Maryville College

At Maryville College, we constantly encourage our students to embrace and study their interests. That is true of every major here, and especially true of the Outdoor Studies and Tourism program.

With experiential learning being at the center of this major, students examine the importance of the natural environment, how humans can respectfully enjoy and interact with nature, sustainability and the value of active, safe, outdoor experiences.

Majoring in Outdoor Studies and Tourism at Maryville College prepares students for careers in recreation, tourism, sustainability, sustainable tourism, adventure careers and more.

For more information, follow the link here!

https://www.maryvillecollege.edu/academics/programs-of-study/outdoorstudies/?fbclid=IwAR2ZqWu3UGbQF8A99xEtOGwjlM7hPnitbO-6pm_s373mcZ9Ck4e1ZGGDtZA

News: Outdoor Studies and Tourism Outdoor Studies and Tourism provides leadership skills and knowledge to create, manage and evaluate outdoor experiences and sustainable tourism programs.

Anna Kasemir ‘25 and Immigration Law.
Summer Experience: Internship at Lehach Flippa in New York City
“This summer I had an internship with and am currently working with an immigration law firm in New York City called Lehach Filippa! I have mostly been spending my time drafting letters and petitions for professionals pursuing an O-1 visa, a special type of visa for individuals of “extraordinary ability”. Essentially, my job is to help clients showcase their abilities and fulfill this requirement!”

Outcomes: “ I chose this internship because I am planning to go to law school after my time at Maryville and am deeply passionate about immigration law and helping clients advocate for themselves. I also enjoyed the opportunity to explore New York and travel by myself for the first time while living in International House, a student housing center for young adults from around the world, where I even got to make some new friends!”

First-year Move In ✅
Welcome new Scots!!

News: Renew The Rivalry This fall, the MC Fighting Scots Football team will kickoff the season at Sewanee on September 2, at 1:00 pm CT. Join with fellow alumni, families, and Scots fans to cheer on the Scots to victory by taking our fan bus to the game.

Nélida Djassi ‘24 and Empowerment!
Summer Experience: Intern at the Tupendane Africa Foundation
“During the summer, I had an internship in Tansania for 6 weeks with the Tupendane Africa Foundation. I taught classes on empowerment and completed home visits to the neighborhood. I created profiles for fundraising and also completed administrative work such as creating class plans, class schedules, social media posts and website improvement.”

Outcomes: “My internship was part of the SPE requirement for graduation. As I am interested in working with international NGO’s and my thesis paper examines femicide, it was great to learn from different cultural perceptions of women.”

Check out this TedTalk from current Maryville College student, Emily Huffstetler

The Interdependence of Bees, Flowers, and Humankind | Emily Huffstetler | TEDxMaryvilleCollege Bees are essential for our survival yet the rapid loss of our colonies is happening without much action. Learn more about why bees are so important and what ...

Kelton Bloxham ‘24 and Upward Bound!
Summer Experience: Summer Resident at the University of Tennessee in the Trio Upward Bound Program
“This summer, I worked at the University of Tennessee in the Trio Upward Bound Program with their Math Sciences Department. During this position, I assisted with day-to-day activities and programming for low income students from across the state. Also, within this role, you act not only as a point of contact and resource for the students but also as a role model, showing them the varying definitions of what a ‘successful college student’ looks like. They even took me to Washington DC, where I could share some of my own research from the past and explore different colleges with them.”

Outcomes: “This position directly aligned with my work in developmental psychology, involving the analysis of how different students’ backgrounds and home lives change their outlooks on life as a whole. I even had the opportunity to use some sign language with students who were taking ASL courses over the summer.”

International Studies students at Maryville College graduate prepared to navigate an ever-changing global world. International Studies majors spend at least a semester studying abroad and building their language skills throughout their four years at Maryville College. Each student chooses between two areas of focused study: Global Studies focused on economics and politics or Area Studies with expertise in Hispanic or Asian studies.

