Student Impact
In Their Own Words
The Haslam naming gift empowers the college to impact students in positive ways, from hiring world-class faculty to extending accessibility, creating new programs, and fostering a supportive, generous community. Five incoming and current students share thoughts on how being part of the Haslam community enriches their lives and opens doors of opportunity.
Elisa Alvarado
Senior, supply chain management
and business analytics
Elisa Alvarado chose Haslam because of the college’s nationally recognized supply chain program and commitment to student success. She currently serves as president of the Tennessee Association of Supply Chain and as a Haslam Ambassador, Supply Chain Management Scholars of Distinction peer mentor, and a student worker in the supply chain department. As part of the Smith Global Leadership Scholars Program, Alvarado studied abroad in London and completed internships in the U.S. and the U.K. “Every success I’ve experienced is a testament to the resources and support Haslam has made available to me,” she says. After two internships at Procter & Gamble, Alvarado was offered a full-time supply chain role at the company beginning in 2025. “I know for a fact that the people and resources in Haslam were essential in making this opportunity possible.”
Beckett Anderson
senior, finance and marketing
Beckett Anderson chose Haslam for the community. “I wanted to be part of the Smith GLS program, and to have opportunities to work closely with classmates and professors,” he says. “I’ve had more opportunities open up to me at Haslam than I could ever have imagined.” Anderson has served as a fund manager in the Haslam Torch Fund program through the Masters Investment Learning Center and as president of the Financial Management Association, completed three internships. He also co-founded UT’s Microsoft Excel eSports team and competed at the financial modeling world championships. “Through it all, I’ve met great students and professors who helped push me forward in my professional development.”
Scott Daughtry
HCB, ’24 and dual MBA/MSBA candidate
Daughtry came to Haslam for the well-respected business analytics program. He values the commitment and mentorship he’s received from professors over the past few years. “Adam Spannbauer has mentored me since my junior year,” Daughtry says. “Whenever I needed help with a project, he walked me through the challenge.” That personal attention helped Daughtry connect two passions-basketball and analytics-while serving as a student manager for the Tennessee Men’s Basketball team. Now, he’s a graduate assistant for Tennessee Men’s Basketball, applying analytical models to aid in injury prevention, player development, and recruitment. With support from Haslam faculty, Daughtry recently landed his dream internship working for an NBA front office. “Those connections have already helped me gain opportunities to interact with NBA teams for full-time roles.”
Alannah Shute
HCB, ’21 and doctoral candidate in economics
Alannah Shute was attracted by Haslam’s welcoming, supportive atmosphere. “When you go to graduate school, culture is a key element-and I was sold on Haslam without even doing a campus visit,” she says. The college offered Shute a graduate research assistant position at the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research. “I knew I wanted to do impactful, policy-relevant research, and that is exactly what the Boyd Center does.” She also received a three-year Haslam Doctoral Scholarship and a two-year Boyd Center Fellowship, making Haslam even more attractive and affordable. “I think my future is really bright because of my decision to come here,” she says. “I have an incredible mentor and have formed great professional relationships. I have no doubt that everyone here wants me to be successful-and they work hard to make that happen, which motivates me every day.”
Ashoke Watkins
incoming undergraduate student
Ashoke Watkins appreciates the introduction to the business world he gained at Supply Chain Management Camp in 2023 and the BETS program in 2024. “I learned a lot about the different majors as well as the careers I could pursue,” he says. “These programs also gave me a taste of what it’s like to live on a college campus.” The experience drew Watkins to apply to Haslam and pursue a career in business. “I hope to get one of the best business educations available, which will help me be successful in whatever career path I choose.”
