Kelli Chaney, President of TCAT Knoxville, Named NACCE’s 2024 Entrepreneurial President of the Year
Kelli Chaney, President of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Knoxville (TCATK), has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Entrepreneurial President of the Year award by the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE). This significant recognition celebrates Chaney’s exceptional leadership in fostering entrepreneurship and workforce development at TCAT Knoxville, highlighting her transformative impact on both student success and regional economic growth. This award underscores the vital role of community colleges in preparing students for the modern economy and emphasizes the importance of innovative leadership in this ever-evolving landscape.
Key Takeaways:
- Kelli Chaney, President of Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Knoxville (TCATK), receives the 2024 Entrepreneurial President of the Year award from the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE).
- The award recognizes Chaney’s innovative leadership and commitment to entrepreneurship education and workforce development.
- TCATK, under Chaney’s leadership, has achieved significant success, including two