Recent graduates have gone on to careers in international affairs, government work, translation services and more.

To learn more about the International Studies program at Maryville College, follow this link.

News: International Studies The International Studies Major at Maryville College will learn advanced language skills, study abroad for a period of time, understand the dynamics of a rapidly changing global landscape, and complete a senior research project.

Did you see who was on the cover of The Daily Times today?

Experiential learning is at the center of the Biology program at Maryville College. From field studies in the mountains to the woods on campus to working in labs, biology students constantly put into action the concepts they learn in classes.
With a capstone senior study and a liberal arts education, biology students find themselves prepared for any career or graduate program they’re hoping to target. Many of our grads have gone on to research-orientated, medical school, teaching, and more.
To learn more about the biology program at Maryville College, follow this link.

https://www.maryvillecollege.edu/academics/programs-of-study/biology/?fbclid=IwAR3uAQKIX9hn0tmGbX-JXxQJI6vAU6OlUaXmZGjmJuBWDUYOtDxt7hoejDI

News: Biology The curriculum in biology provides sound preparation in the major areas of biological science while permitting concentration in specialized areas of particular interest.

Hallie Garber '24 and Rigging! 💡
Summer Experience: First Associate Rigger with Encore, stationed at Ga***rd Opryland
“I have had the pleasure of working as the first Associate Rigger with Encore, stationed at Ga***rd Opryland! This position allowed me to experience both the labor and office responsibilities of a rigging department. I worked alongside the other riggers by learning and performing the many tasks of ballroom rigging, with some additional experience in hanging banners and signs for various events in expo halls. Additionally, I observed the Rigging Supervisors as they calculate the mathematics of the rig plots.”

Outcomes: “Rigging uses a combination of theatrical and mathematical skills, which relates directly to my double major of technical theatre and mathematics. I plan to pursue rigging as a career post graduation, possibly returning to Encore!”

Sarah Bauknight ‘25 and the United States Attorney!
Summer Experience: Intern in the Civil Division of the Eastern District of Tennessee’s United States Attorney’s Office
“I am an undergraduate intern in the Civil Division of the Eastern District of Tennessee’s United States Attorney’s Office, located in Knoxville, TN. In that role, I created timelines, discussed law, formed arguments, attended hearings, aided with initial briefs, and sorted through discovery about civil cases ranging from slip and falls to medical malpractice to property disputes. I work with the attorneys that represent the government in these matters, the Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs). They, in turn, represent the United States, through the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee in civil cases that occur in the region. There are several law school student interns with me, as well, who assist in many of the same ways I do. I’ve learned how to cite cases, find cases, use discovery, sort records, make a written argument to appear before a judge, and many more things.”

Outcomes: “This position relates to my experience at MC because, as a Writing Communications major, my plan is to develop writing and career skills to prepare me to write full time in law. I’ll use my knowledge from MC as a foundation for my post graduate plans; This internship is an extension of that education in that it is teaching me law writing specifically. I also get to take these skills back with me in these next semesters to help me in my English and Writing courses that require lengthy explanations and well formatted arguments. Certainly, this internship helps me to feel even more confident in my career path that MC inspired me to pursue and helps me reach.”

First-year move in is a week from today! We can't wait to meet all the new Scots!!

Justice Williams ‘23 and phage-host interactions!
Summer Experience: Researching phage-host interactions at UC Berkeley

“I'm working in the Koskella lab with postdoc Katherine K. Ennis at UC Berkeley, California where we investigate bacteriophage interactions with non-host bacteria. Bacteriophage (phage) are viruses that infect bacteria; each type of phage can only attach to certain types of bacteria, and are host-specific. This project investigates the indirect effects that phage presence has across different strains of non-host bacteria; the phage we work with are capable of infecting the host pathogenic bacteria, Ps. syringae pathovar tomato. Understanding their interactions can be helpful for phage therapy (as an alternative to antibiotics), preventing food spoilage, or in decreasing methane emissions (as phages can infect the methanogenic archaea within the gut microbiome of a cow). Much of our work has been performed in-vitro so far, inside of test tubes, on culture dishes, or in 96-well plates. We found that (1) phage presence reduces bacterial growth and (2) that more phylogenetically distant bacteria from the host (Ps. syringae pv. tomato) had a greater negative effect on growth.”

