Pellissippi State Foundation, Alumni & Friends

05/25/2026

Remembering the heroes who made our freedoms possible. Grateful today and every day!❤️💙

05/21/2026

Congratulations to Jessie Tipton, Academic Coordinator and Instructor of Video Production Technology at Pellissippi State Community College, on receiving the Foundation's Roger Crowe Excellence in Teaching Award.

Jessie’s innovative, hands-on approach to teaching connects students with real-world experiences—from major community productions to international opportunities—while fostering an inclusive environment where creativity and confidence thrive. His commitment to student success is shaping the next generation of media professionals.

05/19/2026

Congratulations to Angela Hughes, Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs at Pellissippi State Community College, on receiving the Foundation's Innovations Award.

Angela has led the development of Pellissippi Pathways, a transformative initiative grounded in the guided pathways model that integrates career readiness, experiential learning, and student engagement across academic programs. Her work is reshaping how the college prepares students for transfer and the workforce—strengthening outcomes for students, the institution, and the community.

05/16/2026

What a great day! Thank you Arconic Foundation.

We had such a beautiful day at the Pellissippi State Community College Blount County Campus! Nearly 700 seventh graders from Blount County Schools spent the day exploring STEM fields, building durable skills, diving into College 101, and learning how dual enrollment can help them get a head start on exciting, well‑paying careers.

Families — your kids were incredible! Their curiosity, energy, and enthusiasm filled our campus. It was inspiring to watch them ask questions and imagine their future.

A huge thank you to Arconic and the Arconic Foundation for their generous support of this program. Their investment helps us create opportunities that truly make a difference for students in our community.

And a big shout‑out to the Blount County Schools teachers who joined us today. Your support, encouragement, and dedication to your students make days like this possible. We loved having you on campus.

Judging by all the smiles and excitement, the students had an amazing day.

05/15/2026

Congratulations to Nancy Truett, Pellissippi State Foundation's Staff Excellence Award recipient!

As Director of Counseling Services, Nancy has transformed student support by expanding access to care, growing a highly sought-after counseling internship program, and championing holistic, trauma-informed services across all campuses. Her leadership ensures students are met with compassion, expertise, and the resources they need to succeed.

Thank you, Nancy, for making a lasting difference in the lives of our students and community. 💙

05/14/2026

Congratulations to Patty Weaver, Jonathan Gilbert, and Luke Smith on receiving the Pellissippi State Foundation's Gene Joyce Visionary Award.

Their leadership in developing the Earn and Learn program has created a powerful model that integrates academic instruction with paid, real-world work experience. By aligning education with workforce needs and building strong employer partnerships, their work is advancing student success while strengthening the region’s talent pipeline.


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05/13/2026

Today’s Where Are They Now Wednesday feature highlights Pellissippi State alumnus and Pulitzer-Prize winner, Jabin Botsford, whose time at the College helped him discover the career path that would shape his future in photojournalism. Jabin is currently a freelance photographer based in Washington, D.C., specializing in photojournalism, commercial, and editorial work. Prior to freelancing, he worked for The Washington Post for 11 years, serving as a staff photographer and documenting stories through powerful visual storytelling.

Jabin chose to attend Pellissippi State because, like many students, he was unsure of what he wanted to do after high school but knew he needed to continue his education. Pellissippi State was close to home and provided him with an accessible place to begin his academic journey while figuring out his next steps.

One of his most meaningful experiences at Pellissippi State was discovering photojournalism. At the time, Jabin did not know much about the field, but a required photojournalism course in the photography program changed the direction of his life. That class introduced him to a profession that combined photography, storytelling, and real-world impact. During his time at the College, he also began building a body of work and gained valuable experience that helped prepare him to transfer to Western Kentucky University.

Jabin credits Pellissippi State with laying the groundwork for his education and career. He also connected with an adjunct professor who introduced him to assignments and helped him better understand the world of photojournalism. His advice to current and future students is to take time to figure out what they truly want to do. He encourages students to be intentional with their education and make sure they are pursuing something meaningful and worthwhile.

We are proud to highlight Jabin Botsford and the impact he continues to make through photography and storytelling. His journey is a reminder that sometimes the right class, mentor, or experience can help students discover a path they never expected.

05/09/2026

Congratulations to all of our Pellissippi State graduates!

Commencement is such a special milestone, and we are proud to celebrate each graduate’s hard work, dedication, and achievement. As you take this next step, remember that you are now part of the Pellissippi State alumni family for life.

A special thank you to all of the volunteers, faculty, staff, and supporters who helped make commencement such a meaningful and memorable experience for our graduates and their families.

Congratulations again, graduates. We can’t wait to see all that you accomplish next!

05/01/2026

If you attended the Pellissippi Strong Luncheon last week, you may have noticed two new attendee gifts at your table!

⛓️ - 3D printed keychains courtesy of Strata Printing, owned and operated by Pellissippi State Community College alumni Benjamin & Kevin Bridges
🖊️- Custom sharpie pens provided by Newell Brands

Thank you to these partners for their special contribution to this event and continued investment in the Pellissippi State Foundation and our students! 💙

04/29/2026

Thank You, Prize Sponsors!

We’re incredibly grateful to the generous prize sponsors who made Pellissippi Gives even more impactful. Your support helps inspire giving and strengthens our Pellissippi State Community College community!

A heartfelt thank-you to:

Alcatraz East Crime Museum • Blackhorse Pub & Brewery • Chick-fil-A Hunter's Crossing • Cruze Farm Downtown Knoxville • Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center • Hollywood Wax Museum - Pigeon Forge • The Home Depot (Schaad Road) • Lost Mine Mountain Coaster & Mini Golf • NASCAR SpeedPark Smoky Mountains/Parc Foundation • Pellissippi State Lifelong Learning • Rachael Cragle, Director of Advising, Pellissippi State • Sweetwater Valley Farm • L. Anthony Wise Jr., President, Pellissippi State • WonderWorks Pigeon Forge • Zoo Knoxville

Because of you, Pellissippi Gives was a success!