Back in 2019, before “pivot” became everyone’s favorite word, we launched UC Makerspace (UCM). Our dream? To create a haven where makers, dreamers, and over-ambitious DIYers could turn their wildest ideas into reality. Whether it’s building a robot, baking a sourdough masterpiece, or attempting both at the same time (please don’t), UCM is the place for you.
Then the pandemic hit, and like everyone else, we hit “pause.” But guess what? Creativity doesn’t quarantine. We knew people still needed a space to work with their hands—and occasionally glue them together. So here we are, back in action, more determined than ever to provide a space where innovation and laughter collide.
UC Makerspace didn’t just come together—it was carefully crafted by a passionate team of creative problem-solvers, hands-on builders, spreadsheet wizards, and big-hearted doers. Here’s the team making sure UCM runs like a well-oiled CNC machine (most days).
Exec. Director / Co-Founder – Operations & Vision
Visionary behind UCM and lifelong maker of things and spreadsheets. Keeps the chaos productive and the budget (mostly) balanced.
Board Secretary / Co-Founder – Tech & Infrastructure
Tech and systems strategist with a background in retail and infrastructure. Makes sure UCM runs smoothly—and doesn’t crash mid-event.
Treasurer / Co-Founder– People & Partnerships
The people-wrangler and number-wizard who keeps projects on track, partners happy, and the financials crisp and clean.
Creative Strategy & Community Experience
The creative compass of UCM. Shapes the member experience and brings warmth, wit, and a whole lot of heart to everything we do.
Event Coordinator & Fabrication Support
The mastermind behind UCM’s organized chaos. Coordinates events, preps workshops, and makes sure we’re never out of duct tape or coffee.
Community Wellness & Food Program Consultant
Health professional with a heart for community wellness, helping us shape future food-focused programs with care and intention.
UC Makerspace was born from big ideas, small budgets, and a stubborn belief that creativity belongs to everyone. But we’re not doing this alone.
Our growing team brings together experience from tech, health, education, fabrication, logistics, and a whole lot of lived life. We’re creators, parents, problem-solvers, and community nerds who believe that with the right tools—and the right people—anything is buildable.
We’re also proud to be standing on strong ground, with the early and continued support of Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter, Cookeville Mayor Laurin Wheaton, the USDA Rural Development Authority, and Tennessee Tech University’s Center for Rural Innovation. Their belief in this project has helped fuel our momentum and confirmed what we already knew: this region is ready for something bold, collaborative, and hands-on.
Whether you’re here to launch a project, learn a skill, teach a class, or just find your people—UC Makerspace was built with you in mind.
This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to write the next chapter with you.