Outcomes: “This internship has given me a deeper appreciation of translational research which involves combining scientific discoveries with practical applications in real world-settings to create solutions that directly benefit individuals and society as a whole. I do hope to continue being a part of research where I can witness the transformation of ideas into actionable outcomes, and I have truly enjoyed learning different lab techniques and working in R, a programming language, while here. The skills, techniques, and confidence I have gained through this experience are incredibly valuable and applicable to my professional journey as a young scientist.”

First-year Football Paddle Trip!

Connor Gahagan ‘25 and City Management!
Summer Experience: Administrative Services department of the City of Maryville Government.

“My internship is with the Administrative Services department of the City of Maryville Government. This consists of the City Manager’s Office and Human Resources. During my internship, I attended meetings with the City Manager at Blount Partnership, assisted with the City’s July 4th concert, attended public meetings such as City Council and Planning Commission and assisted the Risk Manager with workplace safety reports.”

Outcomes: “My Internship with the City of Maryville has opened a door for me into the world of city government. I will attend the annual Tennessee City Managers Association (TCMA) fall conference in October, and hope to explore this as a future career.”

When you major in psychology at Maryville College, you not only graduate with a toolset necessary for the scientific study of behavior but you’ll understand why humans act the way they do. You’ll leave prepared to not only examine others but yourself and your perspectives as well.
Service projects, study abroad opportunities, external partnerships, and senior studies prepare students for any career.

Psychology majors find jobs in counseling, social work, human services, therapy, nonprofit organizations, data analysis, public relations and other fields.

To learn more about the psychology program at MC, follow this link.

News: Psychology Psychology offers a broad foundation for the understanding of behavior and mental processes. With a focus on human behavior and cognition, students in the major gain an understanding of individual differences, group behavior, and the impact of environmental and social factors.

Well earned, Brittney!
Scots Promote Washington to Senior Associate AD
https://bit.ly/43Zh25e

Scots Science Scholar Cohort, Class of 2027, with mentors and faculty

Thank you to the Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville 在ナッシュビル日本国総領事館, the Japan Foundation, New York and DENSO for helping to bring the special exhibit, The Superlative Artistry of Japan, to Maryville College.

Maryville College shares a special connection with Japan both culturally and academically and the College is very glad to continue that relationship further through this special exhibit.

Interested in visiting Maryville College? Campus tours, led by current students, happen twice a day, Monday - Friday at 10 am and 2 pm (from September - April). We also offer visits on select Saturdays! For more information, follow this link!

News: Campus Visits Visit Maryville College and see why we're considered one of the South's best liberal arts colleges. The students, faculty, and staff welcome visitors to the campus.

On this Scots Saturday meet Lauren Myers (she/her)!
📍Maryville, TN
📘 Elementary Education
🎓2026

1.Why did you choose Maryville College?
“I chose Maryville College because it was the perfect size and fit for me. It’s small enough to where I can form personal relationships with professors and friends and big enough to where I can grow in my personal educational values. Growing up in Maryville I knew that I never wanted to leave. MC is close to home and close to where I want to continue my future career. With the help of Maryville College’s incredible Education program, I know that I can stay close to home and achieve the job I've always dreamed of!”

2.What is your favorite spot on campus?
“My favorite spot on campus is the track! As a T&F athlete watching the new track blossom into a new home for the team has been so fun! I have found a family here and I’m so grateful!”

3. What student activities and organizations are you involved with and why?
“I am currently involved in Track and Field and love it!! I throw Discus, Hammer, and Javelin. Then I also run on the 4x100 sprints team as well. I love my team and coaches because they encourage me and lift me up. They are always pushing me to be the best version of myself and seek out my potential. For next year, I’m looking forward to being an RA in Davis Hall! I am super excited about this upcoming experience because I can’t wait to welcome MC’s class of 2027 to campus.”

