- Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Hometown: Murfreesboro, TN
- Graduation Year: May 2025
- E-mail: btickle2@vols.utk.edu
Ambassador Profile
Hello!
My name is Ben Tickle. I’m from Murfreesboro, TN. I am a senior majoring in mechanical engineering with a minor in aerospace engineering.
I was born in Johnson City, TN, and I was a huge Vols fan from a young age. However, those interests waned as I got older, and by the time I was in high school, I was not very passionate about choosing a university or a major. It was a journey to find my place, but I know I’ve found it here at the Tickle College of Engineering. I applied to be an ambassador in my final year at UT because I want to share my college journey with you as you’re hoping (or dreading) to enter yours.
Through UT and the Tickle College of Engineering, I have met so many great people and been met with so many great challenges. I couldn’t express all of the experiences I’ve had in my time here, but I will try to give a brief synopsis of it all.
As a freshman, I participated in multiple IGNITE programs. I joined the 1794 Scholars Program and lived in the Honors and Scholars LLC in Dogwood Hall. I had doubts about my major, but I have ended up loving it and even added a minor. I have tried out all kinds of clubs and activities and eventually found and stuck with the Formula SAE team at Pellissippi State Community College. I never thought I would want to study abroad, but I studied for three weeks in Italy, through TCE, the summer before my junior year and loved it. Last summer, I had a blast interning at Mastercraft Boat Company after meeting one of their engineers at the TCE Engineering Expo. I am a lifelong athlete, and I was a part of a state championship winning cross country team in high school. In college, I’ve gotten the ability to branch out and try all kinds of sports, casually and competitively, through UT’s intramural programs. I’ve struggled and doubted myself so much on my journey, but I’ve met so many great professors, mentors, teaching assistants, and friends that have struggled alongside me and helped me accomplish my goals. And of course, there are all the amazing memories of football games.
UT and TCE have so much to offer. There are so many great people and organizations, and so many memories to be made. I know myself, my friends here, and the other TCE ambassadors have experienced a lot, so if you have any doubts, concerns, hopes, or dreams, feel free to reach out and talk to us about those. I signed up for this job because I’m passionate about this place, and I’d love to help you find your passion here on Rocky Top. But if this isn’t “Home Sweet Home” to you, that’s alright too.
Go Vols!
