Each month the UT Martin Alumni Association highlights an alumnus who has soared to great heights and made significant contributions in their career post-graduation. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to McKenzie Foster, a Successful Skyhawk whose achievements inspire us all and remind us of the boundless possibilities that lie ahead!
Pursuing Her Passion
McKenzie (Pressnell) Foster’s time in the College of Business and Global Affairs at UT Martin prepared her for more than just her current role as Project Coordinator II with Designed Conveyer Systems in Franklin, Tennessee. Through experiences both inside and outside of the classroom, McKenzie discovered her affinity for event planning. Since graduating in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, she has worked as a wedding planner in addition to her full-time job.
“I found this passion when placed in event coordination leadership roles in Chi Omega and while taking an event planning class,” said McKenzie. “This passion has turned into a successful career as well. I have planned weddings all over the state of Tennessee.”
As a student, McKenzie served as new member educator and treasurer for her sorority, Chi Omega. Her involvement on campus extended to intramural sports—participating in soccer, volleyball and disc golf. Additionally, she took part in a travel study course offered by the marketing department, where she studied travel and tourism marketing in Australia.
From extracurricular activities to travels abroad, McKenzie’s willingness to embrace new opportunities served her well during her undergraduate years. This mindset has carried over into her wedding planning business as she realized her dream of building her own event venue, The Farm at Riverbend, LLC., nestled within a picturesque pastoral setting in Williamsport, Tennessee.
“Our first year in business has already proven to be exciting and successful,” McKenzie noted. “I am eternally grateful for the courses in the College of Business that I feel prepared me to be a better businesswoman in many aspects of my life.”
Never put a limit on the extracurricular activities and how they might teach you.
McKenzie Foster
Class of 2018
B.S.B.A. in Marketing
Q&A with McKenzie
My favorite memories at UTM cannot be limited to this space. The smaller campus allowed for closer relationships with my peers and my professors. I loved the community of Martin, Tennessee, as even the residents around campus feel connected and involved in the university. And lastly, I could name so many happy memories and times with my affiliation to Chi Omega. I learned so many life skills and built friendships I still have to this day.
UTM successfully prepared me by offering a strong curriculum in the College of Business that challenged me to stay involved in my studies. The unique class offerings such as the event planning course was a huge benefit to my knowledge base for my everyday career.
I work full-time as a project coordinator for a company out of Franklin, Tennessee. I have also been a wedding planner since graduating college. In the past year, I invested my knowledge of the wedding industry in building my own wedding venue, The Farm at Riverbend, LLC. I took the opportunity to offer my community a space to comfortably host more than 300 people.
Make sure to take advantage of any specific courses, classes, or lectures that are offered in fields of your study or passion. Be sure to build strong relationships with your professors and staff at UTM as they can be a lot of help when beginning your career. And lastly, never put a limit on the extracurricular activities and how they might teach you to have better time management skills, help build relationships with people from different walks of life than you and teach you to be determined always!