When the Artemis II mission lifted off, it marked far more than another milestone in America's return to deep space exploration. For a group of seven students from the University of Tennessee's Tickle College of Engineering, the launch became an unforgettable lesson in innovation, possibility and the future of aerospace engineering. Thanks to the ASTROrdinary Dobbs Foundation Inc., founded by UTK alumnus, engineer and NFL quarterback Joshua Dobbs, East Tennessee students were given the rare opportunity to witness history firsthand while touring NASA facilities and connecting classroom concepts to real-world space exploration.
For Dobbs, the experience embodied the foundation's mission.
"The Artemis launch represented so much more than a rocket taking off," Dobbs says. "It symbolized the next chapter of human exploration, innovation and possibility. Through the ASTROrdinary Dobbs Foundation Inc., we were able to bring STEM students from East Tennessee to experience that moment up close and see firsthand what the future of space exploration looks like."
The foundation exists to expose students to opportunities that expand their imagination while opening doors to careers in STEM, aviation and aerospace. By partnering with NASA and creating experiences that immerse students in the world of space exploration, the foundation hopes to transform curiosity into lifelong ambition.
"For many of them, it was their first time seeing how classroom lessons in science, math, engineering and technology come to life on such a massive stage."
The Foundation worked closely with NASA Program Manager Gary Willis, who coordinated the visit and schedule with NASA, alongside department leaders and UTK alumnus Scott Colloredo (BS/ME '89), Director of Engineering at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, to make the experience possible.
For recent UTK aerospace engineering graduate Avah Cherry, the experience reinforced exactly why she chose the field.
"The launch was breathtaking," Cherry says. "I've never seen anything like it."
Yet for Cherry, the launch itself was only part of the experience.
"What was just as impactful was the tour of the NASA facilities that we took the following day," she says. "Getting to see both the product, the launch and all the components that made it possible, provided context for what my classmates and I have devoted the last four years to studying. Being able to witness all those pieces coming together was quite inspiring."
That behind-the-scenes access was intentional. Students didn't simply watch a rocket leave the launch pad—they explored the laboratories, facilities and engineering efforts that make human spaceflight possible. From research labs to launch operations, they gained a deeper appreciation for the collaboration required to send astronauts into space.
Matthew Mench, who holds the titles of Wayne T. Davis Dean's Chair, Chancellor's Professor, Condra Chair, and dean of the Tickle College of Engineering, rearranged his demanding schedule to join the students for the launch. Throughout the trip, he remained fully engaged, participating in every group activity and sharing the experience alongside them. Mench believes opportunities like these leave a lasting impression that often extends far beyond what is taught in a classroom, inspiring students in ways that shape both their education and future careers.
"There were two memorable moments," Mench says. "One was obviously the launch and witnessing it in person. It's one of those things television cannot do justice to. The sound, the brightness and the speed of ascension to space are all really awe-inspiring to behold, especially when you consider there are people riding it to space."
But it wasn't only the rocket that stood out.
"The second most memorable time was after a long day of touring NASA facilities," Mench says. "We all got to eat dinner together, and seeing Josh's parents, the students, and everyone together laughing and having an experience we will all remember was a great moment. I felt blessed to be a part of that."
Having previously attended both Space Shuttle launches and other uncrewed missions, Mench described Artemis II as unlike anything he had experienced before.
"This by far was the most powerful launch," he says. "It will forever be one of the great memories in my life."
The trip also showcased UTK’s longstanding connection to America's space program. Throughout the visit, students encountered alumni working throughout NASA, reinforcing the idea that careers once viewed as distant dreams are well within reach.
"We ran into graduates throughout the tours and in talking with NASA leadership," Mench says. "It was great to show the students that what they are learning at the UTK Tickle College of Engineering can translate into exciting careers with tremendous impact on society."
For Mench, one of the most rewarding aspects of the trip was watching Dobbs continue to invest in the next generation of engineers.
"One thing that maybe doesn't get said enough is how inspiring Josh's parents are as well," Mench says. "They raised an amazing person that, despite fame and fortune, is grounded in giving back and inspiring others. Josh has been a great person since the day I met him during his recruiting trip, and he's the same person now. In that environment, he really is all engineer."
Dobbs hopes this experience is only the beginning.
"Our goal is to continue creating opportunities for students to visit NASA, experience future launches, tour facilities, meet professionals in the aerospace industry and gain exposure to careers they may have never imagined for themselves," he says. "We want these experiences to become more than one-time moments. We want them to become a pathway."
Dean Mench also hopes that this is the first of such trips for UTK engineering students.
“It would be wonderful to share this experience with students in the future,” Mench says. “Of course, Artemis III will be commended by UTSI and UTK graduate Randy Bresnik. The tremendous number of astronauts produced in the college and at UTSI is a great source of pride for us. The ASTROrdinary Dobbs Foundation, Inc. very generously supported this trip, and I hope that something like this could be planned for the future, although it is up to the foundation of course.”
Future opportunities will depend on continued partnerships and community support.
"These trips and experiences require continuous investment from people and organizations who believe in the next generation," Dobbs said. "If we want students to dream bigger, we have to help put them in rooms, hangars, labs, and launch sites where those dreams feel real."
Ultimately, while the Artemis II launch represented the future of space exploration, the trip also highlighted something equally important—the future workforce that will help shape it. For students like Cherry, the experience transformed years of classroom learning into something tangible. For UTK, it reaffirmed its role in preparing engineers who continue to contribute to aerospace innovation. And for the ASTROrdinary Dobbs Foundation Inc., it demonstrated that sometimes the most powerful launch isn't the one leaving Earth—it's the one that inspires a student to believe they can help build humanity's future among the stars.
The ASTROrdinary Dobbs Foundation empowers youth through educational, professional and STEM opportunities that inspire the next generation of innovators. Founded by Joshua Dobbs in 2022, the foundation invests in programs that create lasting impact. Help shape tomorrow's leaders by donating today at ASTROrdinaryDobbsFoundation.org.