Tennessee Tech names central campus walkway 'Wilmore Way,' honors astronaut trustee Barry Wilmore

Tennessee Technological University—oard of Trustees on June 26 approved a resolution naming a central pedestrian walkway on campus "Wilmore Way" to honor trustee and NASA astronaut Captain Barry "Butch" Wilmore and presented him with the university ward the Order of the Eagle.

The recognition included a short video prepared by the university, remarks from President Oldham and board chair Trudy Harper, and a public presentation in which Pam Inman, a Special Olympian and cancer survivor from Nashville, read a handwritten letter she had sent to the university and offered Wilmore one of her gold medals.

The board approved the resolution during the meeting after Chair Trudy Harper read the text acknowledging Wilmore's more than 460 days in space across three spaceflights and his public engagement on behalf of Tennessee Tech. "Be it resolved that the Tennessee Tech Board of Trustees on this June 2025 hereby supports the President's naming of Wilmore Way, a pedestrian walkway across the center of campus as a lasting symbol of the university's gratitude and pride for Captain Wilmore's accomplishments and character," the resolution text stated.

The motion to approve the naming was moved and carried without recorded opposition. After the vote, Wilmore received a miniature bronze replica of the Derryberry Hall eagle (the award's statuette) and other campus gifts. He thanked the board and the campus community, saying, "I am without words...I feel unworthy, but I am also grateful. So again, I say thank you." Board members and the president praised Wilmore's public profile and connection to the university.

The ceremony also included the presentation of Wings of Kindness and a personal letter from Pam Inman that said in part, "I am sending you my gold medal to give to him. He has earned it." The board and president presented Inman with a Wings of Kindness award and other tokens of appreciation during the meeting.

Background provided in the meeting noted that the Order of the Eagle is a limited university honor reserved for individuals whose contributions to Tennessee Tech exemplify institutional excellence; the statuette presented to Wilmore is a 3D-modeled replica of the golden eagle that tops Derryberry Hall and was produced with campus-affiliated artists and students.

The naming will be a permanent addition to campus wayfinding once the president finalizes placement and signage, per the resolution adopted by the board. The board did not specify a construction schedule or budget for the signage during the meeting.