Episode 20

Dr. Philip Oldham on the Real-World Impact of Tennessee Tech

March 31st, 2026

28 mins 40 secs

Season 1

Your Host

About this Episode

Does a college degree really matter anymore? Dr. Philip Oldham, President of Tennessee Tech, argues that it's more vital than ever for quality of life and career longevity.

Listeners will learn how Tennessee Tech focuses on student retention with simple, strategic interventions and prepares graduates for careers that may change eight times in their lifetime.

In this episode, Dr. Philip Oldham shares his vision for Tennessee Tech, emphasizing affordability, the university's "real" personality, and its role as a "manufacturing facility for talent." Discover the success of their engineering programs, which produce a quarter of the state's engineers, and learn about the "Rural Reimagined" Grand Challenge that engages students and faculty in solving complex problems for rural communities.

Hit play to discover how Tennessee Tech is bold, fearless, and confident in shaping the future of higher education—Wings Up!