Attendees to the national meeting introduced to the Volunteer spirit
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – For the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, hosting the National Agricultural Alumni and Development Association (NAADA) Conference in June was about much more than welcoming attendees from across the nation. It was an opportunity to showcase the Volunteer spirit, highlight the university’s impact and give agricultural advancement professionals a firsthand look at what makes the Herbert College of Agriculture feel like home to students, faculty and staff.
Throughout the week, attendees experienced professional development sessions and networking opportunities as well as the traditions and culture that make University of Tennessee, Knoxville, unique.
Cassie Johnson, director of enrollment services for the UT Herbert College of Agriculture and co-chair of the conference, was excited to show off Rocky Top. “There is truly something special about Knoxville and the University of Tennessee that words just don’t quite do justice. Bringing professionals together from agricultural institutions that work in advancement, alumni, career, communications, and student services from across the country was truly a privilege; I hope they left feeling professionally filled and personally moved by their experience, united by the work we do and the sense of community that encompasses this place.”
Kyle Hensley also served as a conference co-chair. He is the former director of corporate and foundation relations for UTIA. For him, helping make Knoxville the host city for the conference was a memorable opportunity. “I was so proud to help bring NAADA to UT,” Hensley said. “It was a great opportunity to host colleagues from across the nation in Big Orange Country.” Hensley has recently been appointed as vice chancellor for advancement at the University of Tennessee Southern.
Hensley said hosting the conference gave the university a chance to tell its story in a way that visitors could experience for themselves. “It gave us the opportunity to brag about our incredible programs and the work our faculty do to make a difference in our state and around the world,” Hensley said. “I hope attendees enjoyed the culture and people of East Tennessee while also gaining a better understanding of the UT System and how our structure delivers real life solutions for Tennesseans.”
Holding the conference in Knoxville added something that couldn’t be replicated anywhere else. Beyond the meeting rooms, attendees experienced the traditions, hospitality and sense of community that define the Volunteer experience.
For first-time attendee Lydia Smith, assistant director of alumni relations for UT Southern, the conference offered more than professional development. It was an opportunity to build relationships with colleagues from across the state and country. Also, the welcoming atmosphere stood out from the moment she arrived. Smith said. “I’m really trying to absorb everything because I am learning so much and making connections all over the world.” Smith said the location played a major role in shaping her experience. “Everyone was very welcoming and just immersed us all into the UT culture.”
“I think events like this are always really good for my professional development,” Smith added. “I would definitely love to attend this conference again.”
By the end of the week, it was clear the conference had become more than a gathering of agricultural advancement professionals. It was an opportunity for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, to welcome colleagues from across the country, share its story and leave visitors with a lasting impression of the people and culture that define the UT Herbert College of Agriculture.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach, the Institute touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond. utia.tennessee.edu.