Student Leadership

Michelle Niec

After initially starting her academic career thirty-six years ago, Michele is now completing her Interdisciplinary Studies degree to advance her career in marketing and public relations. However, she has promised herself to not let this hold her back as she has stated, “I've enjoyed trying to see myself doing something that a non-traditional student would not necessarily think of doing. I hope I'm leading the way for future adult Learners and non-traditional students to step outside of their comfort zone and realize that college is what we choose to make it for ourselves.” She is involved with the Tennessee Tech Trailblazer Program, President of the University Parent Association, Tennessee Tech Supreme Court, and is in her second term as President of the Non-Traditional Student Organization (NTSO). As president of the NTSO, Michele is working to increase the representation within Tech’s student government for this organization to better alleviate the pressures that these individuals face and further accept them into Tennessee Tech’s community. Such efforts, along with her determination to create a difference at Tech, continue to show why Michele Niec is a source of inspiration and thus deserving of the student spotlight.

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Miguel Garcia

Miguel, who is originally from Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, is a Senior Mechanical Engineer major who hopes to become an engineer in the biomedical field. Miguel’s desire to work within this industry stems from his dream of helping “people heal faster than ever using vanguard technology while we create a personalized solution for each patients' own needs.” This is evident through his current research, which is already being funded by URECA and CISE, into the strength of the Achilles tendons with the hope to develop a way to produce tissue for this cord instead of having it donated. He continues to make a difference as the president of Tennessee Tech’s SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers) chapter. This position allows him the opportunity to fulfill his goals in better preparing his peers for the work force and encouraging the advancement of Hispanic students in STEM. Miguel’s strong leadership can additionally be found at the Upper Cumberland Hispanic Heritage Festival where he was the Arts & Crafts Coordinator and he helped to organize the first SHPE Sub-Regional Retreat. It is Miguel's bold fearless leadership style and passion for pursuing vital knowledge that make him such an excellent choice for the Student Affairs Student Spotlight.

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Kie Workman

Kie is a senior Chemical Engineering major from Spring Hill, TN who has already accepted the position of production engineer for the company Primient when he graduates. He was nominated because of the passion and commitment he has shown in his research of negative ion photoelectron spectroscopy (NIPS) of various molecules. His enthusiasm for engineering can also be seen through his role as treasurer for the engineering honor society, Tau Beta Pi, where the leadership team, according to Kie, “is working to build a capable community of engineers that can grow together and give back to the community through various service events.” Besides being a phenomenal student, Kie enjoys spending time with his family and staying active through Tech’s Climbing Club. When asked what inspired the kindness and leadership that got him the nomination, he focused on his father and his girlfriend as his main inspirations. Kie truly embodies what it means to be a Golden Eagle through his upstanding character, promising leadership skills, and academic excellence which makes him more than deserving of this month’s Student Affairs Student Spotlight.

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Rebecca Firth

Rebecca is a Senior Pure Chemistry Major with Minors in Music Performance and Astronomy who hails from Kingsport, Tennessee. She excels as a student, as evident through her receiving the Kurt Eisen Excellence in Liberal Arts Award in 2022 from the College of Arts and Sciences and the multiple research projects that she has collaborated on. Impressively, this research has resulted in two publications within The Journal of Physical Chemistry A. She has succeeded not only in the classroom but outside as well. Rebecca is a member of the Tennessee Technological University Flute Organization and the American Chemical Society, or ACS. Rebecca has proven herself as a leader by holding many positions within ACS, including President, for which she has been recognized by being awarded the Leadership Development Award in 2022 from ACS. She plans to use her strong leadership capabilities in her future career as a professor in Chemistry, a path she will further pursue by attaining a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Mississippi. Rebecca’s strong character, proficiency in leadership, and affinity for scholarship perfectly exemplify the attributes of a Golden Eagle, making her an excellent selection for this month’s Student Affairs Student Spotlight.

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Oluwaseyi Ayeni

Oluwaseyi is from Lagos, Nigeria, where his dedication to education began as he received most of his schooling there, including a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Lagos. After obtaining his master’s in science from the University of Miskolc in Hungary, he is currently on track to attain his Ph.D. in chemical engineering at Tennessee Tech. His commitment to academia is further evident through his ongoing work as a research assistant under Dr. Holly Stretz as well as his recent roles of teaching assistant and Capstone team graduate adviser. These last two positions have allowed Oluwaseyi to exercise his talent in leadership something, which started in Lagos as he was the President of the publicity unit of the National Youth Service Corps and has continued at Tech along with his service as President of the African Students Union last year and as Treasurer of the Adventist Christian Fellowship this year. His leadership style was described as a compassionate one by those who nominated him. He always prioritizes the well-being and success of others. When asked what motivates his passion for people, Oluwaseyi said, “Sympathy and empathy for people going through pain and lack moves me. I want to make as much of a difference in people’s lives as possible.” As a recipient of the Student Affairs Student Spotlight, Oluwaseyi Ayeni embodies the traits of a Golden Eagle with his dedication to people, unwavering enthusiasm for academia, and a gift for leadership.

