Alumnus’ success is a testament to the transformative power of Auburn University, Engineering

Matt Rasmussen worked his way up to lead one of the nation’s most critical energy operations and credits Auburn University's Samuel Ginn College of Engineering for preparing him to do it.

Recently appointed chief nuclear officer (CNO) of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the Homewood, Alabama, native oversees seven reactors at three plants, delivering electricity to 10 million people across seven states.

Rasmussen is TVA's first CNO to rise through its own ranks. After graduating from Auburn in 2002, he joined TVA and advanced steadily over two decades.

"This is a small industry," he said. "A lot of people move around, but I feel blessed that I've been able to do what I love in the same place."

Finding his footing

Rasmussen didn't arrive at Auburn with a clear plan. Initially intending to study forestry, his path changed after a math aptitude test during Camp War Eagle qualified him for engineering. He said mechanical engineering felt natural to him because he enjoyed working on cars and solving problems.

"I showed up [at TVA], and I knew what a pump looked like," he said. "I knew what welding looked like. I knew the difference between a milling machine and a drill press. Those are mandatory as part of this degree that made me more prepared for the workforce."

As a sophomore, Rasmussen cold-called a shipyard in Newport News, Virginia, to secure a co-op work experience. He became Auburn's first co-op student at the facility, where he was introduced to nuclear reactor systems. That experience sparked his interest in nuclear energy and set the course for his career.

Rasmussen received multiple job offers but chose TVA's Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant in Athens, Alabama, where he and his then-fiancé, Phala Gannon, an elementary education graduate, decided to settle.

Moving up

Rasmussen began as a maintenance engineer, collaborating closely with plant crews and learning the inner workings of operations. He later pursued a Senior Reactor Operator license, a two-year program culminating in a Nuclear Regulatory Commission exam. The license allowed him to operate a nuclear reactor and opened doors to leadership roles.

"It put all my engineering background, all the practical things I had learned as an engineering student at Auburn, to the test," he said. "I went into the control room, looked around and realized I actually know how this thing works."

Though he's no longer hands-on with operations, Rasmussen said that experience helps him lead with empathy and understanding.

"I understand what it takes to rebuild a pump or put a system in service," he said. "And I think our people appreciate that."

He also credits his time working at the Foy Information Desk for developing communication skills. Working late-night shifts and fielding oddball questions taught him patience and problem-solving — skills he still uses today. It's also where he met Gannon, who, he jokes, "refused to work for me" after he was promoted. The couple has been married for over two decades and has three children.

Fostering the future

Rasmussen remains committed to Auburn and to supporting the next generation of engineers. He has been a long-time supporter of the nuclear engineering minor and continues to foster connections between the university and industry.

"I love that we're able to develop the future leaders of our industry — not just leaders, but technical leaders or leaders of people," he said. "You can see these kids, they're excited. I met with a bunch today and I would hire every one of them tomorrow because they're energized. They love what they're doing. They're excited about the future."

Rasmussen is also bullish on the future of nuclear energy. With growing demand for reliable power — especially from data centers and tech companies — he sees nuclear as a key part of the solution. And he's proud to be part of an organization that provides affordable, reliable energy to millions.

"I love my job," he said. "Every day I wake up and feel blessed. That's the Auburn way. We do good. If you look at the Auburn Creed, it's a great way to live your life and lead in your career."