Maryville College

Our next impressive grad is Aryssa Kelsey '26!

Aryssa is a psychology major whose next stop is taking her over to Cookeville to pursue a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling at Tennessee Tech University. Her long term goal is to become a licensed therapist.

“Maryville College’s Graduate School and Continuing Education Fair really opened my eyes to all the possibilities at Tennessee Tech that I could pursue. And then all the coursework and related assignments really prepared me for what I’m going to be doing at Tech, and they also really built me up as a person.”

Congratulations, Aryssa! Wings Up!

Our current mood because SOAR is only two weeks away!

Let us know if you'll be there in the comments 💬

Our 28th KT Days is quickly coming to a close and these KT'ers have been hard at work, even in 90 degree heat. ☀

We couldn't be more grateful for these service projects and the faculty, staff, and Maryville College Alumni who have completed them.

This tradition is the gift that keeps on giving and we are already counting down the days until next year! If you are interested in getting involved with any of our KT events, hit the link: www.maryvillecollege.edu/alumni/events/kin-takahashi/kt-days-2026/

KT Days are in full swing after the official kick-off yesterday!

Day one was full of service and fellowship as these KT'ers worked hard on campus beautification projects before students return in the fall. Take a look at what they've been working on, we'll be sure to update you all throughout the week!

This annual event, now in its 28th year, brings alumni and friends of the College back to campus each summer to complete volunteer service projects resulting in valuable improvements to the surroundings and facilities of our historic campus in the spirit of Kin Takahashi.

It's already been a month since the Class of 2026 walked across the stage at Commencement and the wrap-up is here!

Head to the link to see all of the photos, videos, stories, and moments from the most special day of the year!

The Maryville College Class of 2026 Commencement Wrap-up The most important weekend of the year at Maryville College — Commencement — is complete, but the entire experience lives on via this wrap-up.

Meet Andre Darko '26, our first of many graduates from the Class of 2026 who have exciting plans that we will be featuring this summer! ☀️🎓

After majoring in political science at MC, Andre's next stop is in Germany at the University of Erfurt where he will pursue his master's in public policy with a specialization in digital politics and governance. He hopes to become a policy analyst or researcher.

“I think the two biggest things that this college provided me with are the political science courses that I’ve taken in public policy and international politics and the study abroad program. The courses helped me decide on this track. The study abroad program opened me up to different grad school opportunities outside the U.S.”

Congratulations, Andre! And good luck!

Rukhshona Isomova came to Maryville College almost four years ago from her hometown of Bukhara, Uzbekistan. Now an MC graduate, she paid us a visit to reflect on her time at the College and the journey from her first year to Commencement.

Despite her love for Uzbekistan, Bukhara felt too small for the girl so devoted to education. As she approached high school graduation, she chose to apply abroad, submitting applications to 20 colleges and universities across the United States, Maryville College being one of them.

Once she was accepted, she decided College Hill was the place for her and in July of 2022 started her first year, full of new and transformative experiences.

Throughout her four years, Rukhshona became an exemplary Maryville College student; getting involved in the Global Citizenship Organization and the Latino Student Alliance, serving as marketing manager for TEDxMaryville, later becoming a student ambassador, and finishing out her college career with the Office of Advancement, where she worked as a student donor experience officer.

“Maryville College played a huge role in shaping me into a better version of myself. Coming to the US and beginning a completely new chapter of life was both exciting and challenging, but being surrounded by such amazing professors, mentors, friends, and a supportive community made all the difference. The experiences, lessons, and relationships I gained here will always remain an important part of my identity.”

Rukhshona is now preparing to begin a full-time role as a financial counselor with 21st Mortgage Corporation in downtown Knoxville, where she will gain professional experience before pursuing an MBA in the fall of 2027.

Read her full feature here: https://www.maryvillecollege.edu/news/2026/from-bukhara-to-maryville-college-rukhshona-isomovas-journey/

There's still time to sign up for the Great Smokies Experience 2026!

This 10-day hands-on, experiential learning opportunity is for rising high school juniors, seniors and recent high school graduates. It takes place this year July 9-20, and over the course of that time, participants will do so much more than go on hikes and paddle area waterways; they'll receive a comprehensive look at our relationship with the land, specifically our role as East Tennesseans in stewarding the future, exploring the past and taking advantage of opportunities in the present when it comes to the crown jewel of our region, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

This interactive experience includes a day hike to Clingman's Dome, paddling on the Little River, an interpretive hike to Mt. LeConte and more! These are just a few of the ways our amazing staff members combine hands-on experience in nature with education...all of it counting toward college credit.

Registration has been extended through the end of June so if this experience peaks your interest or would be perfect for someone you know, share this with them!

Get all the information and apply here: www.maryvillecollege.edu/news/2026/applications-now-open-for-mcs-great-smokies-experience-2026/