Kaleigh Walker Great Educators

From Venezuela to Vol Nation: Carlos Lopez’s Journey as an Educator and the Spanish Voice of Vamos Vols

Carlos Lopez (left) with VFL Fuad Reveiz on Sept. 23, 2023.

Carlos Lopez, a Spanish teacher at West Valley Middle School, is not just an educator—he’s a voice for the Hispanic community, a role model for his students, and the “Spanish Voice of Vamos Vols.”

His journey from Venezuela to the United States, and from a football coach to a Spanish broadcaster, is a testament to resilience, passion, and a commitment to his roots.

Born and raised in Venezuela, Lopez’s life took a dramatic turn when his mother fled to the United States following a radical change in the political landscape of her home country.

Two years later, Lopez and his older brother followed her to a new life in America.

“My mom always told us, ‘I’m taking you to a country where whatever dreams you have, you can make them a reality.’ That stuck with me,” Lopez said.

Lopez’s mother was determined to fully immerse her children in American culture and language, which led them to Seymour, Tennessee, where Lopez found himself as the only Hispanic student in the school.

As a student at Seymour High School, Lopez discovered his love for sports, particularly football, which would become a lifelong passion. 

“My head football coach saw potential in me as a kicker, transitioning me from soccer to American football,” Lopez said. “Those Friday nights ignited something in me.”

After high school, Lopez earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Carson-Newman University, initially intending to become a court interpreter. However, he soon realized the unique value he could bring as a native Spanish speaker in education.

This realization led him to pursue a master’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University while continuing to nurture his passion for football.

Lopez’s journey as an educator began in 2015 at Hardin Valley Academy, and he later taught at other schools in the area. It was during his time at Alcoa High School that Lopez stumbled upon a new passion.

“In 2022, I uploaded a 32-second clip of a touchdown call in Spanish,” Lopez said. “It went viral, and I thought, ‘We got something here.’”

Recognizing the growing Hispanic population in the area, Lopez created “Vamos Vols,” a platform dedicated to uniting the community through sports.

“We are an underserved community, and I wanted to unite us all. Vamos Vols became a way to bring our community together through the love of sports,” Lopez said.

It was because of this video–and some persistence–that Lopez was invited to make history alongside VFL Fuad Reveiz on September 23, 2023, with the first Tennessee Athletics Spanish-language broadcast.

And in August, the University of Tennessee announced the Lopez and Reveiz team would continue their radio broadcasts for every Tennessee football game.

The impact of Vamos Vols has been profound, not only within the Hispanic community but also in the lives of his students.

“My students Google ‘Vamos Vols’ and say, ‘Mr. Lopez, you’re famous.’ But it’s not about fame—it’s about representing our community and showing them that their dreams are valid,” Lopez said.

Lopez’s dedication to his community and students is unwavering.

“I want my students to feel that Mr. Lopez wants them to reach their goals. Education in Venezuela is not mandatory, but here it is, and I want them to want to be here,” he said.

His influence extends beyond the classroom, as he inspires students to engage with their heritage and take pride in their roots.

As Lopez continues to balance his roles as an educator and broadcaster, his mission remains clear: to be a voice for his community and to inspire the next generation. 

“God has called me to educate and reach as many people as I can, spreading love and unity. That’s the purpose of Vamos Vols,” Lopez said.

Follow Carlos Lopez and Vamos Vols on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube, and listen along to the Spanish broadcasts on AM 990, The Sports Animal 99.1 app, the Tennessee Athletics app, or at utsports.com.

Great Educators in Every School

Great educators are core to the mission of KCS. By investing in meaningful professional development and growth opportunities, and pursuing innovative strategies to retain and recruit high-quality educators, KCS is positioning great educators in every classroom.

Kaleigh Walker 865 Academies, Career Empowerment, Great Educators, Student Success

Newcomer Academy to Transform Lives of ELL Students in Knox County

Knox County Schools is set to launch its Newcomer Academy in late fall 2024, offering a transformative opportunity for English Language Learners (ELL) with interrupted formal education. 

