Ted McWilliams appointed Director of Student Success for Tennessee Tech College of Engineering
Tennessee Tech University’s College of Engineering is pleased to announce the appointment
of Ted McWilliams as its new Director of Student Success. In this role, McWilliams
will oversee the Student Success Center, which plays a pivotal role in supporting
the academic and personal success of the college’s students, fostering a dynamic environment
for learning, leadership, and student life. McWilliams joined the college this month.
With more than 25 years of leadership experience in both higher education and community organizations, McWilliams brings a wealth of expertise in student engagement, recruitment, and support.
Most recently, he served as the Interim Director of Admissions at Tennessee Tech, where he managed a team of admissions counselors, coordinated the university's dual enrollment initiatives, and led the university’s high school and community relations for undergraduate recruitment. During his seven-year tenure in admissions, McWilliams also developed training programs for new admissions counselors and streamlined various admissions operations to better support staff and improve efficiency.
“I am very excited about continuing in service to students,” said McWilliams. “During my time in admissions, my primary focus was 'telling the story' of this incredible institution and how it fits so many students as their best college choice. Now, in engineering, I get to work with a fantastic group of folks who are dedicated to making each student's experience at Tech the best it can be.”
The Student Success Center, under McWilliams' leadership, will continue to provide vital services such as academic advising, peer tutoring, peer mentoring, scholarship programs and supplemental instruction. The center will also continue with its innovative academic success programs like the Reinforced Advanced Math Placement (RAMP) program and Grand Challenge Scholars Program. McWilliams will oversee additional center activities that engage students with meaningful student life and leadership experiences, such as the Student Ambassador program, the residence hall dedicated to engineering and computer science students, and various initiatives that enhance the student experience, including support for student organizations.
In addition to supporting current students, McWilliams will be instrumental in coordinating outreach programs like the Explorations in Engineering and Computing Summer Camp and the college's prospective and transfer student recruitment efforts. His appointment comes at a time of exciting growth and expansion for the College of Engineering, which continues to emphasize excellence in both academics and student life.
McWilliams’ comprehensive background in education and local organizations, paired with his enthusiasm and commitment to students, positions him well to lead the College of Engineering’s student success mission of providing an exceptional student experience, said Joseph C. Slater, Ph.D., dean of the College of Engineering.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ted McWilliams to college,” he said. “Ted’s diverse experience and passion for Tennessee Tech students, and his infectious positive attitude, make him an excellent fit for this role. His leadership will undoubtedly elevate the services and programs that help our students thrive, both academically and personally.”
McWilliams holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in management information systems from Tennessee Tech, and has a long history of community involvement. Before his tenure in higher education, McWilliams built a significant career in the real estate and auction industries, serving as an Auctioneer, Broker, and IT & Marketing Director for several realty and auction firms; co-owned Cookeville’s Poets Coffeehouse and Daily Grind Coffeehouse in the early 2000s; and served in various leadership roles, including as Executive Director for the Susan G. Komen Upper Cumberland Affiliate and the Putnam County YMCA. He remains an active member of several local boards and organizations, including the Putnam County Regional Planning Commission and the Cookeville Noon Rotary Club.
For more information about the Student Success Center and its programs, please visit tntech.edu/engineering/ssc.