Kaleigh Walker 865 Academies, Career Empowerment, Community Partners

Johnson University and The 865 Academies Forge Pathways to Success

Expanding on the partnership between Johnson University (JU) and Knox County Schools’ 865 Academies provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the mutually beneficial relationship between the institutions and the positive impact it has on students’ educational experiences.

Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Johnson University stands as a beacon of academic excellence and community engagement. With a commitment to innovation and expansion, JU has eagerly embraced the opportunity to collaborate with the 865 Academies, which is revolutionizing the high school experience for students across the district.

Since its inception in 2023, the 865 Academies has aimed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of post-secondary options, including college tours designed to offer firsthand insights into campus life. Recognizing the value of this initiative, Johnson University opened its doors to welcome students from Knox County Schools, inviting them to explore its vibrant campus, diverse programming, and close-knit community.

Johnson University Chief Academic Officer Lisa Tarwater expressed excitement about the partnership.

“To see it all come together and be part of the partnership with Knox County Schools is a truly exciting opportunity for us to engage with students and help shape their educational journey,” she said. “We are thrilled to play a role in each student’s decision-making process.”

The campus tours organized by Johnson University are tailored to cater to students’ interests across a wide range of disciplines, including education, business, health sciences, and creative arts. 

JU Recruitment Coordinator Amber Cofer emphasized the value of these personalized visits.

“These tailored visits help students actually see what they could be doing in a hands-on environment in our classrooms,” she said.

Faculty members at Johnson University actively participate in these tours, eager to support students in making informed decisions about their future endeavors. 

Associate Professor of Business and Leadership Dr. John Stricklen applauds the 865 Academies’ inclusive approach, which extends beyond traditional college-bound pathways.

“I love that the Academies do not focus exclusively on college-bound opportunities. There is a tremendous need for skilled tradespeople, and this gives students an opportunity to see and experience what different careers could look like,” he said.

The partnership between Johnson University and the 865 Academies underscores a shared commitment to student success and academic excellence. By providing students with immersive campus experiences and diverse educational pathways, this collaboration enriches the educational landscape of Knox County and prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Kaleigh Walker Career Empowerment, Community Partners

West Hills Elementary Visited By “Careers On Wheels”

This week, West Hills Elementary had its first College and Career Week with a “Dress for the Job You Want” Day, guest speakers, and mobile professionals from across the county showing students their “Careers on Wheels!”

Visitors included the Knox County Sheriff’s Department with squad cars and motorcycles, KUB with a bucket truck, local radio station B97.5 with their mobile broadcast vehicle, EMTs with an ambulance, Knox County Animal Control with a kennel truck, the Knox County Fire Department with a firetruck, and two local food trucks. 

“It’s really awesome to see that it’s not all stationary. You don’t have to go into an office,” said West Hills Elementary teacher Melissa Brown. “All of these careers on wheels have been great and the community coming to our school has been amazing.”

Each class went from one career to another, listening and asking questions to the professional. Earlier in the day, these students were also exposed to 36 other careers with guest speakers. 

Nurses, dog trainers, government employees, and more spoke to each classroom about their chosen career field. 

“I think the kids have been able to make connections, and really experience and be exposed to some careers that they maybe hadn’t thought about or wouldn’t necessarily be exposed to,” Brown said. “It really has been fantastic, and I’ve loved the variety that has come through, too.”

The idea to begin familiarizing elementary students with various College and Career opportunities stemmed from the newly implemented 865 Academies, which reimagined the high school experience to better prepare students for post-graduation life by enrolling in college or trade school, enlisting in service to their country, or finding employment in a high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand profession with an entrepreneurial mindset.