Tennessee Tech’s Trailblazers campus visit program marks five years of personalized student tours
Photo credit: Tennessee Tech
Tennessee Tech University’s Trailblazers program, designed to personalize campus visits and build connections with prospective students, will enter its fifth year this fall.
Launched in September 2021 under Tennessee Tech President Phil Oldham, the program matches current students with prospective students and their families for one-on-one campus tours. Trailblazers also attend recruitment events to help prospective students explore their interests and intended majors.
Oldham says the program reflects the university’s commitment to keeping students at the center of its efforts. “We always say that, at Tennessee Tech, we put students first. The Trailblazers program was another way that we could put action behind that mantra,” Oldham says. “We want prospective students to know they will always be more than just a number here at Tennessee Tech. Even as our enrollment continues to grow, we find ways to reach students on a personal level and build community so that no one is lost in the crowd. That’s what Trailblazers are all about.”
Building connections on campus
Since its creation, more than 250 students have served as Trailblazers. As the program expanded, competition for Trailblazer roles has increased, with applicants selected for their ability to connect with others and represent the university authentically.
Peyton Land, campus visits and events coordinator, says Trailblazers help prospective students see what life at Tech is really like. “Trailblazers are truly some of the brightest and most inspiring students on campus – the perfect representation of what it means to live ‘wings up,’” Land says. “When prospective students meet and interact with our Trailblazers, it adds a genuine, relatable and welcoming touch to their visit that helps them envision themselves as part of the Tech community.”
Beyond campus tours, Trailblazers share their experiences during open houses and special events. Families often note that meeting a current student helps shape their decision-making. “We consistently hear how valuable the one-on-one tours are,” adds Land. “Visitors appreciate being able to talk directly with a current student, and many have told us that the connection they made with their Trailblazer helped solidify their decision to choose Tech. That personalized experience really leaves a lasting impression.”
Trailblazers receive early registration, scholarship opportunities, and exclusive Tennessee Tech merchandise in return for their service. For many, the role becomes a defining part of their college experience.
Kelsey Hewitt, a senior and former Student Government Association president, has served as a Trailblazer since 2023. She describes the role as meaningful: “[It] allows me to remember all the wonderful things that Tennessee Tech brought to me. Making connections, friends and learning new things is always something that I will hold close to my heart from this experience.”
Applications for the fall 2025 Trailblazer class are closed, but spring 2026 applications will open in October.
