Our department offers a variety of financial support through scholarships, grants, loans, work studies, and more for qualified undergrad and grad students in need. Some aid is awarded based on merit or financial need, while other forms of financial support, such as loans, may be available to most incoming students.
At the beginning of each spring semester, applications for departmental scholarships and fellowships open. These are announced by Gary Null, Associate Department Head for Undergraduate Affairs and Assistant Professor of Practice.
Internal committees review submissions and select recipients for individual opportunities.
Any questions about scholarships and fellowships, or the application process, should be directed to Null at [email protected].
University Financial Opportunities
First-year undergraduate students who meet the priority application deadline are eligible for scholarships from the college. First-year students do not need to complete a college scholarship form.
Financial support for graduate students is available through graduate assistantships and through several multi-year or single-year fellowships filled on a competitive basis. Head to UT Grad School for more information on the policies regarding graduate assistantships and graduate fellowships.
For more information on additional financial aid opportunities from the college and university, visit the college’s Financial Aid and Scholarships page.
Scholarships
Our department offers several scholarships to continue supporting students with their academic needs.
ISE alumnus Wallace “Dwight” Kessel served the Knoxville community for more than three decades through business investments, political positions, and organization contributions. To honor his alma mater and support aspiring engineers, Kessel and his wife established the Wallace Dwight Kessel Scholarship.
To honor the memory of their son who passed away in a car accident, Mr. and Mrs. Fred S. Vreeland established the Frederick Bickford Vreeland Scholarship. Frederick was an industrial engineering student, following in his father’s footsteps, who was an electrical engineering graduate from UT. This scholarship honors the family’s legacy while supporting future generations of engineering students.
After graduating from UT in 1942 with an industrial engineering degree, Sam Beall Junior eventually began working on the Manhattan Project at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He contributed to the development and design of the atomic bomb and the first nuclear reactors.
Robert “Bob” Johnson, 1968 industrial engineering graduate of the University of Tennessee, spent 12 seasons as center for the Cincinnati Bengals. After retiring from the NFL, Johnson used his degree to pioneer innovative technology for various specialty applications.
Eric Zeanah (ISE ’84), founder American Accessories International, established a scholarship to support future engineers. Zeanah’s contributions to TCE’s programs, facilities, and the student experience have continued to elevate the college’s mission.
The Scott family has an ISE legacy that spans across three generations: Garney Scott Jr. (BS ’62), Garney Scott III (BS ’89), and Ethan Scott (BS ’20). Garney Jr. founded Scepter Inc., the aluminum recycling company, where his son serves as CEO and president. Both elder Scotts were inducted into the department’s Hall of Honor, highlighting the family’s impact on the ISE community.
ISE alumnus Leslie Benmark (BS ’67, MS ’70) has built a career in industry, academia, and global accreditation. Two of her most notable honors include being named the first woman president of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology and being elected into the National Academy of Engineering in 1993.
Former ISE Department Head John Kobza spent his decade of leadership fostering an environment where students felt supported and empowered to succeed in their passions. In addition to improving students’ experience, Kobza helped increase research expenditures, influenced enrollment growth, and fostered a positive departmental culture.
Fellowships
To further encourage research advancement, we have several fellowships students can apply for.
In partnership with his wife, Gloria, ISE alumni Dwight Kessel (BS ’50) established the Dwight and Gloria Kessel Graduate Fellowship, further solidifying their support of the university and college. As a businessman and politician in the Knoxville community, Kessel used his influence and passion to help future engineers reach their goals.
ISE alumnus Charles “Chad” Holliday Jr. (BS ’70) began his career at DuPont and guided the company as CEO toward sustainable innovation. Holliday has been honored with several professional distinctions, including being elected to the National Academy of Engineering, one of the highest honors given to engineers. He continues to influence industry and policy through advisory roles.
UT alumnus and former faculty member William G. Sullivan (BS ’64) built a distinguished academic career through influential research, writing textbooks, and teaching at UT and Virginia Tech. Due to Sullivan’s passion on mentoring graduate students, his children established the Dr. William G. Sullivan Endowed Graduate Fund, continuing his engineering legacy.
Continuing his family’s legacy at UT and fueling his passion for philanthropy, ISE alumnus John D. “Spike” Tickle II (BS ’87) established the Spike Tickle STEM Endowed Engineering Fellowship to support engineering graduate students. Tickle II served at Strongwell for decades as general manager and president; now he serves as chairman and on the board of directors, remaining closely connected to the workplace that shaped his family’s commitment to engineering excellence.