April 9, 2015 Architecture Student Named Torchbearer, University’s Highest Honor

Chancellor Jimmy G. Cheek celebrated faculty, staff, and students for their accomplishments and service at the annual Chancellor’s Honors Banquet.  The banquet is the university’s largest recognition event of the year. Nine students, including architecture senior Matthew Barnett, received the Torchbearer award, the highest honor given to a student. The award is based on academic achievement, leadership, and outstanding service.

Matthew Barnett, of Signal Mountain, Tennessee, is receiving his bachelor’s degree in architecture this spring. Barnett is a leader locally and nationally in the American Institute of Architecture Students’ Freedom by Design program, which creates meaningful improvements through design and construction solutions for low-income and disabled people. Barnett’s work has placed first at local competitions. Several of his designs were built and are improving the lives of Knoxville residents.