Designed by Craig Oetting, B. S. Plant Sciences -
Oetting receives UTK Extraordinary Professional Promise citation
By JOYANNA WEBER Banner Staff Writer
Former Cleveland Craig Oetting recently received the University of Tennessee Chancellor’s
Citation Award for Extraordinary Professional Promise.
“I was very humbled, flattered,”
Oetting said.
Oetting, who lived in Cleveland for about six years before moving to
Knoxville to attend UTK, was nominated for the award because of his presentations
about reusing vegetable oil to produce biodiesel.
One such presentation was given
to the Cleveland Kwanisis Club last year.
The nontraditional student began giving
presentations on his hobby to bring a greater awareness to his fellow students.
UTK
professor Robert Keeton was the first person to ask Oetting to give a presentation
on his project.
“I’ve been doing biodiesel as a hobby for ... probably five years,”
Oetting said.
His interest in the alternative fuel began when gas prices increased
after Hurricane Katrina.
Now, instead of it just being a hobby, Oetting is studying
alternative fuel, and plans to have a career in the field.
“I know it will become
a future profession,” he said.
Teaching at the college level is also something that
appeals to him.
Oetting said he plans on moving back to Cleveland after completing
his studies at UTK.
While the soon -
Oetting graduated from Cleveland State Community College.
The Chancellor’s
Citation Award for Extraordinary Professional Promise is by nomination only and is
approved by the academic dean.
