TCAT-McMinnville President Dr. Melody Edmonds named the state’s Postsecondary Professional of the Year.
The Association for Career And Technical Education selected Edmonds based on reviewing the qualifications of various candidates. Edmonds said she remains committed to career and technical education.
“When you’ve committed your time and your effort into career and technical education, it’s an honor to be recognized because there’s lots of people across the state that are doing lots of great things,” Edmonds said. “It’s good to see that your efforts maybe have made some sort of an impact that people can see when they look at your qualifications.”
Edmonds said the award reflects the collective work of the faculty, staff and students at the college rather than just her individual performance. Edmonds said the Tennessee Board of Regents and various community partners provide the support systems necessary for the institution to remain successful.
“All the other colleges across the state that I’ve worked with are big help,” Edmonds said. “All the partners in the community. So I think it’s just really something that is representative of all the great partnerships and all the support systems in place.”
As demand for skilled trades grows across the nation, Edmonds said the college maintains a primary focus on student success and workforce development to ensure graduates possess the specific skill sets required by employers. Edmonds said the institution has managed to grow its enrollment while maintaining high standards for completion, placement and licensure.
“We’re about student success and workforce development and I think they keep their eye on the prize and that’s what they do,” Edmonds said. “And regardless of the hurdles and things that we have to go through to make that happen, they still make it happen.”
Edmonds said the college actively collaborates with industrial development boards, chambers of commerce, and local school systems to remain responsive to the needs of area businesses. Edmonds said this process involves listening to industry leaders to ensure that campus equipment and curriculum remain updated.
“We’re keeping our equipment and our curriculum updated as it needs to be and just, just making sure that we are there at the table knowing what’s needed and going after what’s needed so that we can ensure that our future workforce is where it should be,” Edmonds said.
Edmonds said the college is currently focused on expanding its presence and support for technical skills in Coffee County. Edmonds said the state-level recognition give an added spark to continue building networks and seeking new opportunities for the community.
“It shows that our efforts are being noticed and I hope that it’s just something that keeps us motivated and says, keep your foot on the gas because we’re going in the right direction and we’re just going to keep going,” Edmonds said.