Kayla Stuart of Knoxville, Tennessee, is graduating from the Herbert College of Agriculture School of Natural Resources with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry. As the mother of two daughters, life felt hectic from time to time. But with the support she received from her family and the Herbert community, Kayla was able to fully immerse herself in the challenges and rewards of being a full-time forestry student.
How would you describe your experience in the Herbert College of Agriculture?
I started as a full-time student in the Spring of 2021 after leaving my career as an LPN. I am also the mother of two daughters, Ryah, 14, and Poppi, 7. I was nervous about taking a leap into another career path, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. I am fortunate to have my partner Chris, who has continuously supported me throughout my time at UT, because most days it felt like I was juggling 15 bowling pins at a time!
I had a lot of love and support from my family which made my home life smoother so I could fully experience UTIA, which has been absolutely phenomenal. I have met lifelong friends, networked with and learned from countless professors, and learned more than I could have imagined. Navigating campus was by far the biggest challenge, but once I got the hang of how to get around it was smooth from then on. Overall, I have really enjoyed being at the Herbert College of Agriculture. I am looking forward to pursuing my master’s degree here as well.
What was your favorite class and/or who is your favorite professor?
Choosing my favorite class/professor is like asking a mother to choose her favorite child. It’s not possible. What I can tell you is that the professor that made the most profound impact on me was Dr. Sharon Jean-Philippe. As my advisor, she gave me every single tool I needed to execute my goals and always pushed me to exceed even my own expectations. She made it possible for me to develop professionally by having me participate in countless enriching forestry conferences, programs and internships. I never had to question her intentions and didn’t take any extraneous classes to finish my degree! I feel very confident and comfortable in my ability to secure a career within Urban Forestry due to all the connections and networking I’ve done during my time at UT.
Dr. David Buckley was also instrumental in my success. He was the faculty advisor for Forestry Club where I served as an officer for two years and wrote me countless recommendation letters in support of my ventures.
What is one of your favorite memories during your time at UT?
I have SO MANY, but one of my favorites was being hired on as an intern at the Tennessee Champion Tree Program through UT. I was able to work with the most incredible people that are now some of my closest friends. I will forever hold CT and our small student group near and dear to my heart. Through the TN Champion Tree Program, I got to travel the entire state to measure all the nominated trees in Tennessee and meet wonderful tree enthusiasts. I was lucky enough to have conversations about their memories, tree history and how passionate they are about preservation of their glorious, giant trees. It really solidified my career path in urban forestry.
How has being a Herbert student impacted your life?
Being a Herbert student has opened me up to numerous learning opportunities and friendships. I’m thankful I chose forestry because of how wonderful my experience has been at Herbert.
What are your plans for after graduation?
After graduation I’ll continue attending the University of Tennessee in pursuit of a master’s degree and continue working on the Tennessee Champion Tree Program. I will also be going to Memphis this fall to teach and learn about how removed urban trees can be used in a circular economy and boost economically distressed communities through workforce development. I feel empowered and fortunate to have the support needed to reach the goals I’ve set for myself.
