The Extraordinary Campus Leadership and Service awards recognize graduating students who are extraordinary campus leaders for their significant service to others.
Anthony Tom
Anthony Tom is a nuclear engineering PhD student. He completed his undergraduate degree in honors nuclear engineering in the fall of 2022. Tom has served as president of UT’s chapter of Phi Beta Sigma, a Tickle College of Engineering Ambassador, and a member of the American Nuclear Society.
What does being a Volunteer mean to you? How has UT empowered you to make a difference in a way you might not have imagined elsewhere?
“To me, being a Volunteer means undertaking new opportunities. Throughout my time at UT, volunteering has exposed me to things I otherwise would not have done. I have been able to restore cemeteries through my fraternity, assist with the cycling road national championships through the city, and plenty more through the university. UT giving me the tools to experience all these things has been one of my favorite parts about being a Volunteer.”
Emma Nair
Emma Nair is a senior from Memphis majoring in psychology with minors in child and family Studies and English. She has spent her time on campus involved in the Center for Student Engagement, Campus Events Board, and the Department of Psychology. She will enter the music industry after graduating in the artist management sector.
What does being a Volunteer mean to you? How has UT empowered you to make a difference in a way you might not have imagined elsewhere?
“Being a Volunteer means leading intentionally, building relationships with students, faculty, and staff, and being a part of a community bigger than oneself. During my time at the University of Tennessee, I have learned that a Volunteer leads with compassion and empathy to empower the Volunteers that come after them. The faculty and staff at UT have empowered me to take on leadership roles and step out of my comfort zone, and have modeled servant leadership. The faculty and staff at UT make this university a special place by leading with vulnerability and passion. I am so grateful for my time at UT and those that have truly taught me what it means to be a Volunteer.”
Francesca Savarino
Francesca Savarino is a neuroscience major with a double minor in psychology and Italian. This past year she served as the Panhellenic president. She is also a member of Chi Omega and the Student Alumni Associates. In her spare time, she volunteers at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital and Mooreland Heights Elementary.
What does being a Volunteer mean to you? How has UT empowered you to make a difference in a way you might not have imagined elsewhere?
“Being a Volunteer, to me, means having a servant’s heart. Bearing the torch is the perfect embodiment of what it means to be a servant leader. Giving light to others without expecting anything in return. Being surrounded by people who share this truth has challenged me and pushed me to new limits as a leader. Most of all, showing me what it means to lead with passion, intention, and grace. UT gives you the space to be who you are, the investment to grow into who you can become, and the empowerment to bear the torch for others. I take pride in knowing that I am a Volunteer and that means putting service above self.”
Frank Wilk
Frank Wilk, from Nashville, is a senior majoring in business management. While at UT, he has been immersed in the Greek community, most notably as the president of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Through his leadership roles, he has found a passion for both studying and teaching leadership styles to Greek leaders and hopes to continue to impart his wisdom on Greek leaders as he pursues law school after graduation.
What does being a Volunteer mean to you? How has UT empowered you to make a difference in a way you might not have imagined elsewhere?
“Volunteers are the first to step up and act with no expectation of recognition or personal benefit. They are selfless in their actions and look to shed light on others rather than themselves. Being a Volunteer requires a servant’s heart, empathy for others, and the passion to better your surroundings in order to honor those that have come before you and make a better future for those yet to come. The University of Tennessee engrains in its graduates what it means to be servant leaders and to go out into your communities after graduation with a servant’s heart to better their environment and those that exist within it. I have been pushed to develop as an emotionally intelligent leader that looks to leave my environment better than I found it for future generations to enjoy.”
Hunter Hammock
Hunter Hammock is a PhD candidate and plant sciences researcher passionate about sustainable agriculture and improving food systems. Through his work studying LED lighting and plant metabolites at the University of Tennessee, he hopes to leave a legacy of scientific advancement and mentorship that builds upon his family’s agricultural roots.
What does being a Volunteer mean to you? How has UT empowered you to make a difference in a way you might not have imagined elsewhere?
