Division of Student Life at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Quick trip to the Atlanta area for another Vol Family Social. Each time we do these we get to meet new families, create some community amongst them, and learn about their students. This week we heard: how organizations help students know their strengths and find their people, that faculty make a positive difference when they’re accessible to students, and that our Admissions student ambassadors are a big reason prospective students are saying “yes” to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. These families may live deep in Bulldog country, but their excitement about being Vols is unparalleled. Thanks to our Student Advocacy team (Lindsay Davis, M. Ed. and Amber Kinder, M.S.) for coordinating and to Amy Williams and Joe Pierce, EdD for another great night of hosting!

Through the Rocky Top Presidents Institute, the officers of registered student organizations are equipped to level up their leadership and enhance the operations of their organizations on campus. Through the Center for Student Engagement, this program helps student leaders identify strengths and build action plans for incorporating what they learn into their organizations. Learn more about elevating student leadership at UT at the link! https://lnkd.in/epAMHje5

As ambassadors for the Student Health Center, three UT students traveled to the Southern College Health Association’s annual conference in Athens, Georgia, to present their work promoting community health literacy through student engagement. The student ambassadors, studying various health-related fields, had the opportunity to connect with experts while also developing communication and other professional skills. Through real-world professional experience, the Student Health Center is equipping students with the tools to become health leaders. https://lnkd.in/eePRQtfg

The University of Tennessee recognizes that graduate students are presented with unique challenges and responsibilities, requiring support resources specific to their postgraduate education. Striving to meet these needs, the departments of Multicultural Student Life and the Center for Student Engagement have implemented various graduate student programs promoting academic and personal well-being on campus and throughout the Knoxville community. Read more from Vice Chancellor Frank Cuevas on how these Division of Student Life departments are supporting holistic student wellness: https://lnkd.in/eX-NmMnp

Professional growth and development plays a pivotal role in the growth of an organization as a whole. Hope Adkins, special projects coordinator of the Division of Student Life, shares her insight on how the professional conferences she attended over the summer have impacted how she views her work and her impact on the division. https://bit.ly/4hlldPY

We may be back to business as usual, but we're still reminiscing about the fun times and great connections we made at the NASPA Annual Conference last week! Thank you to all our colleagues who shared their talents and time. We can't wait to see you next year!

The Jones Center for Leadership & Service provides students with opportunities to make an impact in communities throughout the country through the VOLbreaks program. During spring break, a group of students traveled to Washington, DC to focus on public health service projects in the nation’s capital. Since 1993, VOLbreaks has provided a way for students to put Vol is a Verb into practice.

About a week ago, I completed a six-week, cohort-based leadership program—the Rocky Top Presidents Institute. This transformative experience provided an environment for growth and leadership development. Throughout the program, we explored leadership through the lens of emotional intelligence, deepening our understanding of our leadership styles and learning how to leverage our strengths to better serve our organizations. In the final phase, we each presented our leadership journeys and outlined our goals for our respective organizations, reflecting on the lessons learned and how we plan to apply them for lasting impact. Thank you Nneka Walson, M.A. Ed. and Amy Clevenger for guiding us during this journey and everyone else from the cohort for helping me be better. #striveforGREATNESS

Last week, at the NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education Annual Conference, Frank Cuevas was honored as a 2025 Pillar of the Profession. As the vice chancellor for Student Life at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Cuevas leads the way in creating transformative experiences for every Volunteer to be able to learn, lead, and serve. Frank, we are deeply grateful for your leadership, your courage, and your kindness. Congratulations on receiving this recognition of your career and accomplishments in student affairs!

The very nature of being a student means you're in a position of learning. And that goes for life skills, decision-making, and managing conduct as well. At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Student Conduct and Community Standards takes an educational approach to conduct violations, resulting in nearly all cases resolving without a formal hearing. Learn more about this approach and how it has revolutionized how this work happens at UT. https://bit.ly/4gcL1ge