Rachel Craighead

Rachel Craighead, '22, is a communications and marketing major with a minor in event planning who interns in residential life for residential education at Tennessee Tech. There she does communications, marketing and promotions, and she also works in service learning and community engagement. 

She got involved in Student affairs at Tech when she applied for Federal Work Study. 

"I chose the Tech information desk and service learning center and do not regret that decision. It is so much fun!"

Craighead became interested in Student Affairs because she wanted to help people. 

"I want to be able to be involved with student life to make future student's lives more enjoyable on campus. I want them to share some of the similar experiences I have had while being on campus."

Her work with the service learning center allows her to directly help other students. 

"I help students find opportunities when they need help with service learning hours through their classes when they require them to do so."

Craighead said that her mentor, Michelle Huddleston, associate director of service learning, leadership development and residential education, is a person that she looks up to and who has been a positive influence in her life. 

"She is so understanding and genuinely cares for all her students. She has made me come out of my shell a lot. Michelle just isn't a mentor to me; she has become a friend. She makes all the students that come in contact with her smile and is always so encouraging."

In the future, Craighead would like to do something in social media or event planning. 

"I have always been intrigued by social media," she said. 

While she does not consider herself a social butterfly, she does enjoy going to parties occasionally. 

"I would rather work behind the scenes to make that particular party or event run smoothly and see the enjoyment on everyone's face."

She was raised in Cookeville, Tennessee and both her parents attended Tech. When looking to plan for college, Tech seemed like the right place for her. 

Craighead soon learned about the vast opportunities available at Tech and was able to take advantage of those. 

"I think the way everyone works together is what makes Tech special. Professors actually care about their students and are willing to help them when they need it. They are preparing all their students for their future careers."