The academy located at Lincoln Park aims to provide intensive support to assist the students in meeting academic goals before returning to their base high schools.

The need for the Newcomer Academy became apparent as district principals raised concerns about students entering high school with few or no credits who had limited English proficiency and disrupted educational backgrounds. 

“We are seeing an increased enrollment of students who are identified as SIFE, or students with interrupted formal education,” said Director of Student Supports Alicia Jones. “When they come to us at that age, wanting to be in school, what do we need to do to support them? That’s really where the idea started.”

After years of planning, the Newcomer Academy will finally open its doors to provide these students with a pathway to academic success. 

“Since the inception of this idea, our population has doubled if not tripled. We are currently serving about 5,400 ELL students who speak 123 different languages,” Jones said. 

The program will offer a structured environment to build both their language and academic skills.

Principal of Paul Kelley Volunteer Academy Dr. Sofia Roth will lead the Newcomer Academy and emphasized the importance of meeting the students where they are, both linguistically and academically. 

“As far as the programming, they’re going to learn the same thing that everyone else is learning at the same time, just at a different school,” Roth said. “Now we’re adding a second language.”

The curriculum will include essential courses like Algebra I, alongside a Freshman Seminar, which will help students transition smoothly back to their base schools and engage with the district’s 865 Academies initiative.

Roth also stressed the importance of creating a sense of belonging and connection for the students.

“They will have the wraparound support from the staff. Everybody’s rooting for them and making sure they have specialized services,” Roth said. “It’s very important to give them a place to belong.”

The academy’s holistic approach aims to prepare students not just academically, but also socially and emotionally, setting them up for long-term success. 

“I’ve always told the students education is the most important thing you can do for yourself. It is the only thing that no one can take away from you, whether you stay here in the United States or go back to your home country,” Roth said. “Having a high school diploma and learning English is going to completely change your life.”

With a committed team of educators and leaders, Knox County Schools’ Newcomer Academy is poised to become a beacon of hope for ELL students with interrupted education, providing them with the skills and support they need to thrive. 

As Alicia Jones said, “This is Success for Every Student in action. We are making sure we’re providing support for every student, every single day. I’m really excited to see their growth and transform some families’ lives by having their students obtain a diploma.”

Success for Every Student

Knox County Schools is dedicated to Success for Every Student. All students have unique abilities, needs, personalities, and ambitions. KCS is committed to equipping every student with the individualized services, interventions, resources, and supports needed to succeed – no matter their zip code, culture, or financial resources.

Kaleigh Walker Great Educators

Knox County Schools Achieves Near-Zero Teacher Vacancies Through Innovative Hiring Strategies

From left to right: Olivia Craig, Lindsay Duvall, Sarah Collins

Knox County Schools achieved a remarkable milestone this year by reducing its teacher vacancies to near-zero levels, with just a handful of full-time teaching positions open across the entire district at the start of the school year. 

This accomplishment is the result of strategic and innovative hiring practices implemented by the district’s Talent Acquisition team, led by Executive Director Alex Moseman.

A cultural shift in the hiring process meant an intentional focus on simplifying the process for potential candidates.

“The most meaningful changes were made by thinking about how we can remove barriers for interested teachers to apply, and then how we could be more responsive to candidates and principal’s needs,” Moseman said.

One of the innovative tools designed to streamline the application process is the Teach Knox interest form which directly connects respondents to the right people.

“Tell us where you’re at, and we’ll tell you the right next steps,” Moseman said. “We created systems that present good choices to candidates, and it puts people where they best fit and connects them with the people who can help them get where they want to be.”

This efficient and simplified approach aided in the hiring of three teachers at Belle Morris Elementary this year. 

Olivia Craig, a fourth grade teacher, said the new developments made it easier for her to get a job with KCS than any other hiring experience.

“It was really seamless and easy,” Craig said. “Someone reached out to me after I submitted my application and walked me through the whole process.”

She continued, “They did a good job of making sure they put great educators where they belong. It’s so nice to be with people who care about teaching.”

