The Academy for Global Scholars (AGS), an initiative tailored for first-year, first-generation students, offers an unparalleled opportunity for global engagement and personal development during the first year on campus at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. As it enters its fifth iteration, AGS is enthused to introduce the members of the 2024-25 cohort.
Eighteen students have been selected for this year’s AGS program and they will convene as a cohort during the fall semester. Programming will include a series of consistent gatherings featuring guest lecturers and researchers, service activities and a general education course. The academy will culminate with an overseas academic abroad experience in Costa Rica during the spring of 2025. Subsequently, in the fall semester of 2025, these scholars will participate in Discovery Day—a campus-wide event where undergraduate researchers present recent projects and research to their peers.
The Center for Global Engagement collaborates with the the Smith Center for International Sustainable Agriculture, Office of Undergraduate Admissions, the Academic Success Center, the Division of Diversity and Engagement, alongside other select university departments, to orchestrate the execution of the AGS program. The university and a generous alumni donor provide the financial support which facilitate the participation of the following students in this prestigious first-year program.
Questions about AGS should be directed to Adam Willcox, Research Associate Professor, or Carrera Romanini, Post-Doctoral Program Manager, at the Smith Center. Correspondence can be directed to carrera@utk.edu.
Meet the 2023–24 Cohort of the Academy for Global Scholars
Amna Adnan
I was born in Pakistan and came to America when I was about 5 years old, I have a twin sister and a younger brother. Growing up I have always wanted to enter the medical field. Currently, I plan on being a Physician Assistant.
Major: Biology
Fatima Adnan
Hello! I am a first generation college student born in Pakistan. I moved to Knoxville when I was 5 years old and soon developed a passion for healthcare. I am majoring in Biology and plan on becoming a Physician Assistant. Some of my hobbies include reading, volunteering, and traveling. I chose UTK because of the welcoming environment and an abundance of opportunities provided for students. I am excited to be a part of AGS and gain valuable experience through interactions with different cultures and environments.
Major: Biology
Dylan Anderson
Hey! My name is Dylan Anderson, and I’m a freshman here at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville! My major currently is biology on the pre-medicine track, and some things I love about campus is how welcoming my other peers are!
Major: Biology – Pre-Med
Joyce Banga
Hi, my name is Joyce Banga and I am from Memphis, TN. I am a first generation student born to two South Sudanese Refugees. I am currently pursuing a political science degree with the intent of becoming a family law attorney. In high school I was involved in many activities, and am so excited to do the same here at UT! I chose UT because of the beautiful campus, the spirited community, and the numerous resources they provide for their students in and out of the classroom. I am so excited to experience the numerous events and activities that UTK has to offer this school year! With AGS I am so excited to experience cultures I would normally never get the chance to experience. I can’t wait for this experience to help broaden my knowledge and perspective on the world, and the different parts of it!
Major: Politcal Science
Faith Bennett
Hi, my name is Faith Bennett and I am from Erwin, TN. I am currently majoring in Therapeutic Recreation in hopes of becoming a Pediatric Occupational Therapist. I really enjoy spending time with my family and friends and I love all sports. I have always wanted to go to UTK since I was a little girl. I loved going to football games with my dad and my family always watches every Tennessee game possible. However, I chose UTK because it allowed me to be close to home but not to close to where I can still get out of my comfort zone. I am excited for the Academy for Global Scholars because I will be able to expand my knowledge about different cultures, which will help me better care for my patients in my future occupation.
Major: Therapeutic Recreation
Alyssa Bice
Hello, My name is Alyssa Bice, and I’m from Nashville TN. I would describe myself as open minded, optimistic, determined, and curious. All of these strengths have led me to a wide variety of interests, such as reading, writing, crochet, aviation, and superhero comics. I am studying aerospace engineering and premed to pursue my dream of practicing aerospace medicine. My dream job would be to work as an aerospace physician at NASA or the Navy. To me, it’s the best of both worlds. I’m also an EMT, and plan to use engineering to improve the field of EMS, which is still relatively new! I am so excited to be apart of this program, and gain new insights into other cultures and meet new people. As a multicultural and first-gen student, AGS will provide me with the opportunity to travel internationally for the first time, which will help me in my future endeavors. I’m so grateful to be here at Rocky Top and apart of this program, Go VOLS!!
Major: Aerospace Engineering
Jasmine Fischbach
Jasmine Fischbach, of Cleveland, Tennessee, plans to study Economics at the University of Tennessee, and has passions in sustainability, environmental science, music, and the culinary arts.
Involved in Scouting her whole life, Jasmine is an Eagle Scout, alongside holding achievements in service with the Congressional Award Bronze Medal. With her passion in music, Jasmine is a Tennessee Mid-state and All-state violist, as well as holding leadership in her high school National Honor Society chapter, representing her school at Volunteer Girls State, and Tennessee’s Governor’s School for the Arts.
Growing up by the mountains and ocean of Washington State, Jasmine loves hiking, backpacking, canoeing, and kayaking, all things outdoors, and aspires to travel to every national park in the USA. She loves exploring new cultures through traveling, literature, and learning more about our wonderful world and the people that inhabit it.
