Photo credit: courtesy of University Relations
Over 350 high school students across Tennessee have had the opportunity to learn about The University of Tennessee at Martin college experience thanks to the UTM Office of Admissions.
Over the months of January and February, The UTM Office of Admission held “Future Skyhawk Receptions” across the state of Tennessee. These receptions are held for high school seniors that have been admitted into UTM.
This year, there were five receptions held in Memphis, Dyersburg, Martin, Jackson, and Nashville. 356 students plus guests were in attendance over the five receptions, 312 of whom are planning to attend UTM in the fall. Of the 356 students who attended the Future Skyhawks Receptions, 40 received scholarships from UTM. Across the five events, the scholarships given totaled $27,500.
Each reception had various representatives from the UTM Office of Housing, Student Life, Financial Aid, and Academics. Along with these staff members, multiple deans of the UTM campus were in attendance. There were also senior-level UTM Students at these events.
UTM implemented Future Skyhawk Receptions in 2017 and they have been held in some form since. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there have been virtual Future Skyhawk Receptions in the past. During that time, the UTM Office of Admissions offered in-person road shows when permitted.
When asked about other ways that the UTM Office of Admissions strives to boost fall attendance, Mykaela Waterfield, UTM Office of Admissions Assistant Director of Admissions Communications and Operations, said, “Every year we send an ‘Intent to Enroll’ survey and ask admitted students to indicate if they plan to come to UT Martin, if they are unsure or if they do not plan to attend UT Martin. We take this data in addition to other data which helps drive much of our spring planning.”
Waterfield also said that the UTM Office of Admissions has strategic digital marketing efforts, along with strategic phone, email, and text communications with students to help them with any questions or concerns they have about their next steps as college students.
Along with these steps, the UTM Office of Admissions makes connections in parent and family outreach through email, phone, and text. High school visits, Admission Counselors, and Summer Orientation and Registration (SOAR) help with boosting attendance as well.
Waterfield said, “We value meeting a student where they are, creating a personalized connection, and helping them decide if UT Martin is the right fit.”
