Michael Powers Books the Room and Calls the Caterer
Michael Powers joined the College of Arts and Sciences as the event coordinator in October 2023. In this role he plans retreats and receptions for the dean’s office and will be organizing the college’s spring commencement.
“I also coordinate meals for office meetings,” said Powers. “Staff colleagues can come see me for needs or ideas for hosting visitors and others.”
Powers can book meeting spaces around the college and fulfill any room requests such as catering, technology needs, or acquiring special items for meetings.
Originally from Memphis, Powers graduated from UT with a history degree. After college, he worked in hospitality for Blackberry Farm before returning to Rocky Top last fall.
“I really enjoy how friendly everyone is in the college,” he said. “My favorite thing about UT is how open my fellow employees are to new ideas and the access we have to testing these new ideas.”
Outside of coordinating college events, Powers keeps on the move, off to the theater, and recently reconnected with a tasty hobby.
“My main hobbies are running and movies,” he said. “Last year, I also fell back in love with baking.”
Powers doesn’t claim a particular specialty in baking. He enjoys it all, but maybe has a go-to standard.
“Deciding on a favorite thing to bake is hard,” he said. “I will go with baguettes.”
That said, while Powers might not personally bake the bread selections for a special staff meeting or conference, he will make sure the refreshments reach attendees at the right time.