Josh Hembree, a mathematics major from Villa Rica, Georgia, is the first Ramblin’ Wreck driver to drive the Wreck at his own wedding. He’s also the first transfer student Wreck driver in at least a decade.
Like approximately 25% of each new class of Tech students, Hembree transferred to the Institute. When he applied for first-year admission, he received a transfer pathway offer outlining the specific criteria he could meet to transfer to Tech.
He began his college career at LaGrange College, where he was on the tennis team, and then finished the rest of his transfer requirements at the University of West Georgia. He arrived at Tech in August 2023.
Joanna, Hembree’s wife, was the one who initially encouraged Hembree to get involved in student life. With her cheering him on, Hembree found his way to the Ramblin’ Reck Club on campus, which promotes the traditions and spirit of Tech.
The club was a perfect fit, as Hembree is a proud lifelong Yellow Jacket fan with several alumni family members. When he was initially named the Wreck driver, his first call was to his wife. His second was to his dad.
“Somehow, he seemed even more excited than me,” said Hembree. “And my grandad thinks it’s the coolest thing ever – he was also a math major when he was here, but he spent a lot of time in his dorm room. So, he’s excited to see me out here doing things on campus. They’ve bought season football tickets to watch all the ride outs.”
The Wreck driver is the sole person with keys to the vehicle and is charged with all major upkeep of the car. They drive the car everywhere it goes, including onto the football field before home games. All Wreck driver candidates campaign for the position through the Ramblin’ Reck Club.
Hembree’s proposal was one of building an environment where all students can have a meaningful experience with the Wreck.
“I want people to be able to say, ‘Yeah, I was running late one day, and the Wreck picked me up at a bus stop and took me to class,’” said Hembree. “It’s trying to reach as many people as possible and give them a memory to share forever. Because Tech is hard, and if you make it here, you deserve a ride in the Wreck.”
When it comes to being new on Tech’s campus, Hembree now echoes the same advice his wife once gave him: get involved.
“It can be tempting to say you don’t have time for anything but schoolwork,” he said. “But if you have even a two-hour window in your day, try to do something social during it. Even if it doesn’t feel like it, it’s so much more productive to meet and connect with your peers.”
This year, National Transfer Student Week (NTSW), which celebrates transfer students across the U.S., overlaps with Tech’s Homecoming week. Hembree and other Ramblin’ Reck Club members will spend the week waking up at 4 a.m. each day to make sure all the traditions, like the Freshman Cake Race, Wreck Parade, and Mini 500, go off without a hitch.
Despite the long days, Hembree is proud to be a Yellow Jacket and spread the good word.
“It really is the coolest thing – people hear me coming in the car and get the biggest smile on their face,” said Hembree. “It’s all about reaching as many people as possible and giving them a memorable experience.”
National Transfer Student Week takes place from Oct. 20 – 24. For resources, events, and to learn more about transferring to Tech, review the NTSW resource page.