Pictured, from left, Tennessee Tech's 2024 Trailblazers include Ooltewah native Anna Frazier, Signal Mountain native Kelsey Hewitt and Chattanooga native Emma Parson
A trio of Chattanooga area natives have been named Tennessee Tech University “Trailblazers.”
Anna Frazier, a sophomore civil engineering major from Ooltewah, Kelsey Hewitt, a sophomore majoring in teaching English as a second language from Signal Mountain, and Emma Parson, a sophomore marketing and business management major from Chattanooga, are among the select group of Trailblazers for 2024. The Trailblazers program brings together top Tech students to lead personalized campus tours for prospective students and their families.
“Trailblazers represent the best of our campus community.
They are dedicated students who exude Tennessee Tech’s spirit of hospitality and welcome and are an integral part of how we communicate Tech’s story to future Golden Eagles,” said Karen Lykins, vice president for enrollment and communication at Tech. “By leading personalized campus tours, Trailblazers foster genuine connections with prospective students and their families, helping them discover all that Tech has to offer.”
Ms. Frazier says that the best part of being a Trailblazer is "getting to meet all of the families and tell them about all of the fun experiences and opportunities I’ve had at Tech." Likewise, Ms. Hewitt says she enjoys helping prospective students "find their perfect home away from home."
Recalling their own journeys to Tech, the Tennessee Valley natives say that the university's picturesque campus and welcoming community helped persuade them to enroll.
"Tech checked off all the boxes when I was initially searching for a college," said Ms. Parson. "I like to call it the 'Goldilocks college' because it was the perfect in-between. It’s not too big or too small, it’s not too far from home, but not too close."
Ms. Frazier adds that, "While visiting campus, I saw how happy everyone was and I just knew that I could call this place home."
Now as seasoned Tech students, Ms. Frazier, Ms. Hewitt and Ms. Parson say they are eager to tell others about their positive experience and help new students find their place.
"I want students to never feel like they can’t ask questions or get involved! It is so important to connect with your peers and utilize everything that Tennessee Tech has to offer," said Ms. Hewitt.
"When listening to people talk about Tech, there’s a reason they’re proud," added Ms. Parson. "It’s a wonderful institution that cares about students, faculty, staff and the community as a whole."
Following graduation from Tech, Ms. Frazier plans on pursuing a career as a civil engineer, while Ms. Hewitt hopes to travel internationally and teach English to students around the world. Ms. Parson aims to begin a career in a marketing strategy.
"Trailblazers now play an integral part in the admissions process and new student recruitment at Tech." officials said. "Prospective students and their families who are planning a campus visit are paired with a Trailblazer to lead their tour. With the diverse group of students that make up Tech’s Trailblazer class, the university aims to personalize the campus visit experience of each prospective student, focusing on their individual interests and intended major."
Prospective students interested in connecting with Trailblazers can visit www.tntech.edu/trailblazers to see profiles for the student tour guides. To schedule a tour, go to www.tntech.edu/visit email visit@tntech.edu or call 931-372-6104.