Office of Student Success
375 Zeanah Engineering Complex
823 Neyland Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996
Phone: 865-974-9401
Email: [email protected]
Team
Interested in engineering or ready to learn more about the growing discipline? The Office of Student Success (OSS) team is ready to talk to you! With years of experience working in the community, K-12 schools, and higher education admissions, the OSS team is here to support you on your engineering discovery journey!
Staff
Anne Skutnik
Director of Student Success
- Phone: 865-974-9401
- Email: [email protected]
Biography
Anne Skutnik is the Director of Student Success for TCE. Her role encompasses outreach, recruitment, and retention initiatives within the college. This includes planning outreach events and opportunities for K-12 students, coordinating teacher professional development opportunities, collaborating with community organizations like 4-H, and recruiting students to the college. She served as the education and outreach coordinator at CURENT since 2017, helping plan its K-12 and university programs. Skutnik has a PhD in Learning Environments and Educational Studies from UT. In a previous life, she was a middle grades social studies teacher. In her spare time, Skutnik likes to start crafting projects and never finish them and watch her two children make obstacle courses in their basement.
Thomas Cox
Student Success Recruiter
- Phone: 865-974-1981
- Email: [email protected]
Biography
Thomas Cox joined the Tickle College of Engineering in December 2025. Before coming to TCE, he worked at the College of Architecture + Design and UT’s One Stop Student Services. Cox attended UT for undergrad, where he double majored in english and history, and earned a Master of Arts in teaching from Tusculum University. Outside of work, Thomas is always thinking about games: video games, board games, roleplaying games, and even sports.
Mayte Gonzalez
Student Success Coordinator
- Phone: 865-974-2319
- Email: [email protected]
Biography
Mayte Gonzalez is the Student Success Coordinator in the Tickle College of Engineering, where she supports outreach and recruitment initiatives that connect prospective and current students to engineering pathways. Gonzalez joined the Tickle College of Engineering in January 2026 and holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Baylor University, bringing experience in biochemistry research, student mentoring, outreach coordination, and inclusive STEM programming. Her work has included developing accessible laboratory experiences for blind and visually impaired students and supporting initiatives that broaden participation in science education. Drawing from her experience as a first-generation college graduate, Gonzalez is committed to fostering belonging and supporting student success across diverse pathways. In her free time, she enjoys going to the gym, trying new hobbies, and crafting.
Madison Grant
Peer Learning and Leadership Coordinator
- Phone: 865-974-9401
- Email: [email protected]
Biography
Madison Grant is a proud alumna from the University of Tennessee. Upon graduating, she spent 6 years working for a local nonprofit serving urban youth, where she planned events, camps, and ran an after-school program. In her free time, Grant enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and dog, reading, gardening, and serving the community.
Sarah Patton
Transfer Outreach Coordinator
- Email: [email protected]
Biography
Sarah Patton is the Transfer Outreach Coordinator at the Tickle College of Engineering within the Student Success Department. In this role, she develops and manages recruitment initiatives to support transfer students and those pursuing the Applied Engineering degree program, ensuring they have the resources needed for a successful transition. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from East Tennessee State University and a Master’s degree from James Madison University. Before joining UT, Patton spent over 11 years as a high school counselor in Knox County Schools, where she gained extensive experience in student advising and academic planning. Outside of work, Patton enjoys traveling with her husband and two teenage daughters, spending time outdoors with their pets, and cheering on the VOLS!
Ashlyn Riley
Assistant Director of Student Success
- Phone: 865-974-4964
- Email: [email protected]
Biography
Ashlyn Riley is the Assistant Director of Student Success for the Tickle College of Engineering. Serving as the primary liaison between prospective students and the college, she also creates and fosters partnerships with high school counselors, alumni, community college partners, and the community. Ashlyn is a proud alumna of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, graduating from the university with both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Prior to joining TCE, Riley served as an Admissions Counselor in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions where she recruited and counseled prospective first-year students while also serving as an Assistant Director of the Volunteer Team. When she’s not recruiting, Riley enjoys reading a good book, traveling with her husband, and exploring the mountains of East Tennessee.