Main Street Executive Director Receives “Outstanding Young Alumni Award” from The University of Tennessee at Martin

Main Street Executive Director, Katie Graves, recently received the “2024 Outstanding Young Alumni Award” at the UT Martin Mass Media and Strategic Communications (MMSC) reception on April 11, 2024. The following is from a press release from UT Martin:

Katie began her public relations career at Discovery Park of America, where she was promoted to marketing and public relations director. She then worked as public relations director for Dynamix Physical Therapy in Milan before accepting her current position at Main Street Union City. Faculty member Dr. Jerald Ogg introduced Graves and presented her award. A young alumni award recipient was not established at the time Graves graduated, but if he had known of such an award, Ogg said he would have predicted her to one day receive it.

“I’m proud of what she’s done,” Ogg said. “I’m even prouder of who she is.”

Graves thanked faculty members and others who supported her through college and during her career. Her advice to current students for finding success are to work hard, earn promotions and not expect them, find a strong mentor, and “if you can’t change your situation, change your attitude.” Lastly, she advised students to work with purpose and “commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”

Read the full release here.

Photo taken by University Relations at UT Martin.