Adam Prescott has been named the executive director of advancement in the Tickle College of Engineering, effective May 13.

Prescott, a University of Tennessee graduate, brings a wealth of expertise, experience, and energy to this role. He most recently served as senior director of regional programs at the University of Georgia (UGA).

“I am a proud Tennessee graduate and I am thrilled for the opportunity to return to Rocky Top,” Prescott said. “The Tickle College of Engineering is a vital part of the University of Tennessee and the organization is making tremendous progress to better serve their students, their faculty, and this state. To join the Tickle College at this moment of its history is an incredible opportunity for me both personally and professionally. It is obvious that the alumni and donors who support this college are some of the most generous and loyal supporters in the country and I consider it an honor to have the opportunity to work alongside of them, Dean Mench, and our advancement team to help the college reach its goals.”

Prescott has built a career in higher education and advancement, starting as an admissions counselor at Murray State University, a graduate intern in the UT System Office of the President, and a development intern in the UT College of Law. At UGA, he advanced in roles in both major gift fundraising and annual giving, where he often helped complete successful turnarounds of failing fundraising efforts. Most prominently, he redesigned a new regional development officer team after ten years of lackluster success and built the team into one of the highest performing groups at UGA. In addition, he managed the development efforts for the UGA Office of the Vice President for Instruction, helping the organization raise $80 million and surpass their fundraising goal by 26%.

Prescott earned his master’s degree at UT in college student personnel in 2013. As the son of an engineer, he is eager to return to his alma mater and begin serving an important role for TCE and the university.

“We look forward to working together with him as we move our university from good to great and strategically position the Tickle College of Engineering to make an even more significant impact on the state and the globe through world-class research, education, and outreach programs,” Dean and Wayne T. Davis Chair of the college Matthew Mench said. “We extend our gratitude to Blake Hudson for his service as interim executive director over the past eight months. We also want to thank Adlai Hurt for his increased oversight of major gift fundraising for the college during this interim time.”

Prescott will be leading a dynamic team that has built upon past accomplishments and gained momentum toward new levels of engagement and fundraising success.

“My vision is for us to be the premier fundraising organizations on campus and for our advancement office to have an extremely collaborative culture in all facets,” Prescott said. “I want our group to be very supportive of the college and the university as we all work together to move Tennessee forward.”

Prescott was raised early on by a single father and grew up on a college campus attending classes with his dad at Murray State. The experience planted a seed that blossomed into a career path in higher education.

“I am very proud of my story. I think it really resonates well with students and alumni who come from a different background,” Prescott said. “As young child, I was able to watch my dad not only complete his degree as a non-traditional student, but graduate with honors while providing a great childhood for me. Through that experience, he showed me the importance of higher education and I am proud to now help others achieve their dreams through my work in philanthropy.”

Prescott and his wife, Whitney, have a 4-year-old daughter, Ellie, and a second daughter due in August. The family enjoys the outdoors and hiking. Prescott recently began mountain biking and looks forward to exploring more of the Smokies once he returns to Knoxville.

Although he worked at UGA, Prescott remained a loyal UT fan and cheered for the Vols and Lady Vols at every sporting event.

“One of my proudest accomplishments is raising my daughter to be a Vol fan while living in Georgia,” Prescott said. “She sings ‘Rocky Top’ at daycare while all the kids are barking at her. It’s a dream come true for her that we are moving to Knoxville.”

Contact

Rhiannon Potkey (865-974-0683, rpotkey@utk.edu)