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Coffee County native helps lead program at Tennessee Tech

A Coffee County native will help lead Tennessee Tech University’s annual Student Orientation Advisement and Registration (SOAR) sessions this summer as part of the new class of student orientation assistants.

Anna Johnson, a sophomore elementary education major from Manchester, is one of 17 student leaders, known as “SOAs,” who will guide incoming freshmen through the two-day SOAR sessions, which are underway now and continuing through July 30.

During SOAR, admitted freshmen can learn about student life on campus, finalize information for their academic major, set a class schedule for the fall semester and forge connections with new classmates.

“SOAs truly make Tennessee Tech’s SOAR program what it is. Not only does their role include being a welcoming and friendly face for our new students and parents, but they also help facilitate the orientation experience,” said Courtney Brehm, director of New Student & Family Programs at Tech. “It’s an important, competitive student leadership position on campus and we are proud to have Anna as part of this year’s group.”

Johnson said that, as an SOA, she enjoys, “Sharing my love of Tennessee Tech with the upcoming students and also getting to know them on an individual level.”

Recalling her own journey to campus, Johnson says “When I stepped foot on campus for the first time, Tech felt like home.”

“Everyone was so kind and thoughtful,” she added. “It was palpable that the staff wanted all upcoming students to not only academically succeed at Tech but also thrive as people.”

As incoming students and their parents make plans to attend SOAR this summer, Johnson says she wants incoming students to know that “Tech is a close-knit community and you will always feel welcome and supported.”

Following her anticipated graduation in 2027, Johnson plans to extend her time at Tech further by pursuing a master’s degree.

A limited number of spaces are still available at remaining SOAR sessions this summer. Incoming Tech freshmen can register for SOAR at www.tntech.edu/soar.

Tennessee Tech is ranked as a “Best National University” by U.S. News & Report. The university offers more than 200 programs of study and Tech graduates leave with the least debt of all public universities in the state. In fact, based on total cost and alumni earnings, Tech provides students with the highest return on investment for any public university in Tennessee, according to PayScale.