, North Carolina. Brandon is majoring in architecture within the College of Architecture + Design and is aiming to complete several construction science and management classes as well as classes towards a minor in Business. He is a member of the American Institute for Architecture Students, YoungLife, Campus Outreach, and Rocky Top Rowdies.

As a member of the Chancellor’s Honors Program, Brandon has enhanced his education through Honors level classes, enabling him to engage in stimulating coursework, connect with similar-minded students, and gain experience with real-world applications. He has also grown in his leadership skills and community relations by volunteering with several organizations such as Grow Lab and Waste Warriors under the Office of Sustainability. When he’s not pulling an all-nighter in the Architecture building, Brandon can be found painting or sketching a new creative idea, running with his dog, eating Mexican food, or breaking a sweat at the gym. He also loves all things UT, especially the athletics!

Rachel Sokalsky

Rachel Sokalsky is a junior in the 1794 Honors Program. She is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is majoring in audiology and speech pathology with a minor in child and family studies. During Rachel’s first year at the university she was looking for a way to challenge herself and grow both as a student and a person and by joining the honors program as a sophomore she believes it was the perfect way to do this. She is so grateful for her time and the opportunities she has been presented with since joining University Honors.

On campus, Rachel is actively a co-recruitment chair for All Campus Events, the graphic design chair for the National Student Speech Language Association, and a general member of Alpha Delta Pi. She also is involved with Psi Society, Order of Omega, and recently served as a recruitment counselor for Panhellenic primary recruitment. This year Rachel has begun assisting Dr. Kristen Secora with research in the speech language pathology field and began to help take over the SLP Research Lab social media. In her free time she serves as a student volunteer at the TEACH group assisting with tasks around the clinic and observing pediatric SLPs. She also enjoys spending time with friends, watching the Vols in Neyland, and traveling with her family. After graduation, Rachel plans to attend a two year graduate program for speech language pathology and hopes to one day work in a medical setting in pediatrics after graduate school.

Noah Steger

Noah Steger is a sophomore in the Chancellor’s Honors Program from Peoria, Illinois. He is an Army ROTC cadet majoring in psychology. Noah is focused on his responsibilities as a future Army officer and is heavily involved in the ROTC program on campus. He is a member of the Tennessee Marksmanship and Scabbard & Blade specialty companies and was an Army ROTC and Army Living Learning Community ambassador. As a member of the Chancellor’s Honors Program, Noah has been able to engage in Honors coursework that has been intellectually stimulating and practical towards real-world applications– to include his recent summer abroad studying cultural psychology in Italy. Additionally, through his Army involvement, he has been able to gain access to many unique opportunities offered through the ROTC organization. Outside of class, Noah can be found focusing on his physical fitness, enjoying athletics with friends, hiking, or fishing. Upon graduating, Noah will be commissioned as a 2LT in the US Army before pursuing a career with the FBI.

Tess Valkovschi

Tess is a sophomore from Charlotte, NC majoring in marketing with aspirations to go into higher education or work for a major nonprofit. She is a part of the 1794 Scholars Program, as well as Haslam College of Business’ Business Fellows Honor Program.

On campus, Tess is involved in The Student Government Association, having been programming chair of the First Year Council her freshman year, and is now the advisor of the program. In this role she helps to introduce first-years to UT with a leadership development-focused program by engaging them with different aspects of SGA and its role in the broader UT community. Additionally, Tess is involved in the Haslam College of Business, being a member of the Marketing & Sales Collaborative Program, and the American Marketing Association. In her free time, Tess enjoys dancing, participating in intramural sports, and volunteering with UT’s Basic Needs.

Through University Honors and living in Dogwood (Honors LLC) her freshman year especially, Tess has found a community on Rocky Top full of supportive, like-minded peers that are her now best friends!

Reece Wood

Reece is a sophomore in the Honors Leadership Program. He is from Knoxville, but his family lives in Missouri. He is planning on majoring in biology, possibly with a concentration in public health, with minors in Spanish and leadership studies. He is a part of the water polo team, as well as director of supplies for Global Brigades, a non-profit organization focused on providing medical relief to underprivileged communities in developing countries. As part of Honors Leadership, Reece has been studying leaders and leadership styles and practices. He has been able to use that knowledge as he becomes a leader not only on campus but in his community, like most Tennessee Volunteers. When not in class, Reece can be found on an adventure, hanging with friends, walking, or eating.

 

University Honors Peer Mentors (PMs) serve as dedicated and encouraging role models, mentors, and resources for first-year honors students enrolled in UNHO 207: Complex Problems and Human-Centered Design (Fall) and UNHO 307: Complex Problems and Innovation (Spring). PMs collaborate with the seminar instructor, and, as representatives of University Honors, are responsible for attending their assigned section of UNHO 207 and 307 each week, providing academic support to their honors students, and meeting one-on-one with the students in their UNHO 207 and 307 section.

