The Tech Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve Dr. Katie Aikens as the next Vice President of Student Affairs at TTU.
“I look forward to the opportunity to serve our students in this way, to serve our student affairs team and really, Tennessee Tech as a whole,” Aikens said.
“It’s an opportunity I’m very excited about. I’m excited to get started. And I have some big plans for enhancing student life and student engagement on campus and also maintaining the well-being of our students through counseling and health services. So, I’m just really excited for the opportunity to really start the work in earnest.”
Braxton Westbrook, Tennessee Tech student trustee and graduate student, spoke in strong support of Dr. Aiken’s nomination to be the next leader of student affairs and thanked President Phil Oldham for nominating her.
“Aikens has been a great advocate for students on this campus,” Westbrook said.
“I’ve worked with her off and on for several years now, be it in my capacity as an SGA member or as an individual, she has an awesome attitude, truly loves being around students, and I think will do a great job in this position as somebody who’s had the privilege to work with her.”
Board of Trustees Chair Rhedona Rose also spoke highly of Aikens during the approval of her new role.
“I still recall the excitement among the faculty and staff when you were introduced to us as the interim,” Rose said. “It’s definitely reassuring.