Mentor: Col Rick Kuhlman, USAFR (Ret.)

Rick Kuhlman is a lifelong Knoxvillian. He graduated from West High School and achieved Eagle Scout. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. At UT he served as president of his fraternity and Commander of the Arnold Air Society in Air Force ROTC. Kuhlman served over 30 years (active and reserve), retiring in the rank of Colonel. Rick still serves as an Air Liaison Officer for the United States Air Force Academy.

Kuhlman was active during the World’s Fair in 1982, when it was held in Knoxville. Kuhlman was active in business, owning and operating 4 pizza restaurants, Stefanos, from 1986-2003. In 2006 Kuhlman pioneered the Knoxville Fellows Program to enable recent college graduates to spend 10 months in Knoxville learning how to integrate their Christian faith in the marketplace.

Rick has a passion for encouraging the next generation. He was active in Scouting, his church youth program, chapter advisor for his college fraternity, and high school Bible studies. Rick has had the opportunity to mentor the Father Teen Adventure at the Spring Canyon Conference Center through Officers’ Christian Fellowship since 2004.

Rick has been married to his college sweetheart, Beverley for 50 years. They have one son Rick III, wife Jamie and 2 granddaughters, Ella Katherine, and Charlotte.