Recruiters Connect with Future Vols
Recruitment team expansion helps share the Arts and Sciences advantage.
Photo by Steven Bridges
Sophia Ferguson and Tony Schnadelbach joined the college’s recruitment team earlier this year to expand engagement with new and prospective Vols. Plans are for a third recruiter to join them in spring 2026 as the college increases efforts to connect students to their personal academic pathways.
Working with the college’s Office of Advising Services, the team focuses on direct recruitment activities, with Schnadelbach also coordinating the college’s ambassador program, a vital part of introducing new students to campus. Their roles are instrumental in increasing the number of admitted students who confirm their enrollment and join the College of Arts and Sciences’ Big Orange community.
“Our recruiters are integral in helping students understand who we are as a college and why they should come here,” said Shanna Pendergrast, director of student advising. “The expanded team allows the college to be present at more college fairs across the state, to offer one-on-one appointments to transfer students to explore how their prior coursework will apply to UT, and to enhance our ambassador program.”
Recruiters work closely with arts and sciences advisors and maintain an intimate knowledge of the onboarding process for first year and transfer students.
“This gives them the ability to talk to students about what they will experience once they are a Vol,” said Pendergrast. “They are also aware of support in tutoring, career development, and academic coaching that exists on campus to help our students be successful.”
Sharing Possibilities with Prospective Vols
Ferguson brings with her a background in communications studies, UT graduate admissions, staffing management, and as a public relations director. She enjoys meeting directly with students and being a resource for them in her role—letting them know how the college can help them pursue their passions and interests.
“Prospective student appointments have been so rewarding,” said Ferguson. “It never gets old when I speak about a major or component of one of our degrees that a student did not know about before. It opens their mind to a path they had not thought was possible.”
She looks forward to expanding what the recruiter roles offer future College of Arts and Sciences Vols as the team learns the unique and changing priorities of future students.
“No appointment is the same, which keeps the role exciting and truly shows the scope of what our college has to offer,” said Ferguson.
Introducing Students to the Rocky Top Campus
Schnadelbach has previously worked as a director of volunteers at the American Museum of Science and Energy in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and as a program manager and volunteer coordinator at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. He connects with future Vols directly and as coordinator for the College of Arts and Sciences ambassadors.
“Our ambassador program is an incredible group of nearly 30 students who assist recruitment by leading individual tours that are geared towards prospective students’ specific interests and questions,” said Schnadelbach. “No two tours are alike. I’m looking forward to working alongside this great student team as we increase our recruitment presence both in Knoxville and across the state.”
During the fall semester, the recruitment team has traveled beyond campus to take part in “Vol in Progress” events throughout the region.
“We’re excited to get out and speak with these future Vols,” said Schnadelbach. “We are sharing stories and information about UT and the College of Arts and Sciences and better preparing them to begin their college experience.”
By Randall Brown