Home > Herbert College Connections

Herbert College Connections

The Herbert College of Agriculture continuously strives to see students experience both academic and professional success. As such, we provide incoming/first-year students with opportunities to participate in our Herbert College Connections Program, in two phases – The Herbert College Connections Early Access Program and The Herbert College Connections First-Year Mentoring Program. Both initiatives provide underrepresented students with successful skills for future achievement within the agricultural industry. Through your engagement in both initiatives, you’ll have a chance to meet fellow peers from across America, connect with faculty and staff, participate in social and recreational programs, and acquire vital skills to success academically, personally, and professionally! Below, you’ll find information regarding both initiatives, and we hope that you will sign up and participate! If you have any questions regarding either or both initiatives, please feel free to contact Dr. Craig Pickett, Jr., Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, at cpicket@utk.edu. 

The Herbert College Connections Early Access Program provides incoming underrepresented Herbert students with a chance to move into their residence hall one week earlier than their peers and participate in a myriad of programs, field trips, and social/recreational activities to promote academic, personal, and professional success. The Early Access Program is a noncredit, invitation-only, accelerated fall early access program designed to assist incoming underrepresented freshman with a smooth transition to the University of Tennessee and the Herbert College of Agriculture. This five-day experience serves as a FREE opportunity for students to engage with peers from across America and obtain the necessary skills for future success. Over the course of the week, participants will do the following:

  1. Move-In: Participants will be able to move into their residence hall a full-week earlier than their peers
  2. Meals: All meals during that week will be FREE for participants
  3. Student Success Initiatives: Engage with exceptional staff from across the institution to help you map out future plans regarding your academic, personal, and professional goals
  4. Career Development: Engage with professional staff members and develop action plans regarding internships, research opportunities, graduate/veterinary school options, and additional career goals 
  5. International Education: Meet with Faculty and learn about various global agricultural opportunities across the world for future engagement as Herbert College students
  6. Employer Site Visits: Visit some of the leading Agricultural companies in the region to help develop your goals for future success as a STEM professional
  7. Social/Recreational Goals: Participate in fun and FREE social and recreational activities with your peers during the week (with past events including bowling, skating, “Escape Rooms,” theme parks, etc. 

How to Apply:

If you have any questions regarding the application, please contact Dr. Craig Pickett, Jr. at cpicket3@utk.edu. 

The Herbert College Connections First-Year Mentoring Program provides first-year underrepresented students and newly transferred underrepresented students with vital professional development training for their long-term success. The program provides participants with the necessary training, coaching, and career development competencies to ensure their success in some of the nation’s top agricultural industries. Through their engagement in the program, students acquire vital information regarding summer internships, externships, research opportunities, study abroad programs, and graduate school preparation. In addition, participants will engage in fun social/recreational programs to ensure their continued success while at the University of Tennessee.

Over the course of the first-year, participants will receive the following benefits:

  1. Upperclassman Herbert Mentor – Participants will be matched with a Herbert College student mentor to provide guidance and support regarding academic ambitions, career goals, campus engagement and more! 
  2. Professional Development – Engage in professional development workshops and sessions with both trained professionals and agricultural experts from some of the top companies within Tennessee regarding future career opportunities and tips for success
  3. Social/Recreational Gatherings – Participate in free monthly social and recreational gatherings and trips throughout Tennessee and East Tennessee

How to Apply:

If you have any questions regarding the application, please contact Dr. Craig Pickett, Jr. at cpicket3@utk.edu. 

Faculty and Staff Resources

Herbert College of Agriculture Bylaws
Herbert College of Agriculture Logo