Alumni Spotlight: Michael Graves (’95)

We’re highlighting our alumni near and far to see where are they now and what they’ve been up to since their time at UTM. See what your fellow classmates have been up to with our Skyhawk Notes—and share your update and for a chance to be featured in our alumni spotlight series.

Breaking barriers, building a legacy

For nearly 30 years, Michael Graves (’95) has built a successful career in the banking industry, currently serving as Chief Fiduciary and Operating Officer of the Trust Division at First Horizon Bank. But long before he reached the executive level, he was a student on the UT Martin campus learning lessons that would shape both his career and his life.

While earning a degree in business, Michael immersed himself in campus life as an active member of the Black Student Association and Alpha Kappa Psi, where he served as Vice President of Efficiency and made history as the chapter’s first African American president.

Today, he reflects on his time at UT Martin as the beginning of relationships that have lasted a lifetime.

“My fondest memories revolve around the many gatherings we shared with friends who have now become lifelong family,” he said. “The bonds that were built at UTM go beyond friendship and have grown into true brother-and-sister relationships. It all started during freshman studies week and continues to this day, 35 years later.”

While his accounting coursework provided the technical knowledge needed for his profession, Michael credits some of the most valuable lessons came from the people and experiences surrounding him.

“UTM was the foundation for who I am today,” he said. “The need to collaborate with your peers proved to be invaluable. The university’s size and environment prepared me to work and network in settings where I am a minority.”

Those experiences helped prepare him for a distinguished career with First Horizon, where he is approaching his 30th year with the company. Outside of work, he and his wife recently celebrated 28 years of marriage and are proud parents of three children and grandparents to one granddaughter.

Looking back, Michael encourages today’s students to embrace every opportunity available to them.

“Take full advantage of every opportunity that is presented to you,” he advised. “Never stop learning, because it is the key to long-term success. Learn patience early—it will be tested often. And build a diverse network, because it will give you a broader perspective on life.”