graduate spotlight: college degree is ‘dream come true’ for ketterman

kim chaudoin | 05/10/2023

earning a college degree is something alexis ketterman has dreamed of doing from a very young age. 

in setting out to turn her dream into a reality, ketterman blazed a trail for others to follow. 

growing up in inner city franklin, tennessee, ketterman wanted to do something no one in her family had done before — attend college. she did well academically in high school and got involved in franktown open hearts, a nonprofit organization committed to the success of franklin’s inner-city youth. at franktown ketterman found a community that supported her goals. 

“being a part of franktown not only motivated me and encouraged me to pursue college, but it actually exposed me to individuals who were willing to mentor me and support me while being at school,” says ketterman. “i can always call and talk through hard things or ask for prayer when i’m dealing with uncertainty or life in general. that is so important. being a part of franktown made me realize that while college is not for everyone, it can act as a building block to aid you in the limitless avenues of professional development and employment. franktown turned my dream of being in college to reality.” 

during her senior year at centennial high school, ketterman toured lipscomb and she knew immediately it was the perfect college home for her. 

“upon arrival at lipscomb, i was amazed by the welcoming nature and feeling the simplicity of navigating campus and its buildings, and the small class sizes,” she recalls. “after meeting professors during the tour and discussing the environment of campus and the student body it just seemed right to pursue lipscomb. i am more than grateful to have been accepted into the school.” 

a first-generation college student, ketterman enrolled at lipscomb in fall 2019 and decided to major in social work. at a young age she felt a “deep desire to help others” and translated that passion into volunteering whenever possible. after consulting family and mentors, she knew she wanted to pursue a profession helping others. social work was the last option she considered but after learning more about the profession and what opportunities could come from it, choosing a major was easy. “i have not looked back,” admits ketterman. “i am just continuously becoming more passionate about the power and ability of this profession.” 

she quickly engaged in campus life as a member of the intercultural honors society, national society of leadership and success, phi alpha honor society for social work and as a university ambassador for the national association of social work. in addition, research piqued ketterman’s interest. over the last year, she examined the gap in knowledge between specialized programs for children with autism spectrum disorder (asd) and their school systems. to provide support within the knowledge gap, she proposed an educational training to increase awareness around the complex needs of children with asd along with tangible strategies to promote safety and support for students within the classroom environment. the research was presented at lipscomb’s 12th annual student scholars symposium. 

over the last four years the social work department felt like home. ketterman says professors autumn maxwell, cayce watson, bethy butler and rebecca clark supported her and challenged her as an individual, a professional and a future social worker, and her experience at lipscomb has had a tremendous impact on her life.

“lipscomb is an awesome school. the professors here and student body is what makes lipscomb enjoyable, fun and adventurous. i loved making memories here, and if i had to go back in time i would not dream of going anywhere else for school other than here,” says ketterman. “my lipscomb experience has been positive and impactful. i have had many opportunities to network with individuals with different professional, ethical and religious backgrounds. through these opportunities i have established lifelong bonds, friendships and the ability to hear others' stories for what it is and not for what i assume it to be.” 

during spring commencement on may 6, ketterman’s dream came to fruition when she received her bachelor of science degree in social work with minors in social science and law, justice and society. 

“earning my degree seems so unreal still. i am excited about it, because when i was younger i knew i wanted to go to college but did not know what that would look like,” she admits. “obtaining my degree is motivation to continue to advocate for me and for others. it means that i am capable of doing whatever i set out to do. it is my stepping stone to further my education so that when all is done, i can be the best social worker possible for my clients.” 

this fall, ketterman will enter the university of tennessee-knoxville's master of social work program with a concentration in organizational leadership and a certification in forensics. while working on her degree she will intern at the legal aid society.