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Kendall Ely

Kendall, hailing from Knoxville, Tennessee, is a Junior majoring in International Business and Culture with minors in sociology and cybersecurity. Her passion for business, especially on an international scale, stems from her love of travel and appreciation for language in commerce. She's actively involved in Tennessee Tech’s German club, the Honor Society for Foreign Language, and has traveled to Japan. After graduation, Kendall plans to attend law school, aspiring to specialize in corporate or criminal defense law. Kendall's nomination was based not only on her academic success but also her kindness and dedication to volunteering. She has volunteered for organizations like Shoes for School and Vaccine Clinics, focusing on aiding children, which has been a passion of hers since high school. Kendall credits her mother for inspiring her kindness, stating, “there are so many people that need a friend at certain times. Talking and listening to them can make their day, even if they are a stranger. Smiles do not cost anything.” 
Kendall's compassionate nature, community contributions, and academic achievements truly embody the spirit of a Golden Eagle, making her an excellent choice for the Student Affairs Student Spotlight. 

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Wyatt Tunstall

From Knoxville, Tennessee, Wyatt Tunstall is a junior majoring in Chemical Engineering with a concentration in energy and the environment. His interest in this field stems from his passion for sustainability and his dream, in his own words, to “make the world a little better than when I found it.” His motivations are further evident in his extensive volunteer work and collaboration with various charities. This includes donating his time to an after-school program for at risk youths and at an animal shelter as well as organizing a donation drive in Cookeville in collaboration with Hope Rings Out. Wyatt is just as active on campus as he is in the community through his involvement in Sigma Phi Epsilon, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and the Wesley Foundation. His membership in the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity has especially allowed him to exercise his passion for making a difference and demonstrate his potential through two executive leadership positions he has held, as well as his engagement in raising funds for TTU Miracle. This enthusiasm to create positive change, his academic excellence, and commitment to his communities are what make Wyatt Tunstall more than deserving of the Student Affairs Student Spotlight.

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Brady Goodman

Brady Goodman is a Junior Electrical Engineering major from Coalfield, Tennessee. After graduation, he intends to obtain his Master’s in Electrical Engineering with the hope of pursuing a career in creating reliable and clean energy. His motivation to pursue such a career stems from his passion for people and his desire to create lasting change for their benefit. His aspirations are evident in his involvement on campus as an active member of the TTU Tennis Club and as a Trailblazer. Additionally, he was recently a member of the New Student and Family Programs 2023 SOA Team from which he was selected for the 2023 SOAR program. As a Trailblazer and a member of SOAR, Brady advises incoming students “to rise to the occasion. Sure, things may not always work out, but instead of “What if it doesn’t work out?” I strive to change my “What ifs?” to, “…but what if it does work out?” The only way to guarantee that you won’t achieve something is if you stop trying.” Brady Goodman truly exhibits what it means to be a Golden Eagle through his academic success, campus involvement, and his passion for helping others making him an excellent choice for the Student Affairs Student Spotlight.

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Lela Gracy

Hailing from Fayetteville, Tennessee, Lela Gracy is double majoring in French and Computer Science with a concentration in Cybersecurity. She hopes to be a recipient of the Fulbright scholarship following her graduation in May 2026, which she will use to earn her master's degree in Cybersecurity in France. Ultimately, Lela plans to utilize a combination of her unique skills in cybersecurity and foreign languages to work for the U.S. government in a foreign country. She is preparing for her future endeavors through her upcoming study abroad trips to France and her extracurricular activities. She is the treasurer for Women in Cyber Security (WiCyS) and the Senior Lead Ambassador for the Cybersecurity Education Research and Outreach Center (CEROC) Ambassador Program. She and Rachel Stratton formalized the CEROC Ambassador Program, an organization dedicated to educating people on cybersecurity. Lela's other accomplishments include serving as an Associate Justice on the SGA Supreme Court, winning the title of Miss TTU 2023, and maintaining a 3.9 GPA. With all of her aspirations and accomplishments, it is obvious that she lives her life confidently. When asked what inspires her confidence, she says that it came from the realization that "You have to make the conscious decision to be yourself, and it takes effort to do that. Confidence isn't something that just happens.” As a recipient of the Student Affairs Student Spotlight, Lela Gracy embodies the traits of a Golden Eagle through her proficiency in leadership, passion for academics, and her unconquerable determination.

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Noah Murphy

Noah Murphy, a native to McMinnville, Tennessee, is a sophomore majoring in Nursing at Tennessee Tech University. He has a strong passion for the medical field, especially biology, and hopes to become a trauma nurse (TCRN) in an emergency department after graduation. During his freshman year, Noah was actively involved in TTU's Upper Cumberland Community Host Group for Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinics. He currently works at TTU Health Services, assisting students with check-ins, appointments, and meeting immunization and registration requirements. Being admitted into the upper division of the Whitson-Hester School of Nursing is one of his proudest achievements. Noah's favorite thing about Tennessee Tech is the kindness and southern hospitality of its people, making the university feel like home. His advice to others is grounded in respect, kindness, and compassion. He reflects, "Life isn't always easy or the same, and many people live with diverse experiences. No matter what culture, ethnicity, race, how a person walks, communicates, eats, looks, or acts, people are deserving of decency and respect. Respect leads to kindness, kindness leads to empathy, and empathy leads to compassion." His work ethic stems from lessons instilled by his parents and grandparents, emphasizing the importance of giving 100% in everything he does. Guided by strong values and a desire to serve others, Noah Murphy embodies the true spirit of a Golden Eagle, driven by his sense of responsibility and unwavering commitment to making a difference.

