Columbia Native Helps Lead “SOAR” at Tennessee Tech

A Columbia native will help lead Tennessee Tech University’s annual Student Orientation Advisement and Registration (SOAR) sessions this summer as part of the new class of student orientation assistants.

Claire Eastburn, a sophomore nursing major, is one of 17 student leaders, known as “SOAs,” who will guide incoming freshmen through the two-day SOAR sessions, which are underway now and continuing through July 30.

During SOAR, admitted freshmen can learn about student life on campus, finalize information for their academic major, set a class schedule for the fall semester and forge connections with new classmates.

“SOAs truly make Tennessee Tech’s SOAR program what it is. Not only does their role include being a welcoming and friendly face for our new students and parents, but they also help facilitate the orientation experience,” said Courtney Brehm, director of New Student & Family Programs at Tech. “It’s an important, competitive student leadership position on campus and we are proud to have Claire as part of this year’s group.”

Eastburn said that, as an SOA, she enjoys spending time with incoming students. “I enjoy meeting new people and getting to know them,” she added.

Recalling her own journey to campus, the Maury County native said Tech’s vibrant campus life and highly respected Whitson-Hester School of Nursing were key factors in her decision to enroll.

“During my visit to Tech I could sense a spirit of community and could see myself having a great experience here,” said Eastburn. “I was drawn to the variety of outdoor opportunities and clubs. The nursing program has an excellent reputation and this helped make the decision to attend obvious.”

With her first year of classes now behind her, Eastburn says Tech “feels like a second home.”

“Cookeville is such a great community as well that I feel I am never bored when I’m there,” she added.

As incoming students and their parents make plans to attend SOAR this summer, Eastburn says she wants new students to know there are many ways to get connected and find community on Tech’s campus.

“Tech is a welcoming place with many chances to find your people,” she explained.

Following her anticipated graduation from Tech in 2027, Eastburn plans to become a labor and delivery nurse and has aspirations to eventually become a Certified Nurse-Midwife.

A limited number of spaces are still available at remaining SOAR sessions this summer. Incoming Tech freshmen can register for SOAR at www.tntech.edu/soar.

Tennessee Tech is ranked as a “Best National University” by U.S. News & Report. The university offers more than 200 programs of study and Tech graduates leave with the least debt of all public universities in the state. In fact, based on total cost and alumni earnings, Tech provides students with the highest return on investment for any public university in Tennessee, according to PayScale.