Honoring a Beloved Student
Tyler Thomas Resnick
Honor Tyler Resnick’s legacy by helping establish a scholarship endowment for deserving students at UT Knoxville.
Make a GiftTyler, or Ty as he was known by his loved ones, was an exceptionally gifted student, a hard-working colleague, a caring friend, a loving family member, and a pillar of his community. Before transferring to UT Knoxville, he graduated from Greenback Public School in 2019 as salutatorian of his class. He excelled outside of the classroom as well, most notably baseball, helping his team win the 15U State Championships in 2016. Beyond all of this, Tyler brought his charm, joy, humor, and care to everyone he touched throughout his life.
Tyler transferred to the University of Tennessee in 2021 to pursue a degree in civil engineering after completing an associate’s degree at Pellissippi State Community College. During Tyler’s time in the Tickle College of Engineering, he worked exceptionally hard to engage with so many aspects of the college. Tyler served as a Teaching Assistant and as part of a group project addressing ongoing slope instability in Sevierville, TN. As the Transportation Lead, he developed the traffic control plan to ensure safe local traffic during the construction. Tyler’s efforts showed in the high quality of work he was able to produce and left lasting impacts on both students and faculty he was connected with. In addition to his studies, Tyler juggled numerous responsibilities while balancing the academic rigor of his engineering program, including working multiple jobs, an internship at Blaine Construction Corporation, and commuting almost an hour each way to school. Upon his passing, the University awarded his degree posthumously.
Ridge Road Slope Stabilization and Hazard Mitigation Project Team. Pictured from left to right: Tyler Resnick, Christopher Hill, William DuPree, Jeremy Kashif, and Zane Jessee.
Sarah Mobley, Senior Lecturer of Civil and Environmental Engineering, shared the following of her time as one of Tyler’s faculty.
“I find this difficult to write because losing a student like Tyler is something that will remain emotional for me for the rest of my life. Tyler was a force of nature—always ready with a story or a joke. He was a shining light, and I looked forward to seeing him walk into school every day.
As a faculty member, I am privileged to have a front-row seat to watch young men and women grow into trusted professionals. I get to be there for them as they navigate this major transition in their lives. I witness their struggles and triumphs, listen to their frustrations, and celebrate their successes. The undergraduate engineering experience can be so all-consuming that it’s easy to forget there is more to life beyond the walls of our institution.
Losing Tyler has opened my eyes to just how little we, as faculty, often see of our students’ lives beyond the classroom. Tyler was a dedicated student—his effort was evident in everything he did. He put his heart into his work, and his determination to succeed made it impossible not to root for him. He made you want to fight alongside him.
But the problem was that he was fighting battles we couldn’t see. He faced pressures and struggles outside of our view, beyond the classroom walls.
That’s why scholarships like this one are so important—they give us a way to help ease some of those struggles, to support students in fighting their unseen battles, and to ensure that every future ‘Tyler’ has the opportunity to realize their dreams.”
Started by members of Tyler’s family, this scholarship aims to provide students in need with critical resources to continue their studies and promote mental well-being. Many students face challenges to fund their education, and many, like Tyler, work additional jobs or commute to cover housing and food-related expenses. This scholarship would enable students to focus on their studies without the burden of extra stressors affecting their mental health. Your contributions could significantly impact a student’s decision to continue or complete their degree, and your gift could be life changing. Please assist in honoring Tyler’s legacy by raising awareness for this scholarship, and helping other students benefit from these essential resources.
If you or someone you know needs support from the University, please do not hesitate to reach out.
- Student Counseling Center
- Center for Health Education & Wellness
- Center for Care and Resilience
- Center for Basic Needs
For resources outside of campus, please consider the following:
- BetterHelp
- Learn more about the Statewide Crisis Line 988
