Baker Blog

  • 2025 Student Spotlight: Jenna Hudgins

    2025 Student Spotlight: Jenna Hudgins

    Jenna Hudgins will graduate with a Master of Public Policy with a concentration in economic and community development. Her next chapter as a Grant Specialist at the East Tennessee Development District will begin after graduation. Jenna has honed her skills and is now ready to take on new professional challenges. Her experiences at the Baker…

  • 2025 Graduate Spotlight: Jaycee Culbertson

    2025 Graduate Spotlight: Jaycee Culbertson

    Graduating with a Master of Public Policy and Administration, Jaycee Culbertson plans to enter the workforce and take a gap year before further pursuing her education. Her time at the Baker School broadened her understanding of policy. A standout experience for Jaycee was Dr. Michael Jones’ class on ethics, where she explored controversial topics and…

  • 2025 Graduate Spotlight: Jackson Scott

    2025 Graduate Spotlight: Jackson Scott

    Jackson Scott’s journey at the Baker School has been marked by significant achievements. Graduating with a Master of Public Policy and a graduate certificate in national security, he deepened his expertise in national security through his coursework and his involvement in the Washington Fellows Program. He also participated in the Indo-Pacific Security Studies Working Group…

  • 2025 Graduate Spotlight: Grace Hardin

    2025 Graduate Spotlight: Grace Hardin

    Grace Hardin, a proud Baker Scholar, will graduate from the University of Tennessee in May. After graduation, she plans to return to her hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, where she will continue working at a science-themed summer camp and explore local job opportunities as she prepares to apply to graduate school abroad. Throughout her time at…

  • 2025 Graduate Spotlight: Faith Barrett

    2025 Graduate Spotlight: Faith Barrett

    Faith Barrett is graduating with a Master of Public Administration and is moving back to her hometown of San Diego, California, to work for the Parks and Recreation Department. Shas excelled during her time at the Baker School, serving as a graduate research assistant and working with the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.…

  • 2025 Graduate Spotlight: Elaina Della Rossa

    2025 Graduate Spotlight: Elaina Della Rossa

    Elaina Della Rossa is graduating with her Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Economic and Community Development. After graduation, she will attend Belmont University College of Law. Her involvement in the Appalachian Regional Commission’s Leadership Institute and her work on a project to strengthen tourism and sustainability in Tellico Plains gave her real-world…

  • 2025 Graduate Spotlight: Cameron Fox

    2025 Graduate Spotlight: Cameron Fox

    Cameron Fox is graduating with a Master of Public Policy and Administration. She will be moving back to middle Tennessee to work as a research associate for the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations. During her time at the Baker School, Cameron was involved in the Congressional Internship Program and served as a Baker Ambassador.…

  • 2025 Graduate Spotlight: Brian Sekita

    2025 Graduate Spotlight: Brian Sekita

    Graduating with a Master of Public Policy and Administration, Brian Sekita is preparing to take the next step in his career as a U.S. Army Officer. His time at the Baker School sharpened his leadership skills and provided opportunities for growth. Brian shares that faculty members like Dr. Jon Ring, Dr. Su, and Dr. Jack…

  • 2025 Graduate Spotlight: Aom Boonphatthanasoonthorn

    2025 Graduate Spotlight: Aom Boonphatthanasoonthorn

    Aom Boonphatthanasoonthorn earned her Master of Public Policy with a minor in national security. Throughout her time at the Baker School, she gained valuable knowledge in policy analysis and built a foundation in professional networking. Her involvement extended across several Baker School programs, including the Baker Ambassadors, the Institute Fellows Program and Local Government Interns,…

  • 2025 Graduate Spotlight: Ethan Curl

    2025 Graduate Spotlight: Ethan Curl

    Ethan Curl is on track to earn his Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) from the Baker School at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Originally from Franklin, Tennessee, Ethan has his sights set on Washington, D.C., where he plans to launch his career on Capitol Hill or at a nonpartisan think tank. Reflecting on…