MARTIN, Tenn. — Samuel Steel joined other graduating University of Tennessee at Martin seniors during
both the traditional Grand Finale celebration walk April 25 on the main campus and commencement May 4 in the
Kathleen and Tom Elam Center. However, Steel traveled a bit farther than most to cross the commencement stage.
The Redmond, Washington, resident and his family made their first visit to Martin to celebrate Steel’s
accomplishment of earning an online master’s degree.
Steel was born in California, moved often through his teenage years and eventually attended the University
of California Santa Barbara, where he earned an economics degree in 1987. His first career was in public
accounting as a CPA and auditor with then “Big Eight” accounting firm Arthur Andersen, but life events and
changing interests led him to the consulting world as a part-time chief financial officer. Steel has since traveled the
world working as a CFO for mining and mineral companies and has earned a good living, but he wanted to
accomplish more.
“I just wasn’t having the kind of success I wanted to, and I didn’t really have any credibility or credentials,
and I thought, ‘I want to get a (master’s) degree,’” he said. Steel first considered a degree in mining, but he had
some agriculture and farming background and was interested in resource sustainability. He searched “natural
resources” on the Web and eventually discovered UT Martin’s highly regarded online Master of Science in
Agriculture and Natural Resources.
What he discovered was as a doable and affordable degree-program option that accommodated work travel
and raising a young family. He considers himself a good student, but the degree program was challenging,
especially the large amount of homework required. “I don’t know if I’ve ever over achieved. … I’m one of those
people that I’m like really good at everything, but I’m not the best at anything,” he said as he reflected on his many
work and life experiences. “Whatever it is that I apply myself to, I have to work hard.” His efforts paid off, and a
journey across the country to receive his degree was an opportunity he could not miss.
Coming to Northwest Tennessee was an eye-opening experience as he connected in person for the first time
with the area, campus and people that made his online degree possible. “I was blown away,” he said, adding, “It’s
like a big old campus, … and I thought, ‘Wow, this is amazing.’” His visits around the university eventually led to a
proud walk across the commencement stage Saturday when he received his degree. His wife, Joana Mae, and seven-
month-old daughter, Chloe Ann, were in the audience to share the moment.
Steel readily talks about his faith and gives God credit for the journey that brought him to Tennessee. He
will rely on his faith for what lies ahead, which likely includes more education and maybe work in Tennessee.
“When we learn to let go, then we can learn to receive,” he said of trusting faith to provide direction in his life. As
for the benefits of education, he said, “I love learning. Learning just makes me feel so different about everything,
and it’s just such a really good feeling.”
UT Martin Chancellor Keith Carver welcomed the capacity audience and later conferred degrees to
students from 62 Tennessee counties, 28 states outside of Tennessee and seven nations in addition to the U.S. The
university’s Office of Academic Records reported that 718 students were eligible to graduate at the conclusion of
spring semester. A total of 550 graduates participated in commencement exercises, which included 526
undergraduates and 24 graduates.
Following a piano performance by graduating music major Gian Garma, of Martin, Carver introduced the
commencement speaker, Dr. Kenyatta Lovett, executive director for Complete Tennessee. The veteran
administrator is responsible for developing and implementing the programming necessary to support Tennessee’s
vision to increase the number of state residents who hold postsecondary degrees by year 2025. He previously served
as assistant vice chancellor at the Tennessee Board of Regents and also held several administrative posts at
Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin.
Photo: Samuel Steel is pictured with his wife, Joana Mae, and their daughter, Chloe Ann,
before UT Martin’s spring commencement, May 4, at the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center. The family traveled to
the campus for the first time to celebrate Steel’s graduation from the university.
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