4. What are some of your hobbies outside of the classroom?
“Outside of the classroom, you can find me growing my photography business, hanging out with friends, working at The Abbey in Townsend and Balloons and Co., or Subbing in Blount County Schools!”

5. Who or what is your biggest source of inspiration and why?
“My biggest inspiration is for sure my family and friends. They have always been in my corner cheering me on and encouraging me! They always have my back and are always there for me when I need them.”

6. Anything else you want to share?
“If you are considering or are interested in learning more about MC for sure reach out and visit! It's the perfect opportunity to find your home away from home. Go Scots!”

Kaylee Savell ‘25 and The Criminal Justice System

“This summer, I got the incredible opportunity to intern with the Bureau of Alcohol, To***co, Fi****ms, and Explosives (ATF). During my time at the ATF, I worked directly alongside a team of 9 Federal Agents who investigate cases dealing with arson, explosives, and weapons trafficking in middle Tennessee. I got hands-on experience in the field with agents and have seen many different processes that occur throughout the course of an investigation."
Outcomes: “My dream career is to be a federal agent, and this internship has given me the unique opportunity to ask the agents tons of questions about their experiences as well as to witness firsthand what the investigative process looks like at the federal level. My time at the ATF has helped me develop a more complete perspective of how our justice system operates, and I am excited to bring some of this experience into my criminal justice classes over the next two years.”

On Wednesday, the new cohort of Scots Science Scholars moved into Copeland! For the next two weeks, the new cohort will be learning tools to survive college, discovering the area and developing their STEM skills! Welcome, S3! We're so excited that you're here!

Out of the many summer conferences that take place at MC over the summer, one has a special place in our heart. Montreat Middle School Conference has been coming to Maryville College for over ten years. 56 PC(USA) churches brought 456 middle schoolers and youth leaders for a week-long conference. Can't wait until next year, Montreat!

Annual MC Faith Community Fair and worship service set for Aug. 20 at Clayton Center for the Arts.

Set-up for the upcoming Faith Community Fair’s participating religious organizations begins at 2:30 p.m., and congregations are asked to bring one to three members and provide displays, information about their communities, treats, snacks (pre-packaged or homemade) and/or useful back-to-school items for students. Representatives may be lay leaders, clergy, program directors, current college students or members with a particular interest in ministry to college students.

Reservations for the Faith Community Fair are required by Wednesday, Aug. 16. For more information or to register, follow this link.

All faiths & congregations welcome!

News: Faith Community Fair, worship service set for Aug. 20 at MC On Aug. 20 at the Clayton Center for the Arts, the Maryville College Faith Community Fair and worship service will take place.

2023-24 Maryville College wildlife photography calendars now available for purchase!

BIO200: Wildlife Photography course, a biennial class held last spring that has resulted in “Beauty in Our Backyard,” a 17-month calendar of class works that showcases both the wonder of the Great Smoky Mountains and the budding skills of those behind the lens. It’s now available for purchase.

The 17-month calendar — August 2023 through December 2024 —includes holidays, as well as Maryville College-specific dates, such as breaks, important events, semester dates and final exams. Each month features a full-sized photo taken by a student, a small photo of the student photographer and the title and description of the photo. While it’s difficult to choose a favorite, Crain is partial to the one selected to represent July 2024: “Four Eyes,” a picture of two frogs partially submerged in a body of water.

“Natalie (Watts ’23, an Environmental Studies graduate) got right down on their level, basically doing what I had been instructing all semester: get down low, inch up, don’t disturb the wildlife and capture the perfect moment,” said Crain, who added that Watts’s classmates voted the photo as the best shot taken by participants during the course.

