UT Alumni Respond to Request About Their Own Quests for Discovery:
How do you see UT’s quest for discoveries or the quest for discoveries by UT alumni impacting the state of the world?
Students will have more opportunities to get a college education than ever before. The cost of a college education for many students in the area is now more affordable than ever before, and they can live at home while getting an education.
Lena Prince
Southern ’65
I am confident in the education I paid for. The decision to graduate from UTM has impacted my life in a very positive way and will impact my great-grandchildren and how they will live. I am confident that any student who graduated from UTM received the same challenges followed by the same opportunities.
Mark Joyner
Martin ’97
We are unique in the sense that our UT System reaches across our entire state. This places us in every community, most corporations and always in the public eye. Our alumni have risen to levels of excellence and are proud to share that their path began on a campus at the University of Tennessee. Our strength lies in how many times our alumni give back in their time, talent and resources.
Emily Capadalis Love
Knoxville ’77
When I see a space shuttle, I see Astronaut Hank Hartsfield from UT, the wind tunnel testing that proved the shuttle design and the new classes of astronauts here in Houston preparing to do experiments from UT on the International Space Station.
Richard Goins
Chattanooga ’97
Knoxville ’97
As a faculty member, I see my students discover who they are during their time at UTM. They not only impact children in their classrooms, but some move to positions outside of the classroom where they find positions of leadership. Both of these pathways are amazing ways that UT graduates are changing the state and the world.
Tammie Patterson
Martin ’98
How did the University of Tennessee help you navigate your personal quest for educational, career or self-discovery?
UT Martin provided the comprehensive, broad-based business education essentials I needed to prepare for a general business career, even when I did not have a full understanding of my needs. The classes were small, allowing full access to professors.
Tom Pulliam
Martin ’68
The University of Tennessee Martin awarded me an alumni scholarship and welcomed me into the wise world of education as a freshman. After succeeding in my pre-pharmacy major, I graduated from the UT College of Pharmacy with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and became a first-generation college graduate and one of the few practicing female pharmacists. My science-based education afforded me the opportunity to serve primarily the elderly nursing-home population throughout my 51-year career. Thank you, UT, for believing in me and encouraging me to succeed.
Dianne Vest Duncan
Martin ’62
Health Science Center ’65
Knoxville ’76
The University of Tennessee at Martin campus provided the opportunity for me to mature in both my work ethic and my academic progress. I credit the small-town atmosphere at UTM with my degree along with the opportunities I had to work into important roles in the athletic department, without which I would most certainly not have accomplished the goal of college graduation.
Victor Andrews
Martin ’86
I am forever grateful for the time Dr. Grady Bogue was my mentor during my doctoral education and beyond. When I was the UT National Alumni Association (now UT Alumni Association) president, I invited Bogue to the Board of Governors meeting and publicly thanked him. I asked alumni to reach out to the teachers who made a difference in their lives. I encouraged all of us to thank the teachers who are making a difference every time they enter the classroom.
Debbie Ingram
Chattanooga ’84
Knoxville ’94
UT has always said, “Yes, you can!” I have always had amazing mentors and advisors at the University of Tennessee. My teaching mentors showed me how to connect with people and understand how to communicate with them in different ways. My pharmacy school advisors took the time outside of classes to discuss career paths and how to truly take care of patients. Now, my current job involves educating pharmacy students, working closely with my team members to ensure they have what they need to be successful and facilitating patient care.
Cindy Brasher
Martin ’02
Health Science Center ’10
My experience at the University of Tennessee enabled my growth by enhancing my skills in research, communication and strategizing. I learned an investigative approach and an understanding of how important managing relationships is to success.
Stephen Carter
Knoxville ’77
When I decided to become a physician, UT Martin and Dr. Jimmy Trentham were very helpful by providing me an opportunity to be a part-time lab instructor and a part-time student for a year. Later, UT Memphis was kind enough to take a big chance and admit me to medical school starting in August 1974. To these two institutions, I owe more than I can ever repay.
Ron Kirkland
Martin ’70
Health Science Center ’77
I always wanted to go to college. Although my parents supported my dreams, only the scholarship from University of Chattanooga allowed me to fulfill the otherwise unattainable dream in the field of medical technology. And, how I grew and matured with my time there. I was blessed by the generosity of others.
Betty Whaley
Chattanooga ’54