PhD candidate Byron Keys was in good company when he registered for commencement this spring.
As he prepared to graduate with a doctoral degree from the same college where he works as an academic advisor, the College of Communication and Information (CCI), Keys completed the registration form alongside one of his long-time advisees, Matthew Silitsky, who is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and media.
Silitsky said it felt natural for the two to finish their academic journey at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, like it started—together.
“He’s always been there for me,” Silitsky said. “I wouldn’t have made it through four years or been nearly as successful as I’ve been without him. I’ve seen the work he put in, how much he advocates for me, so it makes it much sweeter to graduate but, at the same time, a little sad.”
The duo first met when Keys was starting out as a CCI advisor and doctoral student just as Silitsky was an incoming freshman and one of Keys’ first advisees.
Keys said most students generally just want to know what classes to take, but Silitsky asked a lot of questions. He was interested in working in journalism and media. Keys worked in the industry prior to becoming an advisor, so he was willing to share his expertise.
“His whole demeanor during freshman orientation was just so different. I haven’t had a student pick my brain like that for orientation, but I always hope so,” Keys said. “He was very confident in the way he talked.”
Once the orientation session ended, Silitsky wanted no one else to be his advisor, and Keys was more than happy to serve. However, their relationship became much more as the two also started to become friends.
Keys said Silitsky would stop by the office sometimes just to talk about life and their families. He added that the relationship they built overtime makes the fact that they will graduate together this spring even more special.
Converging Paths to Rocky Top
Silitsky said UT was not his top school of choice when he first started applying to colleges; reflecting on it now, he is happy Rocky Top was home these past four years.
And he says he owes part of that to Keys.
“To this day it’s probably the best decision I’ve ever made,” Silitsky said. “I don’t know how all advisors are, but he was hands-on as could be, and that made my experience much easier and much more enjoyable.”
Becoming an advisor wasn’t even on Keys’ radar when he applied to the CCI PhD program. He had planned to attend as a full-time student.
However, CCI Graduate Programs Administrative Assistant Margaret Taylor noticed his advising experience at Mississippi Valley State University and encouraged him to apply. He also got the opportunity to teach a few journalism and media courses, which only enhanced his experience in the program.
Keys said his advising philosophy is to do all he can to be there for the students and provide the best information he can. It goes beyond checking course requirements off, he said, but working with the student towards advancing their career goals.
He thinks this attitude was based on his experience with advisors in the past. They were not always invested in his success, so when he had the opportunity, he decided he would do the opposite. He also expects his advisees to take the process seriously and be willing to invest beyond the mandatory sessions prior to registering for classes.
Holding students accountable and helping advisees with this was the topic of his presentation at the 2026 National Academic Advising Association (NACADA)Region 7 and Region 10 Conference that took place from April 27-29.
Keys plans to continue advising at CCI for now, but the long-term goal is to teach full-time at a university closer to his brother and nephew in Mississippi, so he can help support them more. After graduation, Silitsky will be moving to Los Angeles to work on the production and talent team for Fox Sports for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Both Keys and Silitsky plan to celebrate earning their degrees together and keep in touch after.
“He’s been a good mentor, friend, and an outstanding advisor,” Silitsky said. “He has worked incredibly hard, not only as an advisor but as a doctoral student and instructor. For both of us to graduate and walk at the same time is pretty cool.”