Student Leadership
Student Leadership Spotlight
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
