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Anne Skutnik is the Director of Student Success for TCE. Her role encompasses outreach, recruitment, and retention initiatives within the college. This includes planning outreach events and opportunities for K-12 students, coordinating teacher professional development opportunities, collaborating with community organizations like 4-H, and recruiting students to the college. She served as the education and outreach coordinator at CURENT since 2017, helping plan its K-12 and university programs programs. Skutnik has a PhD in Learning Environments and Educational Studies from UT. In a previous life, she was a middle grades social studies teacher.

Maggie Keene is the Student Success Recruiter for the Office of Student Success at the Tickle College of Engineering. She serves as the primary liaison between TCE and prospective first-year and transfer students, working closely with high school counselors, college and career advisors, and youth development organizations. Maggie is an alumna of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and recently completed her Master’s of Science in Communication Studies where she analyzed messages that influence higher education choice for rural and first generation college students in Tennessee. Prior to joining TCE, Maggie served as the Assistant Director of Campus Visits where she managed large-scale recruitment efforts for the broader campus community. When she’s not recruiting future Engineering Vols, Maggie spends her time enjoying live music, perfecting her dumpling recipe, and traveling with her partner, Hunter.

Keely Algya is the Student Success Coordinator in the Academic and Student Affairs Office. She manages outreach and retention efforts within the Tickle College of Engineering by supporting initiatives such as first year programs and Women in Engineering. Keely is an alum of the University of Nebraska-Omaha and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Communication and Information at UT. Prior to joining TCE, she worked in the Division of Diversity and Engagement and has broad experience working with diverse communities on campus and in the community. In her spare time, Keely can be found either making a delicious mess in her kitchen or trying not to fall down a beautiful hiking trail with her collie, Ebenezer.

Picture of Chulin Chen

Chulin officially joined the ASA team as Graduate Research Assistant in August 2021. His responsibilities include conducting research related to improving students’ capabilities and analyzing data collected in program activities to increase student success at the Tickle College of Engineering. He has been involved with outreach activities since 2019 and has participated in Knox County STEM District-Learning Days hosted by ISE dept., TCE College Days, and the Engineering Ambassadors Network Workshop.

Chulin earned his B.S. and M.S. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Tennessee, where he continues towards his Ph.D. and is dedicated to giving his all for Tennessee.

Picture of Ian MacDougall

Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Collierville, Tennessee
Graduation Year: 2023
E-mail: [email protected]

Hi, future Vols!

My name is Ian MacDougall. I’m originally from Washington state, but I moved a few years ago to Collierville, TN, which is right outside of Memphis, TN. I am a junior double majoring in computer science and mathematics, with a minor in business administration!

As an engineering student, my biggest fear was that my coursework would completely take up all my time. That can’t be farther from the truth though! While every engineering major is different, every engineering student I know has a great balance between work and life. Personally, I am involved with numerous organizations on campus! I am Head of TEDxUTK’s Speaker Committee, Vice President and co-founder of UTK’s Unifi Finance Program, member of UTK’s Machine Learning Club, and member of UTK’s Water Polo Club.

Off-campus, I work part-time as a private tutor! If you ever need help with mathematics or computer programming coursework, feel free to reach out! If somebody asked me what my favorite activity is, I would probably say learning! Tutoring is one of the ways I get to help share that passion for education and help others feel confident in their own ability to learn.

A fun fact about me is that I decided to attend UTK without touring campus (although I still wish I had the chance to tour our beautiful campus beforehand)! My decision was motivated by several other reasons, including financial aid and opportunity. The second reason is vague because engineering students have countless opportunities on campus. Whether it be cutting-edge research, our excellent professional development offices, workshops, and events, or the ability to pursue several academic interests at once, there is always something to get involved with on campus.

Rocky Top will always be home sweet home to me, and I hope to see you here!

Major: Civil Engineering
Hometown: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Graduation Year: 2025
E-mail: [email protected]

Hey Future Vols!

My name is Carson Bock.  I’m a civil engineering major from Chattanooga, TN.  I’m a sophomore and I also have a double major in Civil Engineering and a double minor in Spanish and Education Leadership/Policy Studies.

I’ve always loved being involved within my academic community and UTK has helped me thrive in that regard.  This coming year, I will be serving as the Vice President of the United Residence Hall Council.  I’m also involved on campus as a member of the Society of Women Engineers, the Student Basic Needs Coalition, and the Organization Resource Group.

Off-campus, I work for the Tennessee Technology Student Association, which is a STEM based competitive event organization, to help plan for our conferences and events throughout the year.  I also work with an education advocacy organization to raise awareness for issues within K-12 education policy. I’ve had a vested interest in education.

A fun fact about me is that I have two spoiled dogs who were probably a lot more of my reasoning to choose to go to UTK to stay closer to home than I’d like to admit.  I considered several schools when I was in High School and now I’m grateful everyday for choosing UTK as I’ve found a great community here and some amazing opportunities across campus.

I hope to see you on Rocky Top soon!

Outreach Subcommittee of the Student Success Advisory Board

Laura Knight, Chair – Industrial and Systems Engineering

Betsy Chesnutt – Engineering Fundamentals

John Hoffschneider – Engineering Diversity Programs

Jessica Jeffers – Cook Grand Challenge Honors Program

Anne Skutnik – Office of Student Success

Bobbie Williams – Electrical Engineering and Computer Science