By Vivian DiSalvo (Class of 2026)
Wiley Stidham (’17) might have left the state of Tennessee, but he never left the Volunteer community. Almost 10 years after graduating, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is still at the forefront of his life as he remains actively involved with the Young Alumni Council and his local alumni chapter.
Growing up in Jonesborough, Tennessee, just an hour and a half northeast of Knoxville, Stidham was no stranger to the Big Orange before becoming a student. He attended his first football game in 2004 and knew from that moment that UT was where he was meant to be.
While a student, Stidham studied supply chain management and marketing and minored in international business and sustainability. He was heavily involved as a student, serving as an Ignite leader and a Haslam College of Business Ambassador and participating in organizations such as Knoxville’s Council of Supply Management Professionals.
Upon graduation, he knew he couldn’t simply leave the orange behind. His time as an undergraduate student was “incredibly impactful and transformative,” and ultimately helped him build his career—he’s currently a project manager for Designed Conveyor Systems.
“I had a lot of great experiences that molded me into who I am today,” says Stidham. “I had some amazing professors who engaged with me and poured into me, and I am still able to reach out to them today for advice.”
Though he spent several years in Nashville after graduating, he recently moved to Fort Worth, Texas, with his wife, Francie, and their dog, Ranger. To stay in touch with the community he’d built in Knoxville, Stidham joined the Young Alumni Council, which is made up of 40 young alumni who have graduated within the past 10 years and whose backgrounds span dozens of states and professions.
Getting involved with the local alumni chapter was a great way to meet people and build a community in a new city. It has been a great experience helping organize events that keep local alumni connected to Tennessee.”
Wiley Stidham (’17)
Stidham graduated from the Haslam College of Business, where he studied supply chain management and marketing.
The Young Alumni Council is a great way to transition to post-graduate life while still embracing the Volunteer spirit. With access to career resources, social and networking events, and service opportunities, Stidham has been able to cultivate personal growth while also contributing to the growth of the university.
“It’s a great opportunity if you want to stay engaged, give back, and stay connected,” says Stidham. “Getting to network and learn more about the current university initiatives with Young Alumni Council has been very beneficial.”
While on the council, Stidham has had the opportunity to visit Knoxville and hear from university leadership. He’s reconnected with friends from his time as an undergraduate student and formed new connections as well. The council has been invaluable to maintaining the Volunteer spirit, even nearly a decade down the line.
Aside from his involvement with the Young Alumni Council, Stidham also serves as president of the Dallas-Ft. Worth Alumni Chapter. After moving away from East Tennessee, he wanted to stay plugged into the university in as many ways as possible.
“Getting involved with the local alumni chapter was a great way to meet people and build a community in a new city,” says Stidham. “It has been a great experience helping organize events that keep local alumni connected to Tennessee.”
“The Young Alumni Council is a great opportunity if you want to stay engaged, give back, and stay connected. Getting to network and learn more about the current university initiatives with Young Alumni Council has been very beneficial.”
Wiley Stidham (’17)
With his alumni chapter, Stidham has participated in summer send-offs—sending off local high school seniors for their first year at UT—attended football watch parties, supported scholarship endowments, and volunteered with fellow Vols in the area.
He recently helped plan and participated in an alumni pre-game gathering for a Tennessee baseball game in Arlington, Texas, bringing a little taste of Knoxville to the Lone Star State. He also had the pleasure of attending the alumni chapter leaders conference on campus last fall, where he connected with chapter leaders from across the globe.
When he’s not rooting for UT, Stidham often travels to project sites across the country for his job. But no matter where he goes, there’s always a Vol there.
“Graduating can feel a little daunting, especially when you are moving somewhere new and starting your first full-time job,” says Stidham. “But your support system does not end when you leave campus. You still have the friendships you built at UT, professors who care about your success, and an entire alumni network behind you.”
Get Involved
Stidham’s advice for future graduates is the same advice he once heard: stay connected. Explore our Young Alumni Page for all the ways you can be involved as a Vol for Life.
