Student Stakeholders

Tan Kim

Doctoral Student Representative

Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Organizations PhD Student

When Tan Kim heard the college was looking for students to engage in the building design planning committee, he responded with interest. “I thought it was fantastic because many schools don’t incorporate students in these decisions,” he says. “It reflects Haslam’s strong culture and transparency.”

Kim’s research interest in the behavioral strategies and structures of organizations, and the fact that he’s visited more than 30 university campuses in the US, made him an excellent fit for the committee. “A building’s spatial strategies can significantly shape the environment,” Kim explains. “Structural elements and interior details are important because they show our values and identity.”

On behalf of his fellow doctoral students, Kim also spoke up about the need for office space with adequate furniture and meeting spaces. “We’re often sitting for 10 hours a day, so having a decent desk, chairs, and dedicated space to meet with our students is important.”

Kim also appreciated the diplomacy of the planning process. “Any of us can speak up without concerns about our status,” he says. “Even details like the shape of windows in the lobby are decided with input from all committee members. That impressed me.”

Vanida Vongsamphanh

Master’s Student Representative

Dual MBA and MS Industrial Engineering Student

Vanida Vongsamphanh’s dual degree made her a perfect choice to represent Haslam’s master’s students on the planning committee, as the length of the program means she will be at Haslam longer than many of her peers. While she was glad to listen and take in the feedback of the other committee members, Vongsamphanh has spoken up for the needs of fellow graduate students. Factors such as team study rooms, movable technology in classrooms to support collaborative research, and a sufficient number of classroom outlets to charge laptops and other devices are important to master’s students. “I think you need feedback from current students to make sure their needs are met,” she says. “We have a different perspective from what a faculty member might see.”

Vongsamphanh says serving on the planning committee opened her eyes to the complexity of projects of this scope. “I’ve gone through a little bit of building design in my previous job, but I’ve never seen it from the ground up. It’s given me a better understanding of the process and an appreciation for the people involved. I hope this building will be a valuable asset to the college and the university.”

Carter Kelly

Undergraduate Student Representative

Senior in Accounting and Finance

Carter Kelly, who serves as a Haslam Ambassador, was invited to serve on the building planning committee. “It’s been a unique experience, having a different voice than I normally do,” he says. “I know I’m representing a large body of students, and it’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly.”

Kelly appreciates the committee’s efforts to ensure everyone is heard. “Students will always make up the majority of the people who use that building,” he explains. “It’s important to have a voice not just for undergraduate students, but all students.” Well-connected in the undergraduate community, Kelly made time to meet with other students, gather their ideas and opinions, and take them to the committee meetings. He’s provided input on details such as classroom layouts and the need for common areas and dining spaces.

While Kelly and the other student committee members will graduate before the building is completed, he’s thrilled to contribute to its success and looks forward to visiting Haslam’s new building in the future. “Seeing firsthand that so many voices go into something like this has been impactful for me.”