Major: Economics
Alyssa Gennaro
I am a first-generation student from Long Island, NY, now living in Chicago, IL. I love exploring new areas and spending time outdoors. I spent time in high school tutoring other students, working with elementary schoolers, and volunteering at animal shelters, and I hope to do the same here in Tennessee. I chose UT because of its gorgeous campus, location, and reputation. They provide so many resources to students, and the energy on campus is nothing like I’ve seen before. Being at a school that is so loved by its students is what makes this campus the best. Being in AGS allows me to explore a new area and see other people’s experiences. I can’t wait to broaden my knowledge of different cultural ideas through our trip to Costa Rica!
Major: Finance
Weston Hamilton
Weston Hamilton, from Fort Payne, Alabama, is pursuing a degree in Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology and a minor in Leadership Studies and Nutrition on a Pre-Medicine track at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He has a strong interest in healthcare and has earned his Basic Life Support and National Pharmacy Technician certifications. Outside of academics, is passionate about offering a smile to others and giving back to the community. His commitment to service is evident through his involvement in various organizations and his work as a member of the Basic Needs Service Team at UT. Weston is eager to engage in biomedical research during his time at UT and hopes to make a meaningful contribution to the field of medicine in Tennessee.
Major: Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology
Jaylen Hill
Jaylen Hill, of Jackson, Tennessee, plans to major in Dara Science.
He has participated in coding events and projects, fueling a passion for cybersecurity.
He serves as a volunteer ant local elementary schools and is president of the robotics club at Madison Academic High School.
Hill is a sports and film enthusiast who has been enjoys reading, writing, learning, and spending time with friends.
Major: Data Science
Andalyn Himes
Hey y’all! My name is Andalyn Himes and I am from Hohenwald, Tennessee. I am majoring in Political Science, exploring a minor in Family Studies, and plan to attend UT Law after earning my degree. I am very excited to be a part of AGS and make lifelong memories!
Major: Political Science
Angelina Huston
Hello, my name is Angelina Huston. I grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I am a freshman at UT, and my major is Animal Science/ Pre Vet. One reason I chose UT was because of the opportunities within the Herbert College of Agriculture. Another reason I chose UT was because of the numerous opportunities the university offers students to become involved in. A few of my goals are to study abroad and gain new insight into other cultures. Some specific skills/knowledge that I would like to attain from AGS is to develop a global perspective and have a deeper understanding of global issues. AGS is the perfect program for me, and for others, that want to travel and make deeper connections with people. I am so thankful for this opportunity and so excited to explore all that AGS has to offer.
Major: Animal Science – Pre Vet
Gabrielle (Gaby) Sanchez Benitez
My name is Gabriela, or Gaby.
I’m currently a Sociology major that hopes to pursue undergraduate research. Having navigated the complexities of my background, I prioritize active listening, fostering connections, and smiling through life’s challenges. I discovered the value in being a VOLunteer when I began serving at FISH Pantries with my mom back during elementary school. As a Knoxville native, I aspire to partake in service that goes beyond borders and barriers, helping me adapt to the changing needs of our communities.
I am passionate about recognizing even the smallest inequalities within our communities and working to ensure individuals are not overlooked, or underserved, due to accessibility barriers. For this reason, I applied to AGS! In my application I wrote, ‟While I lead or serve, I must be mindful of the differences that make each community, culture, and individuals unique. I hope that through the Academy for Global Scholars (AGS), I will be able to learn how to become globally engaged and expand my knowledge to be mindful of differences to become an educated and resourceful leader and servant.” I’m looking forward to our work together this upcoming semester, and our trip to Costa Rica!
Major: Sociology
Hailey Solomon
I’m Hailey, and I am from a small town in Greene County, TN. I graduated as valedictorian of my high school senior class, I am a first-gen 4 year university student, and I am a nursing major. I absolutely love to travel the world and volunteer lots of my time for different organizations around me. The feeling of making a difference in any way you can is just insurmountable. I love to bake, go on walks, and be around people! I always want to be involved in what I can and make the most of every moment. I love UTK so much and I am so excited to be apart of AGS.
Major: Nursing
Sophia Tegel
Sophia Tegel, of Crystal Lake, Illinois, is majoring in biomedical engineering. She is a first generation student and the only person in her family majoring in stem. She enjoys hanging out with friends, listening to music, and traveling.
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Hunter Vermillion
Hello, my name is Hunter Vermillion, and I am a first-generation college student. I was born and raised in Bristol, Tennessee. I have hunted all my life, including in states like Wyoming, Idaho, and West Virginia. The major that I am pursuing at UT is Nursing. After I graduate from UT, I hope to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. I am excited to be a part of AGS to meet new people and expand beyond my comfort zone. With the help of AGS, I can make an impact on the world.
I chose UT because it has always been my dream school since I was a kid. I can remember when I was smaller and yelling at the TV watching a Tennessee football game, which I still do now. Also, UT has one of, if not the best nursing program in Tennessee, with a new nursing building coming in the Fall of 2025. Therefore, between the amazing environment and educational opportunities, it was an easy decision for me to make where I would go to school.
Major: Nursing
Dorian (DJ) Zeller
I’m Dorian. I love writing, music, and swimming. I know a little bit about a lot of things and can’t wait to see where life leads.
Major: Pre-Dentistry
Yuna Zesut
I am excited to start the next chapter of my life and make a lot of friends.
Major: Computer science