Peer mentors are required to complete UNHO 107, the Peer Mentor training course in the spring semester, as well as the honors courses they are assigned to in the subsequent academic year. The spring training course will begin the week of March 10 and conclude the week of May 5. The overall commitment for this role includes Spring 2025 training and the following Fall 2025 – Spring 2026 academic year.

Peer Mentors receive biweekly compensation totaling at least $500 per semester of their involvement pending successful completion of all role responsibilities.

For more information about University Honors Peer Mentors, please email honors@utk.edu.

Abby Doyle

Abby Doyle is a junior in the Chancellor’s Honors Program from Mendham, New Jersey. She has a passion for all things business and is a double major in marketing and finance, with a collateral in international business. Abby is actively involved in Women of Haslam, the American Marketing Association, and The Beauty in Marketing Group. She is also a member of the sorority Alpha Chi Omega, where she is a member of the PR and Marketing Committee. In her free time, she loves going to all the UT sporting events, especially football, traveling, and spending time with friends. She hopes to pursue a career in the marketing field one day and is excited for the future during and after her time at UT!

Abby Hendricks

Abby Hendricks is a sophomore in the Chancellor’s Honors Program from Nashville, Tennessee. She is currently studying biochemistry and molecular biology with a minor in French. She plans on attending medical school to become a clinical geneticist – after visiting France, of course.  She is involved with the technical theatre program at the Clarence Brown Theatre and is looking forward to joining more clubs next year. When not doing homework, she can often be found sewing or painting. When the sun is out, she also enjoys making the most of the pickleball courts and the HSS lawn with her friends. She can’t wait to see what these next few years at UT have in store!

Aidan Feyerherm

Aidan Feyerherm is a senior in the Chancellor’s Honors Program from Collierville, Tennessee. They are currently majoring in Computer Science, with an emphasis on data analysis. They are also very enthusiastic about sustainability as an executive member of the Sustainable Business Organization, where they hope to make a tangible contribution in making UT greener. Aidan’s career goal is to find the intersection between their technical knowledge and love for sustainability to work towards a brighter tomorrow. Outside of classes, Aidan spends their time playing a variety of sports, volunteering around Knoxville, and nerding out about video games and television. They look forward to connecting with new students and having fun exploring Rocky Top!

Alexis Laramy

Alexis Laramy is a sophomore in the Chancellor’s Honors Program from Chanhassen, Minnesota. She is majoring in accounting with a collateral in international business. She is a passionate student eager to explore the business world through the Haslam College of Business. Aside from her peer mentor role in University Honors, Alexis is an active member of Women of Haslam, Business Fellows Honors Program, and the Delta Zeta sorority. In her free time, she loves playing pickleball, spending time at the lake with friends and family, and attending UT sporting events! Alexis hopes to study abroad during her time at the University of Tennessee and pursue a career in the accounting field after graduation.

Aubrey Emery

Aubrey Emery is a sophomore in the Chancellors Honors Program, majoring in Psychology. She has an active interest in public policy and has participated in both the Institute Fellows and Grand Challenge Fellows programs. Originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Aubrey is passionate about pursuing a career in psychology and applying her studies to a career that blends research, advocacy, and service. In the next few years, Aubrey hopes to study abroad to deepen her global perspective and academic interests in her field of study. Outside of academics, Aubrey enjoys going to the gym, spending time with friends!

Ava Walrath

Ava Walrath is a sophomore in the Chancellor’s Honors Program, majoring in supply chain management and Marketing with an interest in International Business. Ava is involved in several organizations, including Student Alumni Associates, Haslam Ambassadors, Women of Haslam, and Chi Omega Sorority. You can often find Ava studying on campus, engaging in leadership activities, or working in the Haslam GEE Events Office. Ava has enjoyed time abroad in Cuba through the Haslam College of Business’s First Year Experience program and hopes to study abroad again in the future. She has a passion for servant leadership and an entrepreneurial spirit. After she graduates, Ava hopes to spend some time learning and growing in New York City while possibly working as a consultant on projects where she can engage her critical thinking skills. In her free time, Ava loves to spend time outdoors, read books, share a meal with friends, or plan her next travel destination.

Avery Slinker

Avery Slinker is a sophomore in the Chancellor’s Honors Program from Dayton, Ohio. She is majoring in Biomedical Engineering. With this degree Avery is planning on pursuing medical school or a PhD in her field. She is a part of the Society of Future Women in Medicine, Yoga Club, Cru, and Young Life. She is also Young Life leader for Career Magnet Academy in East Knoxville. For the 2025-26 school year Avery is planning on joining the Society of Women Engineers. In her free time, Avery loves attending UT sports games, especially football, being outdoors, traveling, reading, and hanging out with her friends. In the coming years Avery hopes to study abroad or participate in a co-op and she’s excited to see what the next years at UT will bring!