“Being a Volunteer means putting service above self. To me, it means using the skills, knowledge, and abilities I have developed at UT to help improve the lives of others however I can. The University of Tennessee has instilled in me the Torchbearer Creed and the principles of servant leadership, empowering me to make a difference through volunteerism in a way I might not have imagined or had the opportunity to do elsewhere. Through meaningful acts of service, both small and large, I seek to embody the Volunteer spirit. Whether helping a colleague in need, mentoring students seeking guidance, or contributing to impactful community initiatives, I aim to offer my time and skills to help others. I plan to use my research and leadership skills to help sustainably feed future generations. This lifelong dedication to servant leadership above self reflects my deepest convictions and most cherished values. I will always strive to be a light for others, helping them achieve their goals and dreams, just as the university has helped me achieve mine. The opportunities, mentorship, and life lessons I have gained from my experiences at UT have prepared me to go out into the world and pass along the torch—to give back to my community through service in a way that makes the most of my talents. That is what being a Volunteer means to me.”
Jack Shelton
Jack Shelton is a senior from Memphis, graduating with a degree in finance. During his time at UT, he was a resident assistant and served in Air Force ROTC, Club Lacrosse, the Student Government Association, and numerous roles in his fraternity, Sigma Nu. After graduation, Shelton will move back home to begin his career at Enterprise.
What does being a Volunteer mean to you? How has UT empowered you to make a difference in a way you might not have imagined elsewhere?
“I believe that being a Volunteer means being a leader who puts service over themselves. Servant leadership is one of the strongest traits someone can display. Whether in the classroom, stadium, or off campus, we must value the people around us with their best interests in mind. UT does a great job at using organizations all over campus to offer diverse opportunities to help people grow into servant leaders. I owe it to this university for diverse experiences that helped empower me into a servant leader and recognize the daily impact servant leaders have on our campus.”
Jada Laws
Jada Laws is a senior from Memphis majoring in psychology and minoring in public health on the pre-medicine track. During her time at the University of Tennessee, she has been heavily involved in numerous student organizations including the Student Government Association, UT Ambassadors, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Undergraduate Research, Phi Beta Kappa honor society, Global Medical Brigades, Student Alumni Associates, and the Senior Impact Council. Upon graduating, she will continue working in the field of research until she goes to medical school.
What does being a Volunteer mean to you? How has UT empowered you to make a difference in a way you might not have imagined elsewhere?
“Being a Volunteer is a commitment to service. I believe that if you possess skills and resources that can help others, you should use those as a guiding light to better the people and environment around you. I can wholeheartedly say that UT has helped me foster my leadership skills to serve the campus and Knoxville community. Coming into college, I made it my mission to make an impactful mark on this campus to leave in good faith knowing that I left Rocky Top better than I found it. With the help of ample resources, intentional faculty, and encouraging classmates, I can go into my next steps in life not only knowing that I was able to light the way for future Volunteers but will also rest assured that I have the tools needed to make a difference no matter where I go.”
Kasey Washington
Kasey Washington has shown the characteristics needed as a student leader to make valuable contributions to this campus. Her leadership involves ME4UT, being a Diversity Scholar, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, various organizations within the Jones Center for Leadership and Service, and being an office fellow for the Dean of Students Office.
What does being a Volunteer mean to you? How has UT empowered you to make a difference in a way you might not have imagined elsewhere?
“Being a Volunteer means being willing to create change where change is needed. In my experience at UT, I was provided with resources and training that empowered me to connect with areas of campus that my major would typically not interact with. I have interacted with and led people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives to reach a collective cause and impact.”
Kennadi Hawkins
Kirby Connell
Kirby Connell cares about his family, friends, teammates, and fans while still competing at a high level in the SEC. He always tries to make sure that those around them feel loved and valued. His push for excellence never outweighs his passion for others.
What does being a Volunteer mean to you? How has UT empowered you to make a difference in a way you might not have imagined elsewhere?
“The definition of the word volunteer is a person who freely offers to take part in a task. The University of Tennessee has allowed me to take the gifts and talents that God has given me and passion for the world, and use them to change lives on the baseball field, in the classroom, in the community of Knoxville, and around the world. UT has equipped me to continue making a difference throughout the rest of my life.”
Legna Soto-Gonzalez
Legna Soto-Gonzalez empowers her campus by dedicating herself to student organizations; the National Society for Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences; the Student Basic Needs Coalition; Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority; and the Herbert College of Agriculture. With students and faculty, she works tirelessly to advance the lives of those around her. With each step, Soto-Gonzalez embodies the true meaning of leadership.
