Jeremiah Taylor will graduate from UTC with his degree in civil engineering on Saturday, Dec. 14. Photo courtesy of Jeremiah Taylor.
When Jeremiah Taylor was in high school at the Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences, attending college at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga wasn’t on his list of plans.
“I really didn’t want to be across the street for another four years,” Taylor said.
He chose the University of Memphis, but after two years of online classes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he decided to return home.
On Saturday, Dec. 14, Taylor will graduate from UTC with his degree in civil engineering. Reflecting on his experience at the University, he said he wouldn’t change a thing.
“UTC embraced me,” he said. “From the moment I transferred, I felt supported by the people here—whether it was professors, staff or fellow students.”
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Taylor didn’t hesitate when it came to finding his place on campus. In his first week at UTC, he helped prospective students by becoming a tour guide.
“I’m a huge advocate for college and for people to find their passion,” he said. “For a lot of students, it’s a nerve-wracking experience, and I enjoy showing them that there’s a place for everyone here.”
He also joined the Eta Beta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, which he became president of in 2023. He described his role as a “humbling experience.”
Jeremiah Taylor
“I’ve learned so much about connecting better with students on campus, being more available and working with other Greek life organizations beyond my own,” he said. “It’s been fun and a major growth opportunity for my leadership skills in so many ways.
“When you’re so passionate about leading and making an impact, it’s important to stay focused and ensure you’re leaving a lasting legacy.”
As a civil engineering student—an academic path he chose due to his math abilities—it was Taylor’s mission to help others within his major reach their full potential.
He decided to join the National Society of Black Engineers, another organization he later became president of. The society, founded in 1975, provides members with leadership training, professional development, mentoring and career placement.
As president, he worked to organize events such as workshops, guest speakers and career development activities.
“Being president kept me busy, but it was so rewarding,” he said. “It was all about creating a safe space where we could stay connected and support each other—not just with academics but as people.”
He also served as a First Year Experience mentor, in which he helped to support and connect first-year students on campus.
“I’ve always been the kind of person who wants to help others whenever I can, and that’s exactly what this role was about,” he said. “It was all about building relationships and figuring out how to be the kind of support someone needs, even if they don’t know how to ask for it.”
These are just a few of Taylor’s involvements at UTC. He also sang in the Littleton H. Mason Singers gospel choir, was a member of Brother 2 Brother—a national student organization that supports the academic and personal success of African American and Hispanic/Latino males—and served as an engineering ambassador.
“College is one of those times where you figure out your values and what really matters to you,” he said. “Through everything I’ve been involved in, I’ve learned so much about myself.
“Getting involved helped me push myself and find out who I am. It’s been a great experience—probably the biggest part of my college experience—and now I feel like I’m ready for the next chapter.”
After earning his degree, Taylor will begin working as a civil engineer at Kimley-Horn, an international engineering design firm in Chattanooga. He said his ultimate goal is to become a general contractor and help build homes for people in need.
Thinking back to his first few weeks at UTC, he recalled those who provided immediate mentorship when he needed it most, such as Multicultural Affairs Assistant Director Christopher Stokes.
“I went to the office, met him, and the rest was history,” he said. “From then he plugged me into different organizations.
“The (Multicultural Center) is the reason why I’ve been so involved and active—and I can say that after two and a half years, I feel like I’ve made my mark here at UTC and made the most of it, even though I transferred here.”
Stokes commended Taylor for his willingness to participate in a wide range of campus organizations and activities.
“Jeremiah Taylor has made a tremendous impact as a transfer to UTC,” Stokes said. “He immediately jumped in within his first week as a volunteer within our department and explored areas on how he could connect to campus.
“He has become a favorite for many students, faculty and staff for his courage, determination, genuine personality and sincerity. I admire his ability to show up and take initiative in his academic and professional career.”
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Milestones and memories: McKenzie Arena to host UTC commencement ceremonies Friday and Saturday