Further modern adaptations, like recorded interviews, also aided in expediting the hiring process by removing barriers to traditional interview practices.

“You can buy a home from your phone nowadays. You should be able to get a job at Knox County Schools from your phone,” Moseman said. “Life can get busy, so for the people that need some flexibility in their schedule to get a job with us, we’ve built systems to account for the fact that they don’t need to be in a specific place and time to interview with us.”

Another key component of this success was making the hiring process visible and accountable for principals.

The Talent Acquisition team shared a scoreboard every week with principals and gave shout-outs to schools who were 100% staffed to build momentum as the start of the school year drew near.

This transparency and recognition of progress motivated schools to strive for full staffing, creating a district-wide push toward the goal.

“We had to put ourselves in the mindset that we’re competing with everybody for great talent,” Moseman said. “We’re not just competing with other school districts, but also other organizations throughout the region. And with high competition, speed and efficiency is going to be the key component to being successful.”

The district’s success in reducing vacancies has even led to a new challenge—turning away candidates due to a full roster of teachers.

“There were teachers that we were not able to hire because we do not have a position for them,” Moseman said. “If you expressed an interest this year and you weren’t able to get a position in the district, we would encourage you to come back and apply again!”

For those who are still interested in joining KCS, the district will open early hiring for the 2025-26 school year in November.By building a culture of accountability and implementing innovative hiring tools, Knox County Schools has shown that with the right strategies, even ambitious goals–like reaching nearly zero teacher vacancies–are attainable.

Great Educators in Every School

Great educators are core to the mission of KCS. By investing in meaningful professional development and growth opportunities, and pursuing innovative strategies to retain and recruit high-quality educators, KCS is positioning great educators in every classroom.

Kaleigh Walker Student Success

A Father and Sons Team in KCS Security: McNutt Family Legacy

From left to right: Richard McNutt Jr., Ryan McNutt, Richard McNutt Sr., Brandon McNutt

A close-knit family has brought their extensive background in law enforcement and military service to protect and serve the students and staff of Knox County Schools.

Richard McNutt Jr. joined the KCS Security Division last year, and this year, his father Richard McNutt Sr. and brother Ryan McNutt also joined the team. 

The McNutts’ path to KCS Security is deeply rooted in a tradition of military and law enforcement service. 

Richard Sr. worked in law enforcement at the Y-12 nuclear facility for nearly 30 years. This environment influenced his sons, leading Richard Jr. to join the Marine Corps, Ryan to the Army, and their youngest brother to the Air Force. 

“Seeing him every day like that definitely pushed us to want to do something similar,” Ryan McNutt said. “We’ve always done something like this, not your typical 9 to 5, but we absolutely love it.”

This legacy of service is a source of immense pride for the McNutt family, driving them to continue contributing to their community in significant ways.

The family’s journey through an extensive nine-week training academy was a unique and rewarding experience. Richard Sr. and Ryan trained together, fostering a competitive yet supportive atmosphere. 

Richard Sr. noted the joy of sharing classes with his son, emphasizing the sentimental feeling of witnessing his dedication and growth firsthand. 

“It was just a thrill each day,” Richard Sr. said. “I got a little emotional at times. I would look over and think, ‘Wow, I’m in school with my kid.’”

Of course, there is a natural element of competition between the officer candidates, which is heightened even more between the family.

“We’re both already very competitive dudes,” Ryan said, laughing. “You add to it that we’re related. It made everything so much worse in the best way.”

The KCS Security Division Class of 2024-01 graduated on Friday, July 26, with a special surprise in store for the McNutts.

Richard Sr. was honored with the prestigious Russell Kocur Leadership Award, a recognition presented to him by last year’s recipient, Richard Jr. 

The Kocur Award is highly esteemed within the Division, and recipients are chosen based on their exemplary leadership qualities and dedication. 

“A lot of people in our organization know it’s an honor to get that award, and no one knows who is receiving it until the name is called,” Richard Sr. said. “To have my son present it to me was amazing and so special.”