What does being a Volunteer mean to you? How has UT empowered you to make a difference in a way you might not have imagined elsewhere?
“Volunteers willingly and selflessly make efforts to support those around them. As a Volunteer, I am fulfilled by being a servant leader and will strive to advance the needs and resources of our campus community. Here at the University of Tennessee, there is always an opportunity to take and leap forward. At every turn, UT offers many opportunities for me to learn and develop my leadership capabilities. My major in agriculture leadership has provided me with the insight and skills I needed to apply what I’m learning to my community and members each and every day. Without UT and its influence, I would not be the leader I am today.”
Mary Grace Myers
Mary Grace Myers is a senior from LaFollette, Tennessee. She served UT as the 2022 Student Alumni Associates president and the 2020–2023 College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences Dean’s Undergraduate Advisory Board chair, and was a member of the Dean of Students’ Rocky Top Roundtable, Senior Impact Council, UT Alumni Board of Directors, Chancellor’s Associates, and Delta Gamma.
What does being a Volunteer mean to you? How has UT empowered you to make a difference in a way you might not have imagined elsewhere?
“When you become a UT student, you begin a lifelong journey of being a Volunteer. To me, to be a Volunteer means commitment to serve with humility, to lead where you are, and to encourage others along the way. Over the past four years, I have been inspired by the great leadership of fellow students, student organizations, campus leadership, academic professionals, and UT alumni. As Tennessee Volunteers, we put others before ourselves, we fill needs when we see them, and work to leave things better than we found them without desiring recognition. I truly believe that there is no place quite like the University of Tennessee. Whether you are on campus for a game day with thousands of Vol fans, or simply walking down ped to class, the pride and passion for our university is evident. Being surrounded daily by the Volunteer spirit has inspired me to give back to the university through leadership and service, and has encouraged me to make the most of my college experience. You get out of experiences what you put into them, and being involved has helped me grow as a leader and grow in my love for the university. There are many opportunities to serve at UT, and I am thankful for how campus leaders provide students the opportunity to discuss needs on our campus. I also have loved having the opportunity to serve alongside fellow student leaders, as there is so much that we can learn from one another. The people that I have met along my UT journey have helped shape me into the person I am today, and I will carry the lessons that I have learned here into my life as an alumni. I have loved UT, and I want all students to love UT, and hope that the generations to come will also find their place on campus to be a Volunteer.”
Noah Smith
Noah Smith graduated in the fall of 2022 from UT Knoxville. He is currently serving as an assistant to UT President Randy Boyd. Smith is an Eagle Scout and former elected school board member, and served in leadership roles in Interfraternity Council, Student Alumni Associates, the Student Government Association, the Haslam College of Business, and Beta Upsilon Chi while at UT Knoxville.
What does being a Volunteer mean to you? How has UT empowered you to make a difference in a way you might not have imagined elsewhere?
“Being a volunteer means selflessly serving people in order to change their lives for the better. Being a Volunteer means going above and beyond to make a difference and spark change in society. UT has allowed me to find my passions and empower me to change my community in rural East Tennessee. It has given me a platform, knowledge, and resources to think critically, act strategically, and promote change for a better community and world.”
Sejal Jinturkar
Sejal Jinturkar will graduate in May with a degree in mechanical engineering. At UT, she is a member of the Heath Integrated Business and Engineering Program’s 2023 cohort, is involved with the Jones Center for Leadership and Service, and interns at Technology Integration Services in the Haslam College of Business.
What does being a Volunteer mean to you? How has UT empowered you to make a difference in a way you might not have imagined elsewhere?
“Being a Volunteer means serving others and creating an inclusive environment. One of my favorite parts of my college experience has been the strong emphasis that the university places on student leadership and community engagement. Throughout the leadership and service opportunities in Knoxville, I have been able to interact with people of so many different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. I have openly represented my identity and culture in order to cultivate productive conversations about diversity. To me, even the smallest opportunities—with those outside of and within different aspects of my identity—towards helping others learn and become more open-minded embodies the Volunteer spirit. It is important to me to ensure every voice is heard and create a space where people feel safe to be themselves. UT has empowered me to grow into the leader I am today. With my experiences over the last few years, I am now able to pinpoint what I am truly passionate about and how I want to integrate my passions into my daily life.”