Caitlin Maher

Caitlin Maher is a junior from Rockford, Illinois enrolled in both the Chancellor’s Honors Program and Haslam’s Business Fellows Honors Program. She thoroughly enjoys the studies for both of her majors, management and accounting, and her collateral in finance. Additionally, she’ll be obtaining a concentration in international business, which she studied for a week her freshman year in Costa Rica and will continue studying in Florence, Italy in the spring of 2026.  Outside of academia, she’s involved on campus with Alpha Chi Omega sorority and Kappa Alpha Pi law fraternity. She aspires to attend a joint MBA/JD program following graduation. In her spare time she enjoys grabbing coffee with friends, working out, and traveling wherever she can fit it in!

Caroline Jenkins

Bio Coming Soon!

Constance Baker

Constance Baker is a sophomore from White House, Tennessee, studying biology with a minor in public health. She’s in the Chancellor’s Honors Program and is pursuing a Global Health concentration within her degree, with plans to go into epidemiology. Constance is especially passionate about improving access to quality medical care and education around the world. She’s currently a Peer Mentor in the Honors program and part of the student leadership team at the Wesley Foundation. In her first year, she also performed with the Pride of the Southland Band. Constance values building inclusive communities and believes in the importance of intergenerational relationships, both in her academic life and beyond. In her free time, she loves reading fantasy novels, watching movies, and spending time with friends.

Danial Khan

Danial Khan is a sophomore in the Chancellor’s Honors Program from Knoxville, Tennessee. He is dual-majoring in Arabic and biological studies, with a concentration in biochemistry and cellular & molecular biology.  Danial is involved in research with organizations such as the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine and the Tennessee Reading Research Center. He has previously served as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant in the Biology Department and participated in cross-disciplinary initiatives such as the Tennessee Grand Challenge Fellows Program. In addition, he is an active member of the American Medical Student Association. Ultimately, Danial aspires to leverage these experiences to pursue a career in medicine as an interventional cardiologist. Outside of academics, Danial enjoys drawing, fitness, and reading!

Ellie Mascena

Ellie Mascena is a senior from North Kingstown, Rhode Island, pursuing a double major in Business Analytics and Supply Chain Management with a collateral in International Business. She is a part of the Chancellor’s Honors Program as well as the Haslam Business Fellows, where she serves on the Business Honors Council. Ellie is also a campus ambassador, leading tours and hosting events for prospective students, and a member of the Student Alumni Associates, bridging the gap between alumni and current students here at UT. She is actively involved in her sorority as a member of the diversity, equity, and inclusion committee, and is recognized as a Supply Chain Scholar of Distinction. Passionate about giving back, Ellie volunteers with Food4Vols and the Forward Market to combat food insecurity in the Greater Knoxville area. In her free time, she enjoys attending UT sporting events, traveling, and spending time with friends!

Kate Garcia

Kate Garcia is a sophomore in the Chancellor’s Honors Program from the Reno/Tahoe area of Nevada. She is majoring in public affairs with a concentration in health policy, hoping to go to law school following undergrad. Kate is interested in the lobbyist field and hopes to work with non-profit organizations in the future. Outside of her academics, Kate participates in several campus organizations including the sorority of Alpha Chi Omega, UT Wellness Society, and The Cross UTK, looking to hold leadership positions in the coming school year. She loves to do anything outdoors including hiking, paddle boarding, swimming, and climbing and enjoys dancing in her free time. Kate has been loving her time at the University of Tennessee and is excited to get to know others in her time as a Peer Mentor!

Katie Peterson

Katie Peterson is a sophomore in the Chancellor’s Honors Program from Jackson, Mississippi. She is currently majoring in Psychology with then plan of adding a minor in Spanish and going to Speech Language Pathology Graduate School. She is involved in the UT Wellness Club, the Volunteer Puppy Partner club, volunteering with different organizations in Knoxville, and is a member of the Phi Mu Sorority. Katie is excited to join more clubs next year and become more involved on campus. In her free time, she loves hanging out with friends, exploring Knoxville, going to school sporting events, going on walks, and meeting new people.

