posted 06-26-2025 07:11 PM               

Tennessee Tech recognizes Barry "Butch" Wilmore with university's highest honor, naming of pedestrian walkway

When Tennessee Tech University's Board of Trustees held its quarterly meeting on June 26, its most recognizable trustee was back in his seat for the first time in more than a year.

Above: Tech President Phil Oldham presents Trustee Barry "Butch" Wilmore with a framed copy of the resolution that will establish the naming of 'Wilmore Way' on Tennessee Tech's campus.

The meeting marked NASA astronaut, two-time Tech graduate and university trustee Barry "Butch" Wilmore's first return to campus since the historic 286-day stay at the International Space Station that made him a household name.

Wilmore was greeted with an afternoon full of heartfelt surprises, including the awarding of the Order of the Eagle, Tech's highest honor.

According to the award criteria, the honor is "reserved for individuals whose impact on the university and its reputation are unparalleled." It has only been awarded once previously in Tech's 110-year history: it was bestowed posthumously to former Tech President and First Lady Everett and Joan Derryberry at the university's centennial celebration in 2015.

Board Chair Trudy Harper also read aloud a resolution to support Tech President Phil Oldham's recommendation that the university name its newly built walkway and plaza as "Wilmore Way" in honor of Wilmore's achievement and character.

The resolution praises Wilmore for being "undaunted in the face of challenges" during his recent voyage aboard the Boeing Starliner, adding that he "evinces the Tennessee Tech mantra of being 'bold, fearless, confident and kind' in all that he does." Trustees quickly unanimously approved the resolution. A formal dedication for the space is tentatively slated for later this fall.

Above: Tennessee Tech President Phil Oldham presents Trustee Barry "Butch" Wilmore with the Order of the Eagle award, the university's highest honor.

Oldham also introduced special guest Pam Inman, a Special Olympian and cancer survivor from the Nashville area who had sent a handwritten letter to the university telling of her admiration for Wilmore and expressing a desire to give him one of her prized gold medals.

"I have rarely been without words in my life," said Wilmore. "[I want to] take this opportunity to say thank you. Needless to say, I'm touched, grateful. You all make this very special … Who would have thought, a couple decades ago, walking around this campus … that a day like this would happen? Thank you doesn't seem like it's enough."

Inman and Wilmore shared an emotional hug, after which Wilmore presented her with a hat he wore at the International Space Station. Oldham and First Lady Kari Oldham then presented Inman with a "Wings of Kindness" award, an honor given to members of the Tech community who demonstrate exceptional acts of kindness for others.