Baker Blog

Addie Davis is graduating with a degree in early childhood education and will be continuing her academic journey at the University of Michigan, where she will pursue a master’s degree in elementary education. During her time at the University of Tennessee, Addie served as a UT Government Relations Intern and worked as a Literacy Research…

Tucker Mountain is graduating with a degree in labor economics and a minor in political science. Following graduation, he will attend Officer Training School with the Air Force Reserves and then join Deloitte Government and Public Service consulting practice. Tucker attributes his success at the Baker School to the experiences and connections that shaped his…

Szaviea Wynn is graduating with a degree in sociology and English and preparing to enter the workforce full-time and study for the LSAT. Her time at the Baker School played a role in helping her develop the confidence and skills to engage in meaningful dialogue about politics at all levels. Through her academic work, particularly…

Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and a minor in political science, Savannah Morrison will continue her academic journey at the University of Tennessee as a master’s candidate in the Clinical Social Work program. Savannah credits the Baker School for shaping her professional path, sharing that the opportunities and growth she’s experienced…

With a foundation in public policy and a passion for service and a Master of Public Administration, Sarah Harper is taking the next step in her academic journey by attending Lincoln Memorial University’s Duncan School of Law on a merit scholarship. At the University of Tennessee, Sarah was involved with the Baker Scholars program, Baker…

Riley Speas is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in honors geography, global studies, and Latin American and Caribbean Studies. She will step into a full-time role as a GIS Analyst. A member of the Baker Scholars and Baker Ambassadors, Riley earned numerous accolades, including the 2025 Undergraduate Researcher of the Year, Volunteer of Distinction,…

Payton Corlew is graduating with a Master’s in Public Policy (MPP) with a concentration in National Security. She is excited to continue her professional journey this summer as an intern at the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations in Nashville. Payton’s time at the University of Tennessee has been marked by numerous accomplishments, including receiving…

Makaela Webb is graduating with a degree in legal and political philosophy and a minor in religious studies. After graduation, she intends to stay in her hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee, and pursue a Master of Public Policy degree at the Baker School. Through the Washington Fellows Program, she deepened her passion for civic engagement and…

Lucas Garrett Johnson is preparing to step into a new role as a Budget Analyst for the Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration’s Budget Division after graduating from the University of Tennessee with his Master of Public Administration with a concentration in economic and community development. Lucas served as a student voting member on the…

Lilly Riddley is heading to Washington and Lee School of Law on a scholarship after earning her Master of Public Policy degree from the Baker School . She also holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from UT with a minor in philosophy. Lilly’s time at UT has been a balance of academic achievement, leadership…