“Every day I get to be a part of a community that values both academic and personal connection. It is rewarding to contribute to a mission that encourages exploration and a genuine passion for discovery.”
Tasha Smith
Travel and Event Coordinator
Department of Chemistry
What do I love about working for the college?
I love working in the College of Arts and Sciences because it is truly a place where creativity, curiosity, and collaboration truly thrive. Growing up in South Knoxville, I learned early on what the Volunteer Spirit meant—community, service, and supporting one another—and I knew then that the University of Tennessee was a place I wanted to be a part of. Every day I get to be a part of a community that values both academic and personal connection. It is rewarding to contribute to a mission that encourages exploration and a genuine passion for discovery.
Before coming to UT, I accumulated 13 years of event planning experience, which has given me a strong foundation in creating meaningful experiences for others. One of the things I enjoy most about my work as an event and travel coordinator is being able to use the experience that I have gained to bring people together and support the mission of the college. Whether I’m coordinating travel, organizing events, or helping all the little details come together, I enjoy being part of work that allows faculty, students, and guests to focus on learning, collaboration, and discovery.
What do I do for the college?
As the travel and event coordinator for the Department of Chemistry, I manage and coordinate travel and reimbursements for all faculty, staff, students, and guests, while also planning and overseeing departmental and undergraduate events. My role focuses on organizing all the behind-the-scenes details to ensure events and travel processes run smoothly.
Kudos Program
It’s very rewarding to receive recognition from coworkers because so much of my role is behind the scenes. Knowing that my work helps make events successful within my department and the college makes my efforts meaningful. I appreciate being part of a team that values collaboration and supports one another, and it’s encouraging to know that the work I do contributes positively to the department and the College of Arts and Sciences as a whole.