MC alumni: where are they now?
In Maryville College’s 206-year history, thousands of lives have intersected on its 263-acre campus. Students often arrive fresh out of high school and leave four years later with added knowledge and experiences. But where do they go? What do they do with what MC gave them?
MC alumni can be found in nearly every corner of the world, taking their small liberal arts education to “do good on the largest possible scale,” as founder Isaac Anderson envisioned.
Justin Kirkland (‘12) lived most of his life in Knoxville, only 30 minutes from MC. During his time at the College, he double-majored in English and writing/communications. By his own admission, he said he was “involved in too much.”
Kirkland participated in the Student Government Association, Residence Life, the Student Programming Board and The Highland Echo.
“If I could give any current student some unsolicited advice, especially the ultra-involved ones, it would be to invest your time in what you love, not what you’re supposed to love,” Kirkland said.
The summer after he graduated in 2012, Kirkland left East Tennessee for Washington, D.C. After five years in the nation’s capital, he moved to New York City, where he has remained ever since, now calling Brooklyn home.
He first moved to New York to work as a staff writer for Esquire, a position he held for five years before becoming a freelance writer for numerous national publications.
“The assignment I’m most proud of was reporting on a standoff between protesters and police in the middle of the night during the Black Lives Matter protest,” Kirkland said. “I felt like I was really in deep during an assignment, reporting on something that was legitimately affecting our day-to-day.”
Justin Kirkland (‘12) standing in front of a wall. (Photo Courtesy of Justin Kirkland)
Kirkland has applied his MC experiences to his post-graduation life.
“There’s a whole lot of stuff that you have to do in life. Much of it is not your choice, but when you do get to decide, it should be something that fulfills you and brings good to others,” he said. “The Isaac Anderson quote, ‘do good on the largest possible scale,’ rings in my head every day. It’s probably the best life advice I’ve ever gotten or given.”
Grant Agnew (‘22) chose to use his MC experiences in East Tennessee.
During his time at the College, Agnew majored in business with a minor in writing/communications. He played football all four years and participated in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, The Highland Echo, Residence Life and the Student Government Association. Agnew also served as a peer and academic mentor, and interned with the athletic department and the marketing and communications department, starting in his sophomore year.
“I loved all four of my years at Maryville College. I met so many great people and made countless memories,” Agnew said. “I’m forever grateful for my time as a Maryville College Fighting Scot.”
After graduating in 2022, Agnew attended East Tennessee State University, earning a master’s degree in sports management in 2024. He then took a job as account executive for the Knoxville Ice Bears.
“As an account executive with the Ice Bears, I’m at every home game, which is super fun,” Agnew said. “My role is to get as many fans to the Coliseum as possible and then give them the best sporting experience that I can.”
Agnew said MC helped prepare him for his position.
Headshot of Grant Agnew (’22). (Photo Courtesy of the Knoxville Ice Bears)
“Maryville does a great job of exposing students to many different people, ideas, circumstances and experiences,” he said. “In my current role, I work with all types of people and businesses. I’ve learned how to connect and resonate with them.”
Emma Henson (‘25) majored in writing/communications and minored in criminal justice and sustainability studies. She participated in The Highland Echo and the Crime Talk Club and interned at Mountain Challenge.
“I loved my time at Maryville College and gained so much valuable knowledge and experience through my studies,” Henson said. “The leadership of professors like Mr. Trevathan, Ms. Seymour and Dr. Phillips helped me see opportunities for melding my interests in creative nonfiction, investigative journalism, and environmental writing and provided learning opportunities that fostered these passions for me.”
After graduation, Henson took a job as a digital content producer at WBIR, a local news station. She said she has loved learning more about the newsroom. In her position, she ensures that online news platforms provide timely, relevant and accurate information.
“Since starting this role, I have written several articles and helped cover breaking and national news stories, including Tony Vitello’s departure from the Vols and the defunding of SNAP due to the government shutdown,” Henson said.
Henson said her time at MC prepared her for the workplace. During her years at the College, she learned to value surrounding herself with people who challenge her and think differently, which helped her transition to working with a larger creative team.
“I feel much more prepared to contribute my insights and abilities in many areas of life because MC allowed me to get hands-on experience in my desired field through coursework and extracurriculars,” Henson said. “I now feel more equipped to do my job, as well as learn new things and transfer my communication and writing skills to other areas.”
Emma Henson (‘25) standing in front of a brick wall in her cap and gown. (Photo Courtesy of Emma Henson)