Anna Grace arrived at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga knowing she wanted to stay close to home. Growing up in Ringgold, Georgia, just across the state line, UTC offered both proximity and opportunity.
“I knew I wanted to stay at home for college,” she said.
Her decision ultimately came down to more than convenience. Though other options appeared stronger on paper, UTC stood apart after she explored its academic and creative opportunities.
“It came down to the music department at UTC,” she said. “My high school didn’t have a marching band, and that was something I really wanted to learn how to do.”
Balancing Business with a Love for Music
Despite her deep involvement in music, Anna Grace chose to pursue her degree through the Gary W. Rollins College of Business.
“I love music and I cannot see my life without it, but I cannot see it as my career,” she said. “I’m not as passionate about doing music for a career as I am doing it for a hobby and to give back to others.”
She said her mindset naturally aligned with business.
“Realistically, my brain very much fits the business world,” Anna Grace said.
Finding Connection on Campus
Her transition to a larger campus came with an adjustment. After graduating from a high school class of just 16 students, UTC’s size was initially surprising.
“My graduating class was 16 people, so this was definitely a change,” she said.
What she didn’t expect, however, was the sense of connection she would find so quickly.
“Even though the campus is big, and we have a pretty medium‑large student population, I found myself connecting with the same people over and over again,” she said. “I realized, ‘Hey, it’s not just me in this sea of people.’”
Those connections, she said, affirmed her decision to choose UTC.
“I realized through the people that I met that I was definitely led to be here,” she said. “I received opportunities, both in music and in the College of Business, that I do not believe I would have otherwise.”
Opportunities That Opened Unexpected Doors
One unexpected opportunity came early in her academic career through a campus career fair.
“I just went to the career fair on a whim my freshman year,” Anna Grace said.
Although many employers focused on upper‑class students, one organization took the time to listen.
“They took time to listen to me, and they actually seemed interested in what I wanted to say,” she said.
That conversation led to an internship at Unum—an experience that grew into a full‑time opportunity following graduation.
While balancing coursework, commuting from Ringgold, and extracurricular involvement, Anna Grace said time management became a learned skill—especially as she joined marching band for the first time. Her academic journey in business management was shaped not by a love of coursework alone, but by the support of faculty and experiences.
“I really enjoyed taking Organizational Behavior with Randy Evans,” she said, describing the course as people‑focused and aligned with her leadership interests.
Another milestone came when Anna Grace received academic recognition she hadn’t expected.
“I recently found out that I was elected as a member to the Alpha Society,” she said. “That meant a lot to me.”
She was also inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, an international business honor society.
Community and Meaning Through Music
Outside the classroom, Anna Grace found her strongest sense of community through music. Marching band and wind ensemble became central to her UTC experience.
“There were probably close to 140 or 150 members,” she said. “But within the larger band, my section was probably somewhere close to 16, which was the size of my class in high school.”
That smaller community created space for meaningful relationships.
“There’s no way you’re not going to be close with these people,” she said. with friends.
One of her most unforgettable experiences came through the UTC Wind Ensemble’s performance at Carnegie Hall.
“We had the opportunity to perform in Carnegie Hall,” Anna Grace said. “It is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience, and it still doesn’t feel real to this day.”
During the New York City trip, she also rehearsed and performed alongside world‑renowned trombonist Joe Alessi. The ensemble also premiered a commissioned piece during the performance.
“We did the world premiere of a work by Tyler S. Grant,” she said. “We got three standing ovations.”
A College Experience Designed for More Than One Path
Reflecting on her time at UTC, Anna Grace said the university’s structure allowed her to grow in multiple directions at once.
“I’m not so pressured in one area that has to be the only thing that I do,” she said. “I think I’m as well prepared as I can be for the next step.”
Looking ahead, she hopes to make an impact through connection and leadership.
“I just want to come in contact with people and make an impact,” she said. “Just making them feel happy.”
Her advice to future UTC students centers on balance and self‑compassion.
“Give yourself grace,” Anna Grace said. “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself but always try your hardest.”