10 Year Vision for Knoxville
Knoxville will be a thriving city with a lot of outdoor space, music, culture and event spaces. As more businesses choose to move here for our amenities and lifestyle, Knoxville will become or at least move toward a cultural capital of Appalachia, if not the larger South.
What is Knoxville's Best Kept Secret?
The Museum of East Tennessee History. It regularly wins state level and national level awards but many here don't even know where it is. We want to take it from hidden gem to crown jewel.
What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?
More outdoor spaces and development of the river especially on the south side. More trees in urban spaces for cooling and carbon capture. More rent control in the downtown so younger groups might live there and a grocery store downtown.
What is your favorite Knoxville memory?
When I was in high school, some friends of mine and I went to the KMA to see the MC Escher exhibit. We accidentally arrived on opening night and everyone was in tuxes and ball gowns. We were invited in anyway because people were so excited to have young people. It was amazing.
What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?
House of Leaves by Mark Danielewski
What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?
Dr. Vejas Liulevicius at UT told me if I wanted to stay in history and pursue a PhD, I had better love history. He was right and I did, so I got my PhD.
What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?
Not worry so much about high school politics and go on more adventures, but most importantly cherish your time with loved ones because they might be gone before you know it.
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