Kiley Shumpert

Kiley Shumpert is a senior from Chattanooga, Tennessee. She is in the Chancellor’s Honors Program studying psychology with a minor in Hispanic studies. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in the field of industrial-organizational psychology and earn her masters. Outside of Honors, Kiley works as a Program Assessment Intern with the office of Advising and Technology Initiatives within the Division of Student Success. She also works in Dr. Lamer’s Social Perception and Cognition lab and is spending this year on her Honor’s Thesis. During her summers at UT, Kiley has gotten to study abroad in Costa Rica and now looks forward to putting her knowledge to the test in her upcoming role as a Quantitative Analysis Intern at a consumer behavior firm in Chicago! In her free time, Kiley enjoys singing with her acapella group, Volt, where she serves as Vice President- she also loves to spend time with her dog, Rue.

Lillian O’Brien

Bio Coming Soon!

Madeline Berry

Madeline Berry is a sophomore in the Chancellor’s Honors Program where she is pursuing a double major in psychology and biological sciences with a concentration in microbiology. Born in Johnson City, Tennessee, Madeline grew up immersed in Volunteer spirit and was raised with all things UT. As an Honors Peer Mentor, she is eager to guide fellow students in exploring their potential and navigating life as an Honors student at UT. Madeline aspires to study abroad to cultivate a global perspective on scientific inquiry and advancement. Following the completion of her undergraduate studies, she intends to pursue a PhD in genetics to conduct research. Outside of academics, Madeline enjoys reading, painting, and traveling with friends.

Natalie Ripley

Natalie Ripley is a sophomore in the Chancellor’s Honors Program from Greeneville, Tennessee. She is majoring in history and anthropology with a minor in cinema studies. She’s hoping to further her studies in archeology and pursue similar studies in grad school as well as abroad. Natalie is the head archeology representative for the Undergraduate Anthropology Association on campus, and she will be a Resident Assistant in Reese Hall starting Fall of 2025. She loves spending time outside to reconnect with nature and going on hikes. She loves movies and her favorite of all time is Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me. Natalie has been loving her time at UT, and she looks forward to helping other students reach their goals and thrive here and beyond!

Niya Angelova

Niya Angelova is a junior majoring in anthropology with a concentration in forensics. Outside of the Chancellor’s Honors Program, she is actively involved in the Student Government Association, where she has served on the First-Year Council and the Undergraduate Student Senate. She currently represents students as an off-campus senator and serves on the SGA Programming Committee. In addition, Niya is a Student Engagement Ambassador for the Center for Student Engagement and a member of Sigma Kappa.

Omayah El-Salim

Omayah El-Salim is a junior majoring in environmental and soil sciences with minors in watershed and biological sciences. This past spring, she completed the 1794 Honors Program. This program has been essential in providing academic opportunities, fostering a community of high-achieving peers, and offering personalized mentorship and support. In her free time, she volunteers as a Wilderness Club instructor and leader for beginner-geared backpacking trips. She also enjoys backpacking, hiking, reading, and exploring new places! After college, Omayah hopes to attend graduate school and pursue a career that keeps her outside.

Owen Winters

Bio Coming Soon!

Reagan Murphy

Bio Coming Soon!

Reese Miller

Bio Coming Soon!

Sophia Campbell

Sophia Campbell is a senior in the Chancellor’s Honors Program from Memphis, Tennessee. She is in the Language and World Business Program, concentrating in German and international business, hoping to eventually work abroad. Outside of University Honors, Sophia Campbell has been involved in the LWB Student Association, Zeta Tau Alpha, Speak – Environmental Club, and a volunteer at the local Salvation Army. Outside of this, she spends her time with friends, reading, or painting. As her time at UT comes to a close, she is excited to help new students find their own path on campus

Triya Patel

Triya Patel is a sophomore in the Chancellor’s Honors Program majoring in biological sciences with a concentration in biochemistry and cellular and molecular biology, and minoring in public health. She serves as a senator for the College of Arts and Sciences, where she advocates for student needs and academic initiatives.  Passionate about service and cultural engagement, Triya is actively involved in the Indian American Association and ClinicVols, a campus organization that partners with local elementary school nurses to support student health and wellness. She aspires to attend medical school after graduation and pursue a career in pediatrics, where she can combine clinical care with community-centered advocacy. Her dedication to the field led her to author a research paper on the ethics of pediatric clinical trials, which was published by Stanford University, and plans to become involved in research. In the coming years, Triya hopes to study abroad to gain a global perspective on healthcare. In her free time, she enjoys working out, traveling, and spending time with friends!

 

 

Honors Student Engagement Council (HSEC) is an Honors scholar-driven initiative that is open to all University Honors scholars. Each semester HSEC coordinates inclusive, innovative events and service opportunities for University Honors students to build connections and create community. 

If you have questions or want to get involved with HSEC, please email honors@utk.edu or HSEC President Anna Weis aweis3@vols.utk.edu.

 

 

 

Meet Our Current Student Leaders