Rocky Top is the ‘Mothership’ for Amber Hodge
by Randall Brown
Amber Hodge joined the College of Arts and Sciences administrative staff in 2023 as financial specialist with a focus on travel connections. She can help faculty and staff with purchasing, business travel for themselves or guests, and contracts for big purchases or events.
“I can help you find who we have contracts and universal purchasing orders with to help make event planning, entertainment, and meals less stressful,” said Hodge. “I’m a strong problem-solver, so if you get stuck in Concur or IRIS, I can probably walk you through how to fix it in-person or via Zoom.”
Though she grew up in northern Kentucky, Hodge is a long-time, avid Vol fan. She graduated from ETSU with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and later got her master’s degree in K-6 education. She will complete her MBA this month.
Hodge has lived all over East Tennessee, residing in Gatlinburg, Johnson City, and “middle-of-nowheres-ville” before settling in Knoxville. She was excited to come to work at Rocky Top.
“I think one of my friends said it best when she found out I was switching careers to work at UT: ‘You’re going home to the mothership!’” she said. “I’ve always been a crazy Vol fan my whole life and half my wardrobe is orange, so it’s perfect. I love being in Ayres, the most iconic building on campus, and being able to assist not only my third-floor colleagues but those all over the various arts and sciences departments.”
Outside of the day-to-day on The Hill, Hodge continues to enjoy life in Big Orange Country.
“I love going to all sorts of Vol sporting events,” she said. “Also relaxing at the pool, and cuddling with my three doggies Opal, Betsey, and Rocky.”