Ronni Keene joins the Office of Engineering Professional Practice as its newest coordinator, bringing over eight years of experience in student affairs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She is excited to return to campus in a role centered on student development.
Keene previously served as an assistant director in Multicultural Student Life, where she led diversity education, developed leadership and professional initiatives, advised student organizations, and managed assessment and strategic planning. Her role informally involved assisting students with resume writing, career advice, and job placement.
She also served as the lead diversity executive for the University of Tennessee Foundation, where she headed access and engagement efforts, established an inaugural internship program, and led equity-focused strategic planning across seven campuses. This role honed her skills in communication, relationship management, and engaging with diverse communities. She is eager to leverage her experience to strengthen the EPP office as a central resource for student professional growth.
“The common thread that has brought me the most joy and fulfillment in my career is empowering students to see themselves as leaders on campus and beyond graduation,” said Keene.
Her passion for student empowerment inspired her to apply for this role. She looks forward to using her expertise in relationship and leadership development to support students’ career advancement. Keene is committed to forging strong connections with students and staff, participating in student meetings to discuss co-op and internship opportunities, and delivering impactful classroom presentations. She aims to create a welcoming environment where every student feels valued and appreciated.
In her role, Keene will offer personalized guidance on internships, co-ops, and professional skills. She combines a friendly demeanor, a warm smile, and light-hearted humor to create a welcoming space. She will provide valuable feedback on resumes and cover letters, advise on professional attire, conduct mock interviews, and facilitate employer connections. Her goal is to make every interaction meaningful and help students navigate their career paths with confidence.
“I am most excited about helping Engineering Vols recognize their potential and capacity to be leaders in their fields and here at UT.,” she said. “Co-ops and internships are a great starting point, providing hands-on experience and essential skills. Supporting students as they take these initial steps toward their future careers is truly fulfilling. Each student brings their own story to this journey, and I am here to assist them in writing their next chapter.”
Keene grew up in Lenoir City, Tennessee, completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and earned her master’s degree in higher education student affairs from Western Carolina University. Outside of work, she and her husband, Tom, enjoy exploring scenic trails, kayaking, binge-watching the latest shows, and making the most of their weekends with both outdoor adventures and cozy downtime.