As they embark on the new school year, each McNutt is stationed at a different school: Richard Jr. at Farragut High School, Richard Sr. at West High School, and Ryan at Holston Middle School. 

The new officers look forward to building connections with students and ensuring a safe learning environment. 

“I’m just thrilled to see the kids and thrilled to see what they’ve been doing all summer,” Ryan said. “I also can’t wait for the kids who are really into some type of extracurricular activity. I love seeing kids excited about things they love to do. I just want to sit there and talk to them about it.”

The McNutts’ commitment to service is not just a job but a family legacy. Their presence in the KCS Security Division is a testament to their dedication to making a positive impact on their community, ensuring that every student feels safe and supported. 

As Richard Sr. aptly put it, “You can count on the McNutts to be there.”

Success for Every Student

Knox County Schools is dedicated to Success for Every Student. All students have unique abilities, needs, personalities, and ambitions. KCS is committed to equipping every student with the individualized services, interventions, resources, and supports needed to succeed – no matter their zip code, culture, or financial resources.

Kaleigh Walker Great Educators

Region 5 Educator Summit: Empowering Our Teachers

As students and families begin preparing for the school year, so are educators across Knox County Schools! 

The inaugural Region 5 Educator Summit brought together every teacher, teaching assistant, counselor, instructional coach, and principal from across the region for a full day of teacher-led professional learning – a new highlight to the back-to-school ritual.

With over 120 sessions to choose from, topics ranged from instructional leadership and family-community engagement to the KCS Instructional Framework and school improvement instructional models. This diversity allowed attendees to tailor their experience to their personal professional development pathways.

“The Region 5 Educator Summit will be a game-changer for us,” said Region 5 Director Dr. Dexter Murphy. “The feedback from our educators and principals over the past year has been invaluable in shaping our professional development initiatives. The Educator Summit builds on this foundation, providing a platform for our teachers to lead and share their expertise.”

This groundbreaking event was designed by educators for educators based on input from the Regional Teacher Council. Educators had the opportunity to participate in four sessions of their choice, building a culture of collaboration and shared expertise. 

“It’s great receiving this PD from fellow educators,” said Christenberry Elementary teacher Katie Esco. “We are all in the same position, so it feels more connected and directly applicable to our classrooms.”

The Region 5 Educator Summit is a symbol of the district’s collective dedication to celebrating and developing its educators while setting the stage for continued growth and success.

“We are excited to see the impact of these choice sessions,” said Region 5 Supervisor Sallee Reynolds. “With such a wide range of topics, every educator can find sessions that resonate with their professional growth needs.”

The summit also included updates on the Region 5 Strategic Plan, an overview of the KCS and Region 5 Instructional Frameworks, and a spotlight on the “Year of the Principal.”

Knox County Schools is grateful to all who participated and contributed to the success of the Region 5 Educator Summit. Together, we are transforming futures the Region 5 way!

Great Educators in Every School

Great educators are core to the mission of KCS. By investing in meaningful professional development and growth opportunities, and pursuing innovative strategies to retain and recruit high-quality educators, KCS is positioning great educators in every classroom.

Kaleigh Walker Student Success

Carmen Morales’ Journey to Becoming a First-Generation College Student

The Career Magnet Academy valedictorian Carmen Morales exemplifies determination in the face of challenges. 

As a first-generation college student, her journey to academic excellence has been marked by challenges, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to education. 

Education has always been a significant focus in Morales’ family. Her father, who only completed elementary school before working on his family farm, and her mother, who never finished college, instilled in her the importance of academic success. 

“In my family, education has always been a big thing,” Morales shared. “They always pushed me to achieve what they didn’t.”

Morales focused on her dual enrollment courses through Pellissippi State Community College during her time in high school. These college-level classes not only boosted her GPA but also allowed her to graduate with an associate degree alongside her high school diploma. 

“I was able to meet so many different people through Pellissippi,” she said. “It has opened so many opportunities for me that I feel I wouldn’t have through a traditional high school.”

