Priority 3: Personal and Professional Growth

Undergraduate Research Inquiries Spark Enhanced Mental Health

Each spring, select students at the University of Tennessee prepare to share semesters’ worth of research at the Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement (EURēCA). Students gather to present their hard work and dedication and share answers to their research questions with the university community. In April 2024, among a sea of 1,055 student…
The Road to Commencement: Paved with Resilience and Community

Content Warning: The following story mentions suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please seek help. You are not alone. If you are a UT student, faculty, or staff in need of assistance, call or text 865-974-HELP (4357). When Bri Swindell (‘24) enrolled at the University of Tennessee in…
Developing Skills and Solutions: Student Employment in Action Through Data Initiatives Within Student Life

As a student intern with Student Life Communications (SLC), I’ve had the opportunity to develop both professionally and personally. It’s a pleasure to give back to the university by assisting in the optimization of the student experience as well. In working with our SLC team, I’ve had great opportunities to learn more about how data…
Center for Student Engagement: A Career Launchpad for the Competitive Entertainment Industry

At the Center for Student Engagement, students gain unique professional experiences that they can apply to their future careers. They also learn valuable transferable skills, such as negotiating with vendors and event planning. “One of the things that I have really loved through my time working in the Center for Student Engagement has been watching…
Professional Fellowship Adopts New Model and Incorporates Designing Your Life Principles

The third priority in the Division of Student Life’s strategic plan is to advance personal and professional growth of students and staff through exploration and innovation. In the spring of 2021, a new professional fellowship program was launched in the division to facilitate this goal. Now, with 19 fellows completing the program with success and…
Lunchtime Basketball Builds Connections for Colleagues

Eating lunch at a workspace or enjoying lunch with coworkers at a conference table might be common occurrences in professional settings. But playing basketball? Not so common. But that has changed at the University of Tennessee where a new staff wellness and fitness initiative is building connections and strengthening bodies on Wednesdays and Fridays from…
Student Practicums Develop Future Practitioners

Through two departments, the Student Counseling Center and Student Conduct and Community Standards, students from multiple UT degree programs participate in experiential learning practicums that not only support their own personal growth but also support the greater student body’s access to services. Student Counseling Center Currently, the Student Counseling Center is hosting 10 graduate students…
Bearing the Torch Beyond Campus

In the spring of 2023, Lindsay Davis, coordinator for Family Engagement in the Office of the Dean of Students, was honored with Student Life’s Community Service Award. This award recognizes someone who is actively engaged in the Knoxville community, regularly volunteering with local or national organizations, as well as local schools, churches, and more. Davis…