Alumni Board of Directors Networking Event Puts Students at the Forefront

By Vivian DiSalvo (Class of 2026) 

For Alumni Board of Directors President Clay Hart (’00), students are at the center of it all. The college experience can fly by, but alumni, and more specifically, the Alumni Board of Directors are dedicated to enhancing the student experience at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

“Our alumni really enjoy meeting with students, learning about the students and what’s important to them, and giving back. We’re all Vols, right?” says Hart. “With students at the center of our goals, we’ve created a mutually beneficial relationship for our students and alumni.”

That’s why one of the Alumni Board of Directors’ goals is to champion student success through increased alumni engagement. A recent networking event is one example of the board putting that commitment into action.

Students gathered in the Pilot Flying J Student Union Ballroom on February 26 for the event, which started with words from Senior Vice Provost for Student Success Amber Williams. Each of the 10 board members in attendance, along with other alumni who attended, were set up at a table where students could stop by and chat. Every table also featured a QR code that allowed students to connect with the board members on LinkedIn.

From the importance of leadership roles to how to find opportunities and resources, alumni and board members were able to impart wisdom on a variety of topics to help students make the most of their time at UT and beyond.

Networking events like this one help bridge the gap between college and career, something the Alumni Board of Directors and the Division of Student Success have long been committed to.

“Networking is the bridge between preparation and possibility,” says Williams. “At our recent Alumni Networking Reception, we watched our students sharpen their skills and build real relationships with alumni who truly care about their journey. Through our collaboration with Advancement, we are ensuring that our scholars don’t just graduate—they step forward with a clear vision and the support of a Vol community that embodies what it means to be a VFL.”

With the help of the board and the Division of Student Success, students gain access to resources and relationships that can help them expand their career and grow professionally.

“We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with the Division of Student Success, whose collaboration makes this event possible,” says Michala Manfredo-Ullmann, assistant director of student and young alumni programs. “Their team plays a vital role in connecting engaged student leaders with alumni, helping create meaningful conversations and mentorship opportunities.”

For students like Caitlin Carroll, a fourth-year student studying supply chain management, the event helped her gain valuable advice and real-world insights into her future career.

“The networking event provided me and other students with the exciting opportunity to connect with distinguished alumni and engage in meaningful conversations with professionals across a variety of industries,” says Carroll.

Board member Greg Hagy (’93) appreciated getting to pass his knowledge on to students. With a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a major in finance, Hagy has extensive experience working in mergers, acquisitions, business development, and strategy.

“The networking event provided an excellent opportunity to impart unfiltered, real-life career knowledge and job experiences driven by questions from thoughtful students,” says Hagy. “It was great sharing the things I wish people had shared with me when I was an undergraduate student.”

By putting students at the forefront with events like these, the Alumni Board of Directors show current Vols just how expansive the Big Orange community is. With Vols in more than 140 countries and on many different career paths, it’s easy for students to find alumni on the same career path as them.

“This event represented all that the University of Tennessee stands for. It was intentional, engaging, and focused on those second-to-none Volunteer connections,” says Sophie Skinner, a fourth-year student studying finance and English. “While I’m grateful to have walked out with many more contacts than walking in, I also left with a deeper appreciation and understanding of what it means to be a Vol for life.”

A student’s time in college provides a foundation for the rest of their lives, and alumni are an important part of the foundation, helping set graduates up for success.

“This event represented all that the University of Tennessee stands for. It was intentional, engaging, and focused on those second-to-none Volunteer connections. While I’m grateful to have walked out with many more contacts than walking in, I also left with a deeper appreciation and understanding of what it means to be a Vol for life.”

Sophie Skinner (Class of 2026)

The board has three meetings a year where Hart often hears from students, and he is always impressed by the level of professionalism they exhibit. Their enthusiasm and insight continue to encourage the board to find new ways to support and guide students.

One of the hardest parts of college is figuring out what to do next and how to get there. Building those professional relationships helps bridge that gap. With the help of UT’s alumni network, students can build the connections that link college and professional life.

“It’s encouraging to know that the infrastructure this university has extends so far beyond the classroom. Events like this help me feel incredibly confident in my abilities leaving this place,” says Alexander Norwood, a fourth-year student studying supply chain management. “That’s because of the people who have left this place and continue to come back and support every area of campus.”