Written By Vivian DiSalvo (’27)
On a crisp fall morning, George Ewart (’88) stood among six students in the Tyson Alumni Center, conversing with the next generation of architects, managers, and c-suite executives. Ewart shared his wisdom as part of the Alumni Board of Directors’ lecture series at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He serves as a board member at-large, among other involvement at UT and in the greater Knoxville area.
“I spoke to these students about growing connections in college, hopefully making challenges that I faced easier for them,” Ewart says. “Any time that you can share wisdom with somebody, it gives them a new perspective they can grow with.”
Ewart’s expansive experience in the professional world allowed him to give instructive guidance to the students. This is just one of many initiatives that Ewart and the Alumni Board of Directors host to enrich the lives of students.
“When you give back, you’re helping students get a job more easily, receive promotions more easily, connect with people better, and so much more.”
George Ewart (’88)
The board is committed to paying it forward to students and creating an unparalleled student experience. Along with their lecture series, the board runs several other initiatives on campus, including close collaboration with the Division of Student Success to help student scholars maximize their experience.
“If you’re not paying it forward, you’re hurting future generations,” Ewart says. “When you give back, you’re helping students get a job more easily, receive promotions more easily, connect with people better, and so much more.”
Since it was established in 2009, the board has raised more than $94 million for the university through its members’ generosity. It even set a record for board support to UT last year. Its dedication to cultivating an information-rich and supportive community for past, present, and future Vols is streamlining students from college to careers.
Ewart, with a rich background in architecture and running his own business, played a role in this firsthand when he spoke to UT students. Ewart has run his own architecture firm, George Armour Ewart Architect, for nearly 30 years, and has worked on over 4,000 different projects, spanning buildings in retail, health care, hospitality, office spaces, and more. He also co-owns Dead End BBQ, a local restaurant.
“I started barbecuing with my dad when I was 14,” Ewart says. “Once I grew up, UT gave me the opportunity to be a professional.”
He and his dad started participating in barbecue competitions. In their first competition in 2002, they placed first in three out of six categories. In 2007, they were barbecue state champions, and they were selected to represent Tennessee in the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Barbeque Invitational in 2008. They opened Dead End BBQ a year after competing in the world championship.
Students from the College of Architecture and Design have also had the chance to work for Ewart. That experience gave Ewart a sense of what students might need to hear in his lecture before they embark on their careers. He spoke with students on building your network in college and shared practical ways to create lasting professional and personal connections during your college years. The lecture showcased not only how students can set themselves up for success as they enter the professional world, but also how important it is to stay involved as alumni.
“We’ve created this web, connecting current and future students with alumni of all ages,” Ewart says. “No matter where you are, there’s someone in the Big Orange to help you out.”
The Alumni Board of Directors is now accepting nominations for the next year! If you or someone you know would like to be part of their programming, like the lecture series, you can nominate someone here. Nominations are due January 16, 2026.
