Featured Image: Students pose at the Future Skyhawk Reception on January 20, 2026 in the University Center Ballroom. (Photo Credit / University Relations)

The University of Tennessee at Martin offers an incredible opportunity for prospective students by bringing UT Martin directly to them.

These events, designed specifically for future Skyhawks and their families, are called the Future Skyhawk Receptions. At these reception nights, students have the chance to meet professors from their future academic colleges, chat with helpful campus resources ranging from financial aid to nursing, connect with student life representatives, meet other future Skyhawks and even be entered to win various scholarships aimed at helping fund their education.

A total of six reception nights are scheduled to take place in various areas across Tennessee, including Jackson, Dyersburg, Memphis, Franklin and Martin. The second reception on Wednesday, Jan. 21, on the UT Martin campus was an overwhelming success.

When asked about the importance of reception nights at UT Martin, Addison Williams, a freshman studying criminal justice and political science who currently serves as a Student Orientation and Registration (SOAR) leader, shared her perspective.

“I believe these events are important, as I did not go to my first reception night,” Williams said. “This opportunity not only gives students the chance to learn more about UT Martin, but it also allows me to meet new students and give them the experience I never got to have.”

Students who attend these reception nights are accepted UT Martin students. Alexis Barnes is one of these students and aspires to attend UT Martin to study veterinary science. When asked what she hoped to gain from the reception night, Barnes explained that she “wants to understand what field of study I want to go into as it relates to my interests and how UT Martin will help me achieve my career aspirations.”

Events like these would not be possible without the dedication of SOAR leaders and the staff within the UT Martin Office of Admissions. Sydney Roney, the current Admissions Outreach Coordinator, holds events like these especially close to her heart.

“I value nights like these,” Roney said, “because it is a great way to meet face to face with students and have those students meet face-to-face with their future professors.” She went on to explain that seeing students outside of a classroom setting and bringing UT Martin directly to them allows for genuine connections to be created.

With just four more reception nights being offered during the spring semester, it is clear that these events not only help students learn more about UT Martin as a whole, they but also allow them to gain a greater understanding of the kind of people they can become as part of the Skyhawk community. 

Remaining reception nights will take place in Dyersburg, Tennessee at The Lannom Center on Feb. 2, Jackson, Tennessee at the Madison Downs Venue on Feb. 4 at 6:00, Memphis, Tennessee at the Litchterman Nature Center on Feb. 12 and in Franklin, Tennessee at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs on Feb. 17. All reception nights will begin at 6:00 p.m.

To RSVP for a reception, visit https://www.utm.edu/visit-ut-martin/future-skyhawk-reception.php .