Bee Clevenger has worked for the College of Social Work as an academic advisor since November 2023.
How long have you worked at the college?
I have worked for the CSW since November of 2023, and worked for the university since 2019 in financial aid and academic advising in the College of Communication & Information Sciences. I am a double alum and earned my MSSW from the CSW.
What does your job entail?
I work with our BSSW students on degree planning, problem-solving, getting them connected with the community and helping with personal resources for them to be successful. I like to think of myself as my student’s social worker and really enjoy working with them interpersonally and helping them grow into their professional identity. I also teach our introductory courses and facilitate professional development workshops. I orient new students to our major for both our in-person and online programs and meet with students one-on-one each semester to check in and provide support as needed. Conversations and storytelling are a big part of my job, and I really appreciate learning from and with a student through these interactions.
What is your favorite part of the job and/or favorite part of UT?
Teaching is my favorite part of the job! I am very passionate about our discipline and really love getting students excited about the profession. It’s very rewarding to see them connect with the material and watch them grow through dialogue in the classroom setting. I have a big personality and am a consummate talker, so I love presenting and getting a lively conversation going about theories, practices, and the students’ personal experiences. Hearing their stories and helping them connect their interests to their social work practice is so exciting and a lot of fun for me! My favorite part about UTK is the energy in the fall. I love the Vols, socializing with friends on campus, and getting to see the Big Orange wave of fans, faculty, staff, and students having a blast all over from August to December.
What do you like best about living and working in the Knoxville area?
I do not live in Knoxville but very much enjoy working in the city as I live in a rural community. While I love my mountains, creeks, and dirt roads, it is fun to cat around campus and Downtown Knoxville when I am able. City life is not for me, but I absolutely love the diversity of Knoxville and the opportunity to meet new people every day.
What is an interesting fact about yourself?
In 2021, I bought a shed and spent the next two years converting it into a tiny house. I did 95 percent of the work myself with just my hands, some cheap power tools, YouTube tutorials, and way too much confidence. I made a lot of mistakes and there were days I just wanted to kick the thing down the mountain, but I learned so much through that experience. Doing this alone taught me patience, and self-acceptance, and made me a better problem-solver. I am now a competent plumber, carpenter, and terrible electrician.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I feel really blessed to be able to work for the CSW as an alum. My experience in my MSSW was hugely transformative for me personally and professionally. It is an honor to work with my former professors and support professionals. It feels like being a part of the coolest club on campus. Our BSSW team is so fun and supportive. Our students hype me up all the time and I hope they know how much that lifts my spirit on tough days. They are the best part of this college, and I can’t wait to see them out there social workin’!