Where Policy Meets Analytics: One Student’s Journey Through the Baker School and Haslam College of Business
From the moment Nolan Ragland (‘23) stepped onto the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus in August 2019, he had the drive to make meaningful impact. He quickly became involved with The Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs (Baker School) through the Baker Ambassadors program. That initial connection grew into a deep relationship with the Baker Center, including enrollment in the public policy analytics minor, becoming a Baker Scholar, and holding a role as a student programs and research assistant. He also participated in the inaugural Japan Ambassadors cohort.
As Nolan’s undergraduate experience expanded, so did his academic interests. He earned dual bachelor of arts degrees in political science and global studies in May 2023, while also pursuing a minor in business analytics through the Haslam College of Business. This combination of studies gave him an appreciation for the analytical tools used in both public and private sectors.
After briefly entering a political science PhD program in another state, Nolan realized he wanted his research and analysis to create tangible, real-world outcomes. It was the type of impact he had glimpsed through work at the Baker School. He returned to UT to enroll in the Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program at Haslam.
At the Baker School, his favorite experiences centered around research. He thrived working with faculty, digging into global issues, and challenging his own perspective. At Haslam, the capstone project stood out to him. Collaborating with a Knoxville-area company, Nolan saw how the tools of data analytics could guide strategic decisions.
The synergy between the two schools was ideal for Nolan. Haslam enhanced his analytical and statistical skills. Meanwhile, the Baker School provided context to those skills by offering opportunities to engage with local and national leaders, shaping his understanding of how policy decisions are made, and building a foundation for thinking critically.
As a data analytics intern for the 311 Center for Service Innovation with the City of Knoxville, he collaborated with city information systems staff to design a predictive application that modeled and visualized citizen service requests. His understanding of public sector priorities, cultivated at the Baker School, ensured the app served practical governmental needs. His training at Haslam enabled him to select the right models and programming tools to make it functional and impactful.
Throughout this journey, one mentor stood out. Dr. Jon Ring, lecturer and director of undergraduate studies at the Baker School, left a lasting mark. He not only challenged Nolan academically but also supported him personally through moments of doubt and transition. His influence helped shape his approach to research and life.
After graduation, Nolan is beginning the next chapter as a business analyst at the Knoxville Utilities Board. In this role, he’ll continue to combine analytics and public service by using tools to inform decisions that serve the community and solve real problems.
For students interested in pursuing business and policy, he offers this advice: “Be open to any potential opportunity available to you.” He highlights the value of interdisciplinary learning, sharing, “So much of the world is interdisciplinary in nature. Undertaking programs that both complement and challenge one another will make you a stronger student and person.” His experience across two academic fields illustrates how students can broaden their horizons and discover possibilities they may not have considered before.