The support from her parents was a constant motivator for Morales. Her mother is an immigrant from Iran, and her father moved to the United States from Mexico. Their unique perspectives drove Morales to be her best every day.

“That’s why I need to go to school—to be able to take care of them when they get older.”

Carmen’s achievement as valedictorian was a testament to her hard work and dedication. The moment she learned about her accomplishment was unforgettable. 

“I was getting ready for work when our high school counselor called and told me I was valedictorian. I started screaming, and it was such a happy moment,” she recalled.

Balancing a job with academics was a challenge Morales took with a smile each day.

“I didn’t join any clubs or societies in high school because I wanted to work,” she said. “My job is my hobby.”

Looking ahead, Carmen plans to attend Tennessee Wesleyan University, where she will pursue a degree in nursing. With her associate degree already completed, she is on track to finish her bachelor’s degree in two years. 

“Getting my associate degree in high school will help me get to where I want to be sooner,” she noted. 

Morales looks forward to specializing in senior care, driven by her desire to help elderly people and give back to her community.

Her story is a powerful example of resilience, hard work, and the pursuit of education against all odds. Her journey to valedictorian status and beyond serves as an inspiration to others.

Kaleigh Walker 865 Academies

Farragut High Ambassadors Reflect on 865 Academies Experience

The 865 Academies have been pivotal in shaping the academic and career aspirations of students like Farragut High’s Jane Davanzo, Camille Faugot, and Rebecca Pack. 

These student ambassadors shared their diverse experiences and the unique opportunities the academies have provided, contributing to their growth and career outlooks.

For Davanzo, the journey began with a keen interest in construction, a field she was eager to explore more deeply. 

“Initially, I thought the academies would be an opportunity to get into construction because it’s a hard class to get into,” Davanzo said. “But once I started, it really gave me a sense of community with my teachers and peers. 

Faugot had a different starting point. Coming from a homeschooling background, the transition to public school was a new experience in itself. 

The Freshman Academy introduced her to the structure and opportunities within the 865 Academies. 

“I didn’t really know what the academies were until the first day of school, where we learned about the freshman seminar class and the overall program,” she said. 

For Faugot, the Freshman Academy provided a seamless transition into the broader school environment and allowed her to explore potential career paths.

Pack, on the other hand, entered the program with a clear interest in business management. The 865 Academies helped her refine this interest and consider career options. 

“When I came in freshman year, I knew I wanted to do something in business, but the program suggested various paths like marketing and management, which expanded my horizons,” Pack shared.

The 865 Academies don’t just focus on classroom learning. They offer practical experiences that prepare students for their future careers. 

Davanzo highlighted her experience in the construction pathway, where she became OSHA-10 certified and learned the intricacies of tool safety and usage. She also mentioned impactful field trips, such as visiting commercial construction sites and businesses, which provided real-world insights into different industries.

Similarly, Faugot gained valuable certification in CPR through her health science classes, while Pack benefited from business-related field trips and networking opportunities. 

These experiences have not only enriched their educational journey but also equipped them with practical skills and certifications that will be beneficial in their future careers.

The program’s emphasis on work-based learning and internships further enhances the students’ readiness for the workforce. 

Davanzo is looking forward to potential internships in residential renovations, while Faugot is excited about a work-based learning opportunity that will allow her to gain practical experience in a medical setting.

Beyond academics and career preparation, the 865 Academies have also fostered personal growth among students. 

Davanzo emphasized how the program helped her build confidence, especially as she ventured into a male-dominated field like construction. 

“I was too scared to take construction freshman year, but the program helped me gain confidence and embrace my passion,” she said. 

Faugot and Pack echoed similar sentiments, noting how their involvement in the academies and the ambassador program helped them develop public speaking skills and a stronger sense of community.

The ambassador program itself has been a highlight for these students, allowing them to engage more deeply with the school community and develop leadership skills. 

“Being an ambassador has helped me grow closer to the staff and feel more welcomed at school,” Pack noted. Faugot added that the program provided a platform to help new students transition smoothly into high school life.

