Tyler Porter
University of Tennessee, Haslam College of Business
“An analytics storyteller equipped with a dad joke, movie reference, or board game on hand.”
Fun fact about yourself: I have been to all 50 states.
Hometown: Bowling Green, Kentucky
High School: Greenwood High School
Major: Business Analytics
Minor: Entrepreneurship and International Business
Favorite Business Course: BUAD 457: Global Strategic Management
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work, and Leadership Roles During College:
- Haslam Leadership Scholar
- Smith Global Leadership Scholar
- Melton Scholar
- Peyton Manning Scholar
- Dean’s List (all semesters)
- Haslam Student Advisory Council
- Student Library Advisory Council
- Project Inspire: A Haslam Interview Series – Co-President
- SEC Network Crew Member – Director, Replay, and Camera
- Student Government Association (22-24)
- Student Alumni Associates (22-25)
- Presenter at UT Grand Challenges Summit
- 80+ Service Hours through collegiate experience
Where have you interned during your college career?
- UT Men’s Basketball – Knoxville, TN (2025-2026) – Analytics Intern
- Tractor Supply Company – Nashville, TN (Summer 2025) – Digital Marketing Intern
- Warner Bros. Discovery – Knoxville, TN (Summer 2024) – Advertising Revenue Accounting Intern
- Growth Idea – London, England (Spring 2024) – Marketing and Analytics Intern
- Pilot Company – Knoxville, TN (Summer 2023) – Merchandising Intern
Where will you be working after graduation? I am excited to further my education through the MSBA program at the University of Tennessee while also seeking a career in analytics.
Who is your favorite business professor? I had the privilege to study under and interact with several faculty members I hold in high regard, but my favorite business professor was Dr. Lane Morris. Through five classes, we have covered topics ranging from leadership to human-centered design. Both fields of study have elevated how I see problems that we face in the business world and work toward solutions that take care of the people around us. He makes a personal investment in each of his students and has a unique ability to communicate exactly what you need to hear.
What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? The greatest lessons from business school came from opportunities to fail in friendly spaces. Learning how to take calculated risks and experiment with incomplete information was a true gift to my development and taught me how to be adaptive and persistent in an ever-changing world. I have grown in my willingness to take on new challenges and have the courage to change courses to reach a solution.
What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? Like many things, you get out of a business degree what you put into it. Make investments outside of your normal class time to experiment with material, relate it to a hobby or interest, and meet with other people who are also driven. Surrounding yourself with a supportive environment is critical to success, and I have been very fortunate to have that at the University of Tennessee.
Looking back over your experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently in business school and why? One thing I would do earlier in college is work on taking notes beyond just class. I have found that having notes on key points is important to finding connections in my learning and bringing together disjointed ideas. Taking notes also helps me better articulate and share ideas because I can visualize the information and have a reference when needed.
What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What is one insight you gained from using AI? I have appreciated my professors’ willingness to integrate AI into our coursework by experimenting with its capabilities. In studying AI, I have seen where it can provide a jumpstart into creation, but also where it does not substitute for human ability. One phrase I connect with around AI is that it is simply a tool in the toolbox; you still have to know what the right use-case is to be effective with it.
Which academic, extracurricular, or personal achievement are you most proud of? I am proud of my work surrounding sports at UT. This fall, I directed an SEC Network + broadcast for a Tennessee Soccer match. This was a rewarding opportunity because it was an accumulation of work put in through the years at a variety of roles, including camera, replay, and technical directing, that prepared me for success that day. I have also had the opportunity to work with the Tennessee Men’s Basketball team and develop statistical models for predicting player performance. This experience has been rewarding to implement classroom knowledge into a fun, fast-paced, real-world context.
Which classmate do you most admire? Keegan Collins has been a fantastic leader in my life. I admire his work ethic and attitude, and how he continually pushes me to grow my skills and perspectives. He is great at recognizing others’ wins and is one of the best people to have in your corner.
Who would you most want to thank for your success? There are many teachers, peers, and family members who have shaped me into the person I am today. One key person in that would be my grandfather, Keith Porter. He is the most resilient person I know and showcases servant leadership through his acts towards others. He is the embodiment of hard work, positivity, and leadership. I have a lot to thank him for in developing the leader and man I aspire to be.
What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?
Start my Own Company – I have always wanted to find ways to solve problems I encounter and build something that can outlast myself. Starting a company is a great way to serve others and provide for their needs.
Be a Mentor – I have had many great mentors during college, both peer and professional, who have instilled me with processes and principles that I use daily. The value from these relationships has changed my life. Through my early career, I hope to be able to pass along lessons that I have learned and invest in others.
What made Tyler such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2026?
“Tyler Porter is the rare leader whose strength lies not only in his outstanding achievements but in his character. I have had the privilege of knowing Tyler for the past four years, and I can honestly say that he is the ‘real deal.’ During his time at the Haslam College of Business, he has consistently excelled in every role he has held, setting a standard of excellence for others in the community to live up to. Whether tackling a challenging research project, mentoring fellow students, or staying late to help clean up after events, Tyler brings the same energy and commitment to every task he takes on. He is the first to volunteer and the last to leave, making sure that every detail is handled and that no one is left behind. Tyler never seeks recognition, yet his influence is undeniable. He has left an indelible mark on Haslam, and I cannot think of a more deserving emerging leader for this prestigious honor.”
Jennifer Rittenhouse, Ph.D.
Director, Smith Global Leadership Scholars Honors Program
Associate Professor of Practice
Department of Management & Entrepreneurship
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