“It’s funny, because for every photo in every calendar, I remember exactly what was going on,” he added. “I can look at photos in past calendars from 10 or 15 years ago, and I can remember everything about it. And I’ll always remember Natalie, lying on her belly in the water, getting soaking wet and muddy to get that shot.”

Crain, who emphasizes wildlife photography in his other fall and spring biology class, has taught wildlife photography since 2007, working with students in both the classroom and the field to capture the natural beauty of the Southern Appalachian region. On sale now, the books can be purchased in person at the Maryville College Bookstore.

The cost is $10, but for $15, those interested in acquiring one can have it shipped to them for $15. Any additional proceeds will be used to purchase equipment to support future nature photography endeavors.

“The calendar features two of our greatest assets at Maryville College: Our amazing students and the Great Smoky Mountains,” Crain added.

You can purchase them by following the link or visiting the Maryville College bookstore!

News: 2023-24 MC wildlife photography calendars available for purchase "Beauty in Our Backyard," the 2023-24 Maryville College wildlife photography calendar, is now on sale to the public in the MC bookstore.

Next week, the first few MC Scots will be moving back to campus! We are so excited for everyone to be here!

What is your favorite memory from when you moved into college?

Rory Walker ‘23 and Learning Tech!

Summer experience: Research-based peer mentor position with the Scots Science Scholars

“I was offered a novel research-based peer mentor position with the Scots Science Scholars. In this position, I have been learning how to use new instruments that were recently purchased by the college, such as a DeNovix DS-11 FX+, Gelato, and CFX Opus Real-Time PCR System. I am writing easy to understand instructions for each instrument, running experiments, and at the end of this summer, I will be teaching faculty and the incoming Scots Science Scholars how to use them. I am also using the CFX Opus to conduct thermal shift assays on blood proteins like fibrinogen. “

Outcomes: “As a Scots Science Scholar myself, I can attribute much of my success to that program and especially Dr. Angelia Gibson. It feels like a full circle moment to be able to teach peers that are in the position I was when I was a freshman here at MC. Dr. Gibson has been such an amazing advisor and mentor. She has supported me academically from the first day I stepped on campus, and is always so understanding and helpful when things in my personal life are hectic. I also recently completed my thesis with Dr. Gibson, in which I aimed to characterize interactions between TLT-1, fibrinogen, and heparin via ELISA assays. The work I’ve done with Dr. Gibson, as well as what I’ve learned in S3, have set me up to be successful in this role.”

In 2023, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society International (PTK) recognized Maryville College as one of the most transfer-friendly colleges in the nation.

MC is one of 208 colleges and universities selected in 2023 based on 40 metrics related to the support and success of transfer students, including college cost and financial aid, campus life for transfer students, admission practices and bachelor’s degree completion.

News: MC named one of nation’s most transfer-friendly colleges by PTK Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society has recognized Maryville College's efforts to assist transfer students by naming it to its Transfer Honor Roll.

Traveling exhibition ‘The Superlative Artistry of Japan’ makes MC debut July 26 at Clayton Center for the Arts

What is Superlative Artistry?
Superlative Artistry “refers to a creative skill or ability of the highest quality or degree,” according to the exhibition’s website. Through this exhibition, organizers aim to introduce Japan’s creative culture, which honors craftsmanship and devotion to the production processes. This traveling exhibition has compiled more than 30 works that emphasize highly skilled techniques, ingenious expressions and concepts, and a high level of perfection.

“We hope that through this exhibition, the visitors can experience Japan’s creative culture and monozukuri (literally translated to “the making of things”) spirit through this theme of Superlative Artistry,” the website continues. “Starting with craft works from the Meiji era (1868-1912), this exhibition features items across a wide range of genres, including contemporary art, craft works, food samples and shokugan (small toys sold with candy).”

The Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville, the ASIAN CULTURE CENTER OF TENNESSEE, the Clayton Center for the Arts and the The Japan Foundation will co-present “The Superlative Artistry of Japan Exhibition,” opening July 26 at the Clayton Center’s DENSO Gallery.

