May 27, 2025

UT Graduate Inspires with Journey as Mascot and Engineer

News Summary

Connor Solsbee, a UT graduate, blends his journey in biomedical engineering with an unexpected role as Smokey, the university’s mascot. His experiences, shaped by personal challenges including a battle with Burkitt lymphoma, resonate with resilience and community connection. With a new role at a medical software company, he aims to make a positive impact in health technology while sharing his story of triumph over adversity.

Etowah, Tennessee – Connor Solsbee, a recent graduate of the University of Tennessee (UT), has successfully earned a degree in biomedical engineering while embracing an unusual extra-curricular role as the university’s mascot, Smokey. His journey has been shaped by personal challenges and milestones, making his story one of inspiration and resilience.

Solsbee grew up in Etowah, where his affinity for UT began early on, attending games with his father. His life took a significant turn when he was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma at the age of 16. This experience, including treatment at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, profoundly impacted Solsbee and inspired him to pursue a career that would help others facing health challenges, ultimately leading him to the field of biomedical engineering.

After recovering from his diagnosis, Solsbee enrolled at UT in 2021, drawn by its affordable education and esteemed engineering programs. His college experience took on an additional layer of engagement when friends suggested he try out for the role of Smokey, UT’s beloved mascot, despite having no prior mascot experience in high school. He successfully auditioned at a tryout clinic hosted by the UT Spirit Program and was selected as Smokey.

As Smokey, Solsbee dedicated a considerable amount of time to practices and workouts, attending three sessions each week. He also worked tirelessly to create props for performances and engaged in various community appearances, including visiting nursing homes, which he considers among the most rewarding aspects of his role. His time as Smokey provided him with numerous memorable moments, including cheering on the team during triumphs like the 2022 victory over Alabama and the 2024 College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska.

Throughout his journey, Solsbee has emphasized the importance of meaningful interactions with fans at events. He believes each moment spent in the mascot suit allows for a unique opportunity to connect with the community and spread positivity. His experiences have taught him valuable life lessons, such as being a better listener and recognizing the power of connection with others.

Upon graduation, Solsbee accepted a position as a project manager with Epic, a medical software company based in Wisconsin. In his new role, he aims to work on developing adaptive medical equipment, including prosthetics, which aligns closely with his initial inspiration for pursuing biomedical engineering.

Interestingly, Connor Solsbee is the first to publicly reveal his identity as Smokey, a role historically kept secret to maintain the allure of the mascot. Smokey made his first unofficial appearance in the late 1960s and officially became the university’s mascot in 1973. Over the years, Smokey has evolved through several iterations and has been celebrated for achievements, including winning three national championships and being inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2008.

As graduation approaches, Solsbee reflects on his unique journey from becoming a fan of UT to donning the Smokey costume while pursuing a rigorous engineering degree. His story is not just one of academic achievement but also a testament to the strength of the human spirit in facing adversity and the power of community support.

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Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER

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