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Liezl Laurel

Liezl Laurel, a double major in Computer Science (Data Science & AI) and Spanish, is set to graduate this semester, leaving a remarkable impact on Tennessee Tech. Originally from Smyrna, TN, Liezl is not only passionate about technology but also deeply committed to cultural immersion. Her impressive list of accomplishments includes leadership roles and significant academic contributions. As a Spanish-English Interpreter on the ESTAR Sanos team, she has worked to bridge language barriers while promoting health in the Hispanic community. Additionally, as Vice President of the Badminton Club, she has been instrumental in expanding the club and fostering community engagement. Her academic achievements are equally notable. Liezl is the recipient of the 2024 Kurt Eisen Award for Excellence in Liberal Arts, the highest honor in her college, awarded for her outstanding academic performance and contributions to research. She’s particularly proud of her research projects, including her Spanish capstone on femicides in Mexico and her Advanced Data Science project, where she developed a multimodal model for early detection of Alzheimer’s Disease. Her Alzheimer’s research earned her the award for Best Computer Science Undergraduate Poster at Tennessee Tech’s 2024 Research & Creative Inquiry Day. Liezl’s leadership also extends to global initiatives. As a Global Ambassador, she helps international students adapt to life at Tech. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in Data Science/AI, ideally combining her technical skills with her passion for languages and culture. Before settling into her career, she hopes to travel more, adding to her current list of experiences in the Philippines, Japan, England, Scotland, and Spain. Liezl encourages fellow students to embrace growth, step out of their comfort zones, and make the most of their college experience. From her academic achievements to her leadership roles, Liezl exemplifies excellence and continues to inspire those around her at Tennessee Tech.

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Baylee Dalton

Baylee, originally from Smyrna, Tennessee, is a first-semester MBA student at Tennessee Tech University, with plans to graduate in the summer of 2025. She completed her undergraduate studies at Tech with a major in Business Information and Technology (BIT) and a minor in Business Management. Throughout her time at Tech, Baylee has been actively involved in the campus community. She served as a College of Business Ambassador for three years, took on leadership as a Trailblazers captain, and volunteered as the coordinator for Fall Fun Fest, partnering with Cityscape for this annual event. Her community engagement efforts included connecting students to volunteer opportunities and assisting in the launch of the COVID-19 Grocery Relief program in Spring 2021—a collaboration with the Tech Food Pantry, Cookeville Strong, and Putnam County Parks and Recreation. Currently, Baylee serves as a Graduate Assistant for the College of Business, as well as a Teaching Assistant for a computer forensics course. She considers graduating debt-free as one of her proudest accomplishments, achieved through diligent work in various roles. After completing her MBA, Baylee aspires to a career in IT project management, consulting, or solutions in Nashville. She attributes much of her success to the Tech community, reflecting that she “couldn’t have made it through undergrad without them.” With resilience and self-belief as her guiding principles, Baylee’s advice to others is, “Believe in yourself and know you are capable of more than you think.” 

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Samuel Asare-Duah

Samuel Asare-Duah, originally from Ghana, is a second-year master's student in Civil Engineering at Tennessee Tech University, with a concentration in Transportation Engineering. Set to graduate this fall, Samuel completed his undergraduate studies at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana, where he also grew up and received much of his education. Throughout his time at Tennessee Tech, Samuel has been deeply involved in the campus community, serving as the Publicity and Social Media Manager for the African Student Union (ASU) during the 2023–2024 academic year. In this role, he played a vital part in organizing events and engaging the community, earning recognition as the “Most Hardworking Officer” for his dedication and commitment to supporting African students at Tech. After graduation, Samuel will be relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, to begin his career as a Highway Engineer with Jacobs. He looks forward to tackling exciting projects in Transportation Engineering and honing his skills as a problem solver in the field. Reflecting on his journey, Samuel considers the strong sense of community at Tennessee Tech one of his favorite aspects of the university, noting the meaningful connections he has made with peers and mentors alike. Motivated by a desire to serve and uplift others, Samuel has been especially committed to helping new international students—particularly those from Ghana—feel at home in a new environment. This passion is rooted in his personal experience as an international student and a belief in treating everyone with kindness, respect, and love. Guided by his Christian faith, Samuel draws inspiration from the mission of “loving God, loving people, and impacting the world,” striving to embody these values in all he does. His advice to fellow students? “Kindness, respect, and love are great virtues. Treat everyone indiscriminately with kindness, respect, and love.”