Featured Image: Ella Self on the University of Tennessee at Martin campus. (Provided Photo)

Some may know her as the Student Government Association (SGA) President-elect, or as a proud member of Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA), but Ella Self is a multifaceted student who has connections to all areas of campus life. 

Self is a rising senior from Somerville, Tennessee, with a major in graphic design and a minor in marketing. Self was a UT Martin student long before she ever set foot on campus.

“As a high school student, I was able to take UT Martin classes at the UT Martin Somerville center, and that was a great experience,” said Self. 

Self also attended the governor’s school program the summer before she would become an official student living on the main campus, getting the opportunity to get accustomed to the dorms and campus life of UT Martin. Both of these experiences heavily influenced her choice to become a Skyhawk and pursue further education at UT Martin. 

Since joining the university, she has been the textbook example of involved, from Greek life connections through ZTA and Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society to maintaining her commitment to University Scholars, the Student Alumni Council and SGA. She is also a member of the League of Striving Artists (LSA), an organization that promotes art through academics, community, leadership and service. Her membership in LSA helps her stay connected with her passion for graphic design as more than just a means of making money. 

ZTA has become a large part of Self’s college experience, helping her create long-lasting friendships and unforgettable memories.

“Being a part of ZTA has shaped my college experience in every way,” said Self. “All of my best friends are in ZTA. It even connected me to SGA in the beginning as my sorority sisters, Faith Pilkington and Madeleine Griffey, were the SGA President and Vice President when I first got to college.” 

ZTA is also a huge part of Self’s life outside of school, with her sisters, Emma and Darby, both being members as well. 

Self has left a lasting impact on the people around her in many ways. Director of Student Leadership and Campus Culture Kameron Echols, who also works as one of SGA’s advisors, described Self as someone who is committed and consistent, no matter the job or task. Echols said she has a clear vision of what she wants to accomplish and sets a thoughtful game plan to make sure it happens. She is driven and motivated, but also demonstrates a level of self-awareness that many leaders take years to develop, knowing when and how to ask for support rather than trying to do everything on her own. 

One big responsibility of Self’s current role as SGA Vice President is to be the student advisor for the SGA Freshman Council. The group is composed of freshmen and first-year students, and being a member of the SGA Freshman Council gives them the chance to interact with each other and push for change on campus.

“She understands firsthand how the Freshman Council experience can lay the foundation for a student’s entire leadership journey at UTM,” said Echols. “She uses her own experiences to inspire the council, encouraging them not only in meetings but also through personal, one-on-one communication when they face challenges planning their spring project or struggle with managing their time. No matter the situation, she shows up for the council, and that kind of consistent, genuine investment is what keeps people motivated and committed to the work.”

Self has been able to accomplish a lot within her short time at UT Martin, but she emphasized the importance of living in the moment. 

“Some of my favorite memories are from living with my roommates Emma, Lillian and Kaitlyn,” said Self. “We honestly have had the best times just sitting in the living room and talking over a movie or TV show, and those really are some of my favorite memories.” 

Self is preparing to take over the role of SGA President for the 2026-2027 school year, along with preparing for her graduation in May 2027. She wants to jump into the workforce using both components of her degree, along with being able to expand and improve her skills. 

Self offered words of encouragement to her fellow UT Martin students, stressing the importance of getting involved while in college.

“I would love to just tell students to get involved,” said Self. “Joining even one club on campus gives you so many opportunities for meeting new people and doing all different types of community service.  These things are what really matter most about making college something you enjoy, and so I would love to encourage people to take that leap of faith and get involved.”