OUR FLAGSHIP PROGRAM

CURRENT CLASS

My vision for the Knoxville community is that in 10 years it will be viewed as the national leader in biomedical and energy innovation, education, discovery, and economic growth in partnership with the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Labs.

The best kept secret of Knoxville is its location and people. Knoxville is located in an idyllic setting, hosts the flagship and land grant University of Tennessee, is close by Dollywood, Oak Ridge National Lab, and world class waterways; is a growing industry and culinary destination and has a vibrant athletics culture.

I would hope to leverage resources, deepen collaborations between UTK, Knoxville leadership, industry partners, and health care industries for people and animals; invigorate agriculture, health care, economic prosperity, and see transformative innovations for prosperity and society. I would look to accomplish this through relationship building, learning more about the city and business community, and finding opportunities that are a good fit for Knoxville.

Although we enjoy visiting the national parks, restaurants, Gatlinburg, Dollywood etc. with our kids, it is hard to beat a UT victory in Neyland stadium with 100K+ of your friends!

Adaptive Leadership by Heifetz, Grashow, and Linsky

My graduate mentor, Guy St. Jean, always encouraged me to focus on being my best self, not to compare myself to others but instead to celebrate their success, and focus on things I could control and not stress about things over which I have no control. "Life is too short to get all dirty." Appreciate that all things are important if they are important to someone.

Take time to enjoy and reflect, put as much time and energy into your family as you do your work, and balance service and selflessness with your needs and desires. Be generous, kind, and patient. Be careful not to be so far-sighted that you overlook what is in front of you.