Mia Sampson graduates this spring with a degree in Construction Science and Management and a full-time position with JE Dunn in Atlanta.
Where are you from?
I am from Mandeville, Jamaica, but went to boarding school at The Webb School in Bell Buckle, Tennessee.
What drew you to the Herbert College of Agriculture?
Given that home is so far away, I look for a sense of home and belonging regardless of what I am doing, where I am, or the people I surround myself with. Herbert has become my home away from home. I genuinely love my classes, all of the faculty, my classmates, etc.
What is your fondest memory and/or proudest moment as a Vol?
The pride that comes with being a Tennessee Volunteer is my proudest moment. I’m endlessly grateful for the people and experiences that made my college experience everything I hoped for and more. I will always be a Tennessee Volunteer!
How has your academic program set you up for success?
The annual construction science career fair is one of the greatest assets of the construction science and management program. The faculty and staff within the major put forth great effort to build a bridge between students and the industry. They also guide students in their intentional preparation for the career fair.
How did you stay inVOLved during your time here?
I am a current Herbert Ambassador, which has been my biggest highlight of my four years here. It is easy to recruit prospective students when it is easy to talk about Herbert and my life as a student.
Any faculty or staff mentors you want to give a shoutout to?
Sonja Burk is someone who has made Herbert home for me. She is committed to student success and finds efficient ways to accomplish this. She never fails to go above and beyond to ensure all of her students are supported and empowered.
What are your plans after graduation?
I am going to work for general contractor JE Dunn in their Atlanta office as a project engineer.
How has Herbert and UT Knoxville helped prepare you for what comes next?
The support system of faculty and staff here is truly one of a kind and unmatched.
What does being a Volunteer mean to you?
Being a Volunteer means being a part of something bigger. UTK has become my home away from home because of the people, opportunities, and experiences that have shaped me. Now, it’s about giving that feeling back—making sure others feel just as welcomed, supported, and at home as I did.
