Emma Fontenot
As a business information technology major, with a concentration in intelligence and analytics, Emma Fontenot of Jonesborough, Tennessee, first became interested in data analytics after taking a statistics class in high school.
“As I began to explore this field, I finally decided that business analytics was the best of both worlds – it allowed me to enjoy the more technical side of analytics while enabling me to explore its business use in driving decision-making,” Fontenot said.
When she traveled to Tennessee Tech University for a campus visit during the summer before her senior year of high school, she was already familiar with the university, but it was the welcoming atmosphere of the College of Business that convinced her that it was a great fit.
“As I learned about everything Tech had to offer, it was obvious that the College of Business was extremely excited about its brand-new concentration: intelligence & analytics,” she said. “My conversation with Mrs. Julie Galloway, the director for the College of Business Student Success Center, made me feel welcomed and supported, and was a pivotal point in my decision to attend Tennessee Tech.”
Scholarships such as the National Merit Scholarship have played a significant role in Fontenot’s college journey as well, alleviating the financial stress that often accompanies higher education.
“The scholarships I have received at Tech have definitely lightened the pressure that I feel as a college student,” she said. “So many students deal with a lot of stress due to financial issues, which ultimately impacts their academic performance, so I have been extremely blessed to not be burdened in this way.”
Throughout her time at Tech, Fontenot has grown both personally and academically, particularly through her involvement in the College of Business Ambassadors, where she now serves as president. This leadership role has provided her with opportunities to take on responsibility, connect with faculty and peers, and become a stronger student and more impactful individual.
Fontenot has also gained valuable career experience through internships. Over the past two summers, she interned with Eastman Chemical Co.’s Data & Analytics organization.
“These experiences have allowed me to develop my technical skills and network with countless business professionals,” she said.
She is currently interning as a student professional development associate in the College of Business Professional Readiness and Leadership Center, where she is excited to continue expanding her skill set.
Looking ahead, Fontenot plans to graduate in May 2025 and hopes to pursue a career in pricing or supply chain analytics, ideally in Tennessee.
“My experiences in the College of Business at Tech have developed my leadership skills, stretched me outside of my comfort zone, taught me how to achieve my own potential and help other people achieve theirs,” she said.
