Baker Blog

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…

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.…

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…

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.…

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…

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,…

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…

Caroline Grossman is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences and a minor in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. While her post-graduation plans are still taking shape, Caroline hopes to join Teach for America and eventually pursue a master’s degree in educational policy. Throughout her time at the University of Tennessee, Caroline built an…

Skye Gerhart, a Dayton, Ohio native and Master of Public Administration degree candidate, is gearing up for her next chapter. After commencement, she’s headed to Franklin, Tennessee, where she will serve as a Management Fellow for the City of Franklin. This role kicks off her career in city management. Reflecting on her time at the…