The 865 Academies have significantly impacted the students at Farragut High School, providing them with valuable academic, practical, and personal development opportunities. These experiences have not only shaped their career outlooks but also prepared them to confidently pursue their future aspirations.

Kaleigh Walker Student Success

Anna Lara: A Journey of Resilience to Salutatorian Success

Anna Lara, the salutatorian of the Knox County Virtual School, embodies resilience in every sense of the word. 

Lara’s journey to academic excellence has been far from easy. Her story is one of perseverance, adaptation, and an unyielding commitment to her dreams, despite the many challenges she faced.

From the start, Lara had to navigate a path made more complex by a language barrier. 

With Spanish as her first language, her early years in school were marked by the challenge of learning English. 

“I was a little embarrassed about my culture at first, but as I got older, I saw the value in speaking two languages,” Lara said. “I grew to love who I am and found that it has allowed me to help other people.”

Her quick mastery of English was a testament to her determination, a quality that would become a hallmark of her educational journey.

Anna’s school life was characterized by frequent transitions. She attended Cedar Bluff Elementary, Farragut Primary, Farragut Intermediate, Farragut Middle, Hardin Valley Middle, and Hardin Valley Academy before transferring to the Virtual School. 

Each move meant adapting to new environments, teachers, and peers. Despite the inherent difficulties of being the new kid, Lara found strength in the support of her teachers. 

“I still keep in contact with my first-grade teacher because I loved her so much,” she said. “The teachers I’ve had throughout school helped me through a lot, especially being at new schools.”

Her academic path took another turn in high school when she went virtual for a semester. During this time, she discovered she was pregnant with her first child. Balancing schoolwork with pregnancy and later, motherhood, was incredibly demanding. 

“I was trying to stay at the same pace as the other students, and it was really hard,” Lara said. 

She continued her education, driven by a resolve to not fall behind, but balancing school with parenting responsibilities became a difficult task.

“I would stay up until five in the morning trying to catch up on schoolwork,” she recalls. “I just got up each day and did what I had to do.”

Despite the physical and emotional toll, Lara pushed through, driven by a vision for a better future for her children and herself.

Lara’s journey wasn’t just about academic struggle; she also battled depression, particularly during her second pregnancy. 

“I’m taking care of them on my own,” she said. Her children are her motivation. “They are the reason I get up every day; because they need me.”

Throughout her high school years, Anna learned valuable lessons about balance and self-care. 

“I learned early on that it’s okay to take a break,” she reflects. 

This newfound understanding helped her manage her responsibilities better, ensuring she could still excel academically while caring for her young children.

Lara’s acceptance into the University of Tennessee, where she plans to pursue pre-med to become an OBGYN, is a testament to her resilience and determination. 

“It honestly feels surreal to be where I am because I thought it was never going to happen,” she said. “I’m looking forward to being back in the classroom and meeting all the teachers and students in person.”

While Lara has succeeded through her personal determination, she is also grateful to her parents for their unending support.

Ivan and Elizabeth immigrated to the United States from Mexico to give their family a better life, and they work hard every day to support Lara, her brother, and her children. 

“I wouldn’t be where I am without them,” Lara said.

Her journey, marked by perseverance and the ability to overcome obstacles, serves as an inspiration to many.

Anna Lara’s story is a powerful reminder that resilience is not about never falling, but about rising every time we do. 

Her achievements at Knox County Virtual School, amidst personal and academic challenges, illustrate the strength of the human spirit and the extraordinary heights that can be reached with determination and support.

Kaleigh Walker 865 Academies, Community Partners

Karns High Artists Give Back to Karns Pre-K Through Mural

The Karns High School art department recently teamed up with Karns Pre-K to breathe new life into their building.

Spearheaded by Karns Pre-K Principal Jason Harris, the project aimed to create a welcoming atmosphere for students and parents at the school’s entrance, marking the beginning of a colorful transformation for the entire building. 

Harris envisioned a space that exuded warmth and cheerfulness, especially for the district’s youngest students and their families entering school for the first time. 