The gallery, located inside the Clayton Center — 502 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway in Maryville — is named for DENSO, the Japanese-based global manufacturer of automotive components with a Blount County operation of more than 4,000 employees and is also a sponsor of the exhibit.

The exhibition, which will be on display from July 26 through Aug. 11, is free and open to the public, and no appointment is required. The Clayton Center galleries are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

News: ‘The Superlative Artistry of Japan’ exhibit opens at Clayton Center "The Superlative Artistry of Japan" is a traveling exhibition of Japanese-based artwork that opens July 26 at the Clayton Center.

The Maryville College Career Center is undergoing a leadership transition, as Director Sarah Taylor Yeaple ’08 returns to the private sector and a familiar face assumes the helm: Dr. Niklas Trzaskowski has been named as the center’s new leader.

News: Dr. Niklas Trzaskowski named director of MC Career Center Dr. Niklas Trzaskowski will step up as director of the MC Career Center after the amicable departure of Sarah Yeaple '08 recently.

Lucy Jones ‘25 and Teaching History!

Summer experience: Resident assistant to the Douglas-Cherokee Economic Authority’s Upward Bound

“At my internship, I am a resident assistant to the Douglas-Cherokee Economic Authority’s Upward Bound program; what that means is, I live on Carson-Newman’s campus with 40-50 high school students acting as a mentor and guardian for them. I teach an elective class this summer about Boston and Monticello history. I am a standby tutor for English and any other course that the students should need help with. I work with my 8 other RA’s guiding activities in the evenings such as capture the flag, volleyball, swimming, and yoga.”

Outcomes: “I worked here with this same program last summer and over the course of these two summers, I can feel and see how much more confident I am with expecting the unexpected; working with children is always a gamble, but high school students have a special skill for throwing you off your game. Part of what I love about my major, Writing Communication, is how closely I can work with people to communicate ideas and information; communication is key to this position. I have to communicate ideas with other staff and in particular explain tough or awkward concepts to students of a variety of ages and maturity levels. Every day is a test of my skills and I appreciate it deeply.”

Jessica White has been named interim assistant dean of students at Maryville College!

News: Jessica White named MC assistant dean of students Jessica White has been promoted to the role of assistant dean of students at Maryville College, beginning with the new academic year.

Maryville College earns second-place finish in Blue Ridge Outdoors Top Adventure College contest

News: Maryville College places second in Top Adventure College contest The Blue Ridge Outdoors Top Adventure College contest came down to a championship round that saw Maryville College finish second.

Scots Science Scholars prepare for 11th cohort with a new $645,000 FIPSE grant!

It’s almost serendipitous, in a way: Ten years ago, Dr. Angelia D. Gibson and Dr. Maria Siopsis applied for and received a $380,000 grant that helped them launch the Scots Science Scholars (S3) program on the Maryville College campus.

A decade later, the two MC faculty members — Gibson a professor of chemistry, Siopsis a professor of mathematics — have received another grant, this one in the amount of $645,000 in federally allocated funding administered through the Funding to Improve Post-Secondary Education Community Fund (FIPSE), a program of the U.S. Department of Education.

The allocation expands the capacity of Scots Science Scholars and builds on the supportive and rigorous STEM education already provided at Maryville College by “increasing access to hands-on experiences and industry exposure, with a focus on addressing emerging technologies and scientific innovation in natural sciences, computational science and engineering,” according to Gibson.

Every time we are awarded a federal grant, we take that as a vote of confidence that the programming we are offering STEM students at Maryville College is not only valuable to the students, but to our local, regional and national communities as well,” Siopsis added. “Our students get the training they need to secure fulfilling and lucrative job opportunities while employers have access to a pool of highly skilled college graduates ready to join the workforce.”

For more information, follow this link!

News: MC’s Scots Science Scholars awarded $645,000 FIPSE grant Over the past decade, Dr. Angelia Gibson and Dr. Maria Siopsis have raised roughly $2 million for the MC Scots Science Scholars program.