A program designed to reimagine and personalize Tennessee Tech University’s approach to campus visits will enter its fifth year during the coming semester.

Launched in September 2021, Tech’s “Trailblazers” initiative pairs top current students with prospective students and their families for one-on-one campus tours. Trailblazers also interact with prospective students at various campus events throughout the year, all with the goal of building meaningful connections with future Golden Eagles.

The program was created at the direct request of Tech President Phil Oldham with an eye on tailoring the campus visit experience for each prospective student by focusing on their interests and intended major.

“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,” said Oldham. “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.”

Today, more than 250 Golden Eagles have served as Trailblazers. As campus leaders reflect on the program’s success, they are also doubling down on a personalized approach to student recruitment for the future.

“Trailblazers are truly some of the brightest and most inspiring students on campus – the perfect representation of what it means to live ‘wings up,’” said Peyton Land, campus visits and events coordinator for Tech. “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.”

Land explains that, as the pool of Trailblazer applicants has grown each year, the selection process has become more competitive.

“We look for energetic, outgoing students who are passionate about Tennessee Tech and eager to share their experience,” said Land. “Involvement on campus is important, but what really stands out is their ability to connect with others and their excitement about helping future Golden Eagles find their place at Tech.”

Kelsey Hewitt, a Tech senior and former Student Government Association president who has served as a Trailblazer since 2023, calls her role in the program “a constant piece of my college experience that I cherish so dearly.”

“[It] allows me to remember all the wonderful things that Tennessee Tech brought to me,” she added. “Making connections, friends and learning new things is always something that I will hold close to my heart from this experience.”

According to Land, beyond positive feedback from Trailblazers like Hewitt, he also hears from parents and families who say that the program enhanced their visitor experience.

“We consistently hear how valuable the one-on-one tours are,” he explained. “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.”

In return for their service and commitment to campus, Trailblazers receive early registration, scholarship opportunities and exclusive Tech swag. 

While applications for the fall 2025 Trailblazer class are now closed, the university will open applications for spring 2026 beginning this October. Prospective Tech students can meet current Trailblazers and sign up for their own VIP campus tour at https://www.tntech.edu/trailblazers.