“A lot of times, a student starting in Pre-K is a family’s first interaction with Knox County Schools, and we want to make a good first impression,” he said. “I hope we can continue working throughout the school to create colorful, whimsical murals that showcase Knoxville and the Karns community on our walls.”

Recognizing the potential of his community’s artistic talents, Harris reached out to the Karns High School art department to propose a collaboration.

Kevin Gentry, the art teacher at Karns High School, organized a team of dedicated student artists who embarked on the journey to bring Harris’s vision to life. 

“The building needed some visual enhancements, especially when people first come into the lobby,” Gentry said. “I pitched the idea to our students in the National Art Honor Society because part of the purpose of that group is to serve through the arts.”

Students began brainstorming ideas in August to share with the staff at the preschool based on the initial concepts presented by Harris. 

“I drew the design digitally and sent that in to get everyone’s opinions, and then we took those critiques and made changes,” said student artist Isabella Hunt. “They wanted cartoons and children’s books. It was hard at first because we didn’t want to copy ideas or characters from books, but I think we did really well making it look cartoony and welcoming.”

The project presented a novel opportunity for the students involved, marking their first experiences working on a mural. 

“There was a really good learning curve because we’ve never done anything like this before,” said Reece Peacock, another student artist. “We had to get the proportions and colors right before we started painting. It turned out really nice for our first time.” 

The artists reflected on the significance of leaving a lasting imprint on their community, envisioning future generations marveling at the mural and reminiscing about its creation.

“I can imagine being grown up and telling my kids about how I painted the mural at their school,” Peacock said. “It’s so cool to know that people could possibly see your art every day for forever.”

The completion of the mural not only signifies the culmination of months of hard work but also heralds a new chapter in the collaborative relationship between Karns High School and Karns Pre-K, an embodiment of the Karns community spirit.

Kaleigh Walker 865 Academies, Community Partners

Pellissippi State Community College: Empowering Students for the Future

Pellissippi State Community College stands as a hub of opportunity for students, offering a diverse array of programs and support for student success. 

One of the cornerstones of Pellissippi State’s offerings is its comprehensive range of programs designed to meet the needs of a diverse student body. 

Samira Abdalla, an entrepreneurship and business faculty member, highlights the college’s commitment to providing practical, career-oriented education. 

“The program is designed to take a future founder from a back-of-the-napkin idea to the next level,” she said. “It’s really hands-on, and through TnCIS, allows students to travel domestically or internationally to get exposure to other businesses and cultural experiences.”

Emily Ridings, a student in the civil engineering technology program, supports the idea that Pellissippi State offers unique chances for students to experience firsthand learning to prepare them for the field. 

“One of the biggest things I admire about this program is you get a lot of different aspects to try out in the industry,” she said. “There are so many hands-on opportunities that help when you get out in the field, and they really want to help you learn.”

Pellissippi State goes beyond academics by providing robust support services to ensure student success.

Dr. Angel Hughes, who oversees the University Parallel program, emphasizes the college’s dedication to student development. 

“One of the things we want to do is think about the larger student experience at Pellissippi State, and that includes being sure we reach into high schools and help students realize that college is attainable and that we have great pathways and programs for them that will fulfill their interest and help lead them into a great career,” she said. “We have the kind of student supports and services that I would have only dreamed of as a college student. We have support for any kind of barrier that a student may face, and I want them to see that college is a place for all people.”

Leigh Anne Touzeau, the assistant vice president for enrollment services, highlight’s the college’s dedication to finding the right place on campus for students.

“We hope to expose students to all the different programs and career options we have at Pellissippi,” she said. “A lot of students, especially as they enter high school, don’t know exactly what careers are out there, and we try to immerse them to bite-size pieces of information so they can learn about those careers to further motivate them to go past high school.”

Pellissippi State Community College stands out as a premier institution committed to empowering students through its programs, support services, and opportunities. 

With a focus on academic excellence, student development, and experiential learning, Pellissippi State equips students with the tools they need to succeed in their academic and professional endeavors. The college continues to shape the future leaders and innovators of tomorrow.