Student Government Association and campus community members, January 2020
The Black Alumni Council and the Student Government Association (SGA) of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, have teamed up to support students through a new mentorship program. The program pairs Black alumni and students together to help them grow through shared knowledge and experience.
Matthew Seward (’21), a business analytics major and alumni coordinator with the SGA, said an idea for the program has been in the works for some time. Now, it is becoming a reality.
“It has definitely been a labor of love,” Seward said. “We wanted to make sure our Black students know alumni are there for them, and we’re really excited about it. We hope we’re laying the groundwork to set up a program the SGA expands to other [alumni] affinity groups.”
The program will initially take place online, with mentors and students meeting regularly to get to know one another. They will discuss academic success, professional development, and personal wellness. The meetings will last about 30 minutes each and aim to foster meaningful relationships.
Deanna Riley (’22), a neuroscience major and multicultural alumni coordinator for the SGA, worked with Seward to create the structure of the program. Leveraging her role as a resident assistant in university housing, Riley also spread word of the program with posters, social media, and a promotional video.
“It definitely has been a learning experience, especially in this first semester,” Riley said. “I’m looking forward to the feedback and finding ways to improve and grow the program.”
“ We wanted to make sure our Black students know alumni are there for them, and we’re really excited about it. – Matthew Seward (’21)
Seward and Riley worked closely with Phyllis Moore (’93) in the Office of Alumni Affairs to connect with alumni and launch the program. They also received significant support from the SGA communications team.
For Orlando Walls (’99), signing up to be a mentor is an opportunity to give back but also stay in touch with younger generations. He works for a Black-owned construction company in Nashville and wants to share his experience of finding his path in life after graduating from UT.
Walls said he wants students to know that “Time is the biggest thing. Your time at UT is precious, so enjoy the moment because the college experience is unlike any other. Balance your studies and life on campus and remember it’s important to take advantage of all the experiences UT has to offer.”
Walls is excited for the future of the mentorship program and sees opportunities for it to grow. He wants to help guide students and point them in the right direction.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate and can’t wait to get involved and help guide young people,” he said. “It’s going to be a win-win for everybody.”
