Kenzie Herd knew she would be the first person in her family to graduate from college—that was never a question in her mind. When she graduated from Giles County High School in 2011, she already had all the details worked out to go to school in Knoxville. However, Kenzie started really analyzing the financial commitment of college and decided to take a look at Martin Methodist College (now the University of Tennessee Southern) .

“I honestly thought I couldn’t afford UTS (formerly MMC),” said Kenzie. “But when I was told about all the scholarships I could get, the decision to stay at home in Pulaski was simple.”

Just a few days before leaving Pulaski, Kenzie canceled everything in Knoxville and didn’t look back. “I would make the same decision again if I had to do it all over. UTS (formerly MMC) was where I needed to be. My teachers were wonderful, always willing to lend a helping hand to ensure my success. I would never have gotten that kind of personal attention at a larger school,” Kenzie explained.

Attending UTS (formerly MMC) changed Kenzie’s life in ways she never imagined. The internship she had with Magneti Marelli through UTS (formerly MMC) turned into a full-time job after she graduated in 2015, and she has gone from small town girl to world traveler as a buyer with the international car parts manufacturing company.

I love my job, and I love UTS (formerly MMC)! I feel like I’m living a dream, and I am where I am because of UTS (formerly MMC).

I want to thank all the generous people who provide resources for the scholarships that make an education at UTS (formerly MMC) affordable for everyone.

Kenzie has returned to UTS (formerly MMC) and is currently enrolled in the MBA Program.