Lisa Byrd is the assistant director for Engineering Advising. As an active academic advisor, she meets with students to help them plan their academic careers in the college.

“I also supervise the Engineering Student Ambassador organization and train new advisors,” she said. “I participate in new student orientation and assist with assessment of advising in the college.”

Byrd helps coordinate recruiting activities for the college and oversees the engineering campus tours, so she might be among the first people new Engineering Vols encounter.

“I thoroughly enjoy working with students to help them imagine their futures,” said Byrd. “It is rewarding to help students explore some of the many opportunities here. I love seeing them set and achieve their goals. Our students are so incredibly impressive and I love being part of their journey.”

Her own journey brought her to Tennessee more than 20 years ago after growing up in Bossier City, Louisiana. She traveled a bit building her education before arriving at Rocky Top.

“I earned my Bachelor’s degree in English from Rhodes College in Memphis and my Master’s degree in English from Georgetown University in Washington, DC,” said Byrd. “I began a PhD program in English here at UT, but a graduate assistantship in the Arts and Sciences Advising office led me to Academic Advising as a career.”

She joined TCE as a graduate assistant in 2007, became a full-time advisor in 2008, and then Assistant Director in 2012.

Outside of the whirlwind world of advising, campus tours, and supervising TCE Ambassadors, Byrd enjoys relaxing pastimes like reading and knitting.