Chris Akel
News Editor
Although he attributes his career move to a fortune cookie, Todd Steed, former coordinator for the Center for International Education, is leaving his post at UT for a career in music artist management.
Steed, a household name among UT students studying abroad, helped students decide where to go and what to study, a “go to” guy for the study abroad office.
“‘He’ll fix it or he’ll break it,’” Steed said in reference to what people say about him in the office.
Mona Sheth, senior in political science and Spanish literature and a peer adviser for the study abroad office, said Steed helped her make her final decision to study abroad in Argentina.
“He was actually my first contact at the office,” Sheth said. “My question was whether or not to go to Spain, the more traditional (choice), and Argentina being more unconventional.”
As a peer adviser, Sheth helps gives students general study abroad information, and coordinators like Steed provide specific information pertaining to certain countries and areas of the world.
Sheth said although Steed’s specialty was Asia, he could probably talk specifically about any country or area around the world.
Sheth also said Steed was known for his stories about his experiences abroad.
“He was so funny, and all the students loved talking to him,” she said. “Watching him give the pre-departure speech was like watching a comedy central skit.”
Sheth said Steed told a story about having tooth surgery in Indonesia without anesthesia.
Steed said his years at UT were very enjoyable, and whoever steps into his position will be a “very lucky person.” But he’s ready for a change.
“It’s nothing against programs abroad — I actually loved that job,” he said. “The students are amazing, and they get better every year.
“But I’ve never worked a job for 10 years straight in my life.”
Having quit his position at the CIE, Steed plans on working with AC Entertainment as an artist manager.
“I talked with … the guy that runs (AC Entertainment). … and he came up with a bunch of things I’d be working on, and I couldn’t resist.”
Steed said he’ll be working with artist Abigail Washburn.
“There’s … Abigail Washburn, (and) she’s kind of new and plays the banjo and sings Mandarin. So I’m going to be working with her and the day-to-day management of her music.”
Washburn, a Nashville-based banjo player and vocalist and a founding member of the band Uncle Earl, is currently working with artist Béla Fleck, who produced her first solo album, in an acoustic group called the Sparrow Quartet. Steed said working with the group straight out of his position at UT is a “night and day difference.”
A Knoxville-based musician for about 12 years, Steed hopes to continue his lead with his alternative rock band Todd Steed and the Suns of Phere, staying rooted in Knoxville but also touring up and down the East coast. He also works with 91.9 FM WUOT radio station as the station’s jazz coordinator and plans to stay.
The International House held a parting reception complete with photo exhibit on Nov. 9.
