Recognizing Excellence: Tennessee Technological University Student Achievement Awards

Tennessee Technological University (TTU) is committed to fostering academic success and recognizing the achievements of its students. Through a variety of awards, scholarships, and initiatives, TTU supports students in their educational journeys and celebrates their accomplishments. This article explores the diverse range of student achievement awards available at TTU, highlighting the donors, the criteria, and the impact these awards have on students' lives.

A Foundation of Generosity: Endowed Scholarships

A significant portion of student achievement awards at TTU comes from endowed scholarships, which are established through the generosity of alumni, faculty, and friends of the university. These endowments provide a lasting legacy of support for students, ensuring that future generations have access to the resources they need to succeed.

The A.W. and Hilda Singer Scholarship Endowment

Created in 1995 by A.W. and Hilda Singer, this scholarship endowment reflects their deep commitment to education. Mr. Singer, who served as an associate professor of chemistry at TTU from 1960 to 1978, and Mrs. Singer, both believed in the transformative power of education. Although they passed away in 1998 and 1999, respectively, their scholarship endowment continues to assist students in obtaining a college education. Thank you letters from scholarship recipients are shared with their son, Dr. A.C.

The A.C. and Katherine Clark Scholarship

A.C. and Katherine Clark, both graduates of Tennessee Technological University in 1948, have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to education and service. A.C. Clark, who received his bachelor's degree in animal science and master's degree in agriculture business management, served as Tennessee's commissioner of agriculture from 1987 to 1989 and worked for 35 years in the University of Tennessee's Agricultural Extension Service. Katherine Clark, who received her degree in mathematics, taught in the vocation improvement program at Upperman High School for 15 years. Because they credit much of their success to the education they received at Tennessee Tech, the Clarks have endowed a scholarship in the School of Agriculture, which is matched by the Agriculture Foundation.

The Erin Pitts Kimberlin and Josh Kimberlin Scholarship

This scholarship honors the memories of Erin Pitts Kimberlin and Josh Kimberlin, both TTU graduates who exemplified dedication, love, and faith. Erin, a 2013 graduate with a multidisciplinary studies-elementary education degree, was a caring teacher, loving wife, and wonderful mother. Josh, a 2012 graduate with a mechanical engineering degree, was a talented engineer, loving husband, and wonderful father. Their love for the Lord and their commitment to their family and careers serve as an inspiration to future TTU students.

The Adedeji and Iswat Badiru Scholarship Honoring Dr. Carroll Viera

Adedeji (Deji) and Iswat Badiru established this scholarship to honor Dr. Carroll Viera of the Department of English at the University. Dr. Viera was a crucial early mentor to Deji when he started at the University in January 1976. She recognized Deji’s potential and helped him to excel in his studies. Dr. Viera also helped them tremendously through the International Host Family program, initiating a family relationship that has lasted for more than thirty years and continues to grow stronger. Throughout their studies at the University, she played a direct role in their academic and personal progress, and in their children’s welfare.

The Dr. Sid Gilbreath Scholarship

Dr. Sid Gilbreath was a teacher, academic mentor and professional role model in the Department of Industrial Engineering (IE). Adedeji (Deji) Badiru’s first encounter with Sid was in 1977 when Deji declared IE as his major after his freshman year in Basic Engineering. As head of the IE department, Sid was a tough yet nurturing administrator. In his administrative role, he had access to Deji’s academic records, which he determined to be impressive and worthy of commendation. He met with Deji and told him that he had the potential to become a first-rate industrial engineer and made sure the department provided a supportive environment to support his academic goals.

The W. Doyle and Melford Stone Smith Scholarship

Established by W. Doyle and Melford Stone Smith, this scholarship endowment supports incoming TTU freshmen from Dekalb County. Mr. Smith, a 1950 agriculture graduate, dedicated his career to the agrichemical business. Their support of Tennessee Tech and its agriculture and education programs reflects their commitment to fostering educational opportunities for students in their community.

The Robert F. Bode Memorial Scholarship in English

The Robert F. Bode Memorial Scholarship in English was created in 2003 to honor his memory by supporting the academic career of a promising student who would add to the diversity of the university community. The scholarship was endowed by Alan Slotkin, his partner and colleague for 35 years, and supported by his friends and colleagues. Robert F. Bode’s support of the university, its faculty, and its students was long reflected in his service as a classroom instructor, as Director of the University Self-Study, as Director of Planning, and as Chair of the Department of English prior to his retirement in 2002.

The Albert T. (Tom) and Linda Hamilton Scholarship

In honor of their daughters, Kerry Hamilton Smith and Andrea Hamilton Petera, Albert T. (Tom) and Linda Hamilton established this endowment to recognize the Hamilton family's interest in and support of the health professions.

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The Alice L. Albert (“Al”) Cannella Scholarship

Alice L. Albert (“Al”) Cannella, P.E. was an engineering professor at Tennessee Technological University from 1962 until his retirement in 1987. Teaching and training young men and women to become engineers and to be prepared to contribute to the engineering needs of our country was Al's passion. This scholarship was established by Al's family, including his daughter, Alice '78 Civil Engineering.

The Allen A. McCampbell Scholarship

Allen A. McCampbell, Jr., a 1965 business graduate, is the retired Senior Vice President of American General Life and Accident Insurance in Nashville, and is a past president of the College's Board of Trustees. Allen and his late wife Suzanne established the Allen A. McCampbell Scholarship in honor of Allen’s father, Allen A. McCampbell, Sr. Allen A. McCampbell, Sr. was a retired manager for Bell South. He was also a very strong believer in supporting the education of our youth to prepare them for the future.

The Jess Mallory Scholarship

Allen and his late wife Suzanne established the Jess Mallory Scholarship in memory of Suzanne’s father.

The Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Hix Scholarship

This scholarship was established with a check from the settlement of the estate of Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Hix (spouse - Ethel), January 1976. The clerk was presented by Mrs. Marjorie Meadows (Mrs. John L.), Ethel’s sister and executrix of her estate. Dr. J. B. Hix and Mrs. Ethel Johnson Hix were Jackson County natives. Dr. Hix was a dermatologist in Altus, Oklahoma.

The Amber Flynn-Jared Scholarship

Amber Flynn-Jared graduated from Tennessee Tech University in 2013, with her bachelor of science from the College of Interdisciplinary Studies. Amber came to Tech as a non-traditional student in hopes of finishing her degree so she could make a successful life for her children and herself. She found a warm and welcoming place in the College of Interdisciplinary Studies and was a scholarship recipient.

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Supporting Agriculture Students: The Agricultural Foundation

The Agricultural Foundation for Tennessee Tech plays a vital role in supporting students enrolled in the School of Agriculture. Founded in 1972, the Foundation brings together alumni, business leaders, and government officials to contribute and raise financial resources for students. The Foundation awards almost $25,000 each year in scholarships and awards.

The Agriculture Foundation Clyde Hyder Scholarship

Named for W. Clyde Hyder, a distinguished alumnus, teacher, and administrator at TTU, this scholarship recognizes students who exemplify excellence in education and citizenship. Mr. Hyder's dedication to Tennessee Tech spanned his years as a student, a teacher for 34 years, chairman of the animal science department, emeriti faculty member, and treasurer of the Agricultural Foundation.

The Tommy Burks Agriculture Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship honors the memory of Senator Tommy Burks, a TTU alumnus and a champion of education, farming, and public service. Senator Burks, who graduated from TTU in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Science, served in the Tennessee legislature for 28 years. He was instrumental in obtaining funding for the Joe L. Evins Appalachian Center for Crafts and was a key player in the construction of the Hyder-Burks Agricultural Pavilion.

The Dr. Ahmed H. ElSawy Scholarship

As department chair for the Manufacturing and Engineering Technology Department at Tech, Dr. ElSawy has promoted leadership, creativity, innovation and initiative to his students.

College of Engineering Advisory Council for Engineering

The mission of the Tennessee Tech University College of Engineering [College] Advisory Council for Engineering [ACE] is to provide leadership promoting the continued development and improvement of the College in its vision of providing academic leadership on a regional and national level in support of its mission of teaching, research and service. The goals of this group are promoting beneficial industry/government relations, increasing alumni relations and improving resource development.

Initiatives to Enhance Student Success

Tennessee Tech has implemented several initiatives aimed at enhancing student success, including programs focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

R.A.C.E. and R.A.C.E. Plus Programs

The R.A.C.E. (Retain, Achieve, Connect, Engage) program and its successor, R.A.C.E. Plus, are designed to support underrepresented students in succeeding through graduation. These programs provide students with academic support, mentorship, and opportunities to connect with the campus community. Since their inception, a total of 558 students have participated in R.A.C.E. and R.A.C.E. Plus programs.

Diversity Scholarships

TTU is committed to increasing the diversity of its student population and has established diversity scholarships through fundraising.

Measuring and Improving Student Achievement

Tennessee Tech utilizes a variety of metrics to measure student achievement and identify areas for improvement. These metrics include graduation rates, licensure exam pass rates, and performance on standardized tests.

Graduation Rates

Student graduation rates are common student success indicators. TTU has set a goal at 60% for six-year graduation rate and a goal at 50% for four-year graduation rates.

Licensure Exam Pass Rates

TTU monitors licensure exam pass rates for programs that require licensure by the State of Tennessee. The university strives to maintain pass rates above the threshold of acceptability.

Senior Exit Exam

TTU uses a senior exit exam to assess student learning outcomes.

Flat Rate Tuition

TTU employs a flat rate tuition structure, where students taking 12 credit hours or more per semester pay the same rate. This structure gives students an incentive to meet the minimum requirements and graduate on time.

UT System Invests in Student Success

The University of Tennessee (UT) System is committed to supporting student health and academic success. More than 80 proposals were submitted this year by UT faculty and staff, showing a growing commitment to creative, practical ways to support student health and academic success. The UT System Chief Wellness Officer, Dr. Jessi Gold, emphasized that these grants put well-being at the heart of the mission to Be One UT and remind everyone that wellness is much more than free food or a yoga class. Bernie Savarese, vice president for academic affairs, student success and research at the UT System, stated that supporting these projects is an investment in the students’ success and in the people who serve them every day.

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