Jack Cupit was set to follow in his parents’ footsteps and attend Texas A&M University, until a chance meeting with a family from Knoxville changed his plans. After hearing the family talk about the city and the atmosphere and Volunteer Spirit at the University of Tennessee, Cupit was hooked.

“I’m a huge fan of culture and traditions so after learning what it means to be a part of Rocky Top and the Big Orange Family, I knew this is where I needed to be,” says Cupit, a senior marketing major in the Haslam College of Business.

As a member of the UT Cheer Team, Cupit has been immersed in UT spirit. He learned how to balance classes, games and his personal life while being an encouraging face of the program and committing to multiple events. His busy schedule motivates him to work intentionally to achieve his goals in his free time.

Cupit’s experience with cheer enhanced his time at Haslam. Lessons inside and outside the classroom have provided professional development and public speaking skills, which Cupit can carry into his professional career after graduation in December.

“Being a student athlete is challenging but not impossible,” Cupit says. “It is a valuable skill that I am glad to have.”

Cupit is channeling these skills into his post-graduation plans. He currently manages his growing music recording and DJ business in Knoxville. Cupit uses skills learned in his marketing and entrepreneurship courses to build his business. His minor in music business helps him navigate the music industry.

“I’m working on getting my foot in the door everywhere and remaining positive on this journey,” says Cupit. “I want to be a jack of all trades in the industry.”

With graduation around the corner, Cupit is grateful to the Haslam faculty and staff who helped shape his academic path. He credits Haseeb Qureshi, lecturer in the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship, for providing guidance in the music business.

“Professor HQ has been so passionate and caring.” Cupit says. “He managed a recording studio in Los Angeles, and he taught me how to pursue a dream as an entrepreneur. Even when I was undecided about pursuing music, he guided me and encouraged me not to give up on my dream.”

Cupit also gained invaluable guidance from Laurel Cox, senior academic advisor at Haslam.

“She listened to my fears, doubts and worries about my future and immediately helped me map out my journey to graduation and taught me to take everything in stride,” Cupit says.

The combination of support from Haslam, his coursework and experience as a student athlete has prepared Cupit for life after college.

“Haslam has kept me busy and determined while pursuing my music dreams,” Cupit says “It also taught me professionalism while being a proud ambassador for the university.”

Always smiling, uplifting and passionate, Cupit wants to leave his peers with a piece of advice as they go through college, life, and their own journey, creating their goals.

“Take advantage of every opportunity, constantly seek new experiences and differences in your community. Search for the beauty even in the small things in life,” says Cupit. “Ships are safe in the harbor, but ‘tis not the purpose of a vessel.”