UT Martin Alumni & Friends

Have you ever thought about turning a passion, hobby, or business idea into something more?

The UTAA Center for Career Advancement invites alumni and friends to join a FREE two-part webinar series focused on entrepreneurship and side-hustle success: https://alumni.tennessee.edu/events/

📌 Thursday, July 23 | 12 PM E.T.
From Passion to Plan—Finding the Right Idea & Funding It
Learn how to evaluate your idea, validate market demand, and explore funding options.

📌 Thursday, July 30 | 1 PM E.T.
Building Your Brand—Marketing Your Side Hustle for Growth
Discover branding and marketing strategies that help businesses stand out and grow.

You may register for one session or both.

Unable to attend live? Registrants will receive access to the session recordings.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders. Register today!

Success is rarely built overnight—it grows from opportunities embraced, relationships formed, and lessons learned along the way.

For nearly three decades, Michael Graves ('95) has built an impressive career in the banking industry while carrying forward the values and experiences he gained as a student at UT Martin.

In our latest Alumni Spotlight, Michael reflects on his journey from campus to corporate leadership, the impact of getting involved as a student, and the advice he would give the next generation of Skyhawks.

Read his story: alumni.utm.edu/alumni-spotlight-michael-graves-95/

What is one lesson you learned at UT Martin that has stayed with you throughout your career? Share your answer in the comments.

Three years. Five years. Ten years. Every year matters.

As we celebrate 125 years of UT Martin, we're recognizing the loyal alumni and friends whose consistent support helps shape the future of our university. Distinguished Donors are those who have made a gift for three or more consecutive years, creating a lasting impact on generations of Skyhawks.

As the fiscal year comes to a close on June 30, now is the perfect time to continue your giving streak and ensure your support remains uninterrupted.

💙 Thank you for investing in students, programs, and opportunities that make UT Martin special.

Make your gift today at giving.utm.edu/fye2026.

📣 Skyhawk Notes: Career Achievement

Congratulations to Terry Bingham ('22) on his role as Assistant Director for Programming with the Center for Inclusion and Cross Cultural Engagement at the University of Mississippi.

A graduate of UT Martin's College of Education, Health, and Behavioral Sciences, Terry is making an impact by fostering meaningful connections and creating opportunities for student engagement.

Join us in celebrating this exciting professional milestone and wishing Terry continued success in his career journey!

https://alumni.utm.edu/skyhawk-notes/

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The future is taking shape at UT Martin!

The Tennessee Entrepreneurial Science and Technology (TEST) Hub represents a transformational investment in education, innovation and workforce development for Northwest Tennessee.

When completed, the $19 million facility will unite educational programs, entrepreneurial resources and manufacturing workshops around a shared industrial makerspace. Developed in partnership with TCAT and Dyersburg State Community College, the TEST Hub will create new opportunities for students while supporting the industries and innovators driving our region forward.

Construction is currently underway, with completion expected in early 2027.

What opportunities do you think the TEST Hub will create for future Skyhawks and our communities? We'd love to hear your thoughts.

For Melissa Reeves ('08), helping others has always been more than a career goal—it's a calling.

A graduate of UT Martin's nursing program, Melissa built a strong foundation through hands-on learning, clinical experiences and meaningful campus involvement. Today, the Certified Family Nurse Practitioner serves her community as founder of Renew Medical Spa in Union City, TN, where she combines healthcare expertise with a passion for helping others feel confident and healthy.

"I wouldn't be where I am today without my education from UT Martin."

We're proud to celebrate Melissa's journey and the impact she continues to make across West Tennessee.

Read her full story: https://alumni.utm.edu/alumni-spotlight-melissa-reeves-08/

💙 What passion has stayed with you since your time at UT Martin? Share in the comments below.

Join us in wishing a Happy Birthday to Kelley Trevathan! We are so thankful to have her on our team and hope she has the best day!

Your support helps UT Martin students see the world—and themselves—in new ways.

The Stan Sieber Student Travel Award Endowment provides financial assistance to students pursuing study abroad and travel-study experiences, opening doors to personal growth, cultural understanding, and life-changing opportunities.

During his 46-year career at UT Martin, Professor Stan Sieber helped thousands of students broaden their perspectives through international travel. Today, his legacy continues through this endowment, helping future generations gain experiences that extend far beyond the classroom.

Did you participate in a travel-study or study abroad program while at UT Martin? Share your favorite memory in the comments below. ✈️🌍

A Fourth-Generation UT Martin Alumnus 💙🧡

Skyhawk spirit runs deep for Austin Dunagan. This fourth-generation UT Martin graduate received his business administration degree on May 2, and this fall he is headed to the UT Health Science Center to pursue his doctor of dentistry degree.

Read more about Austin's UT Martin experience at http://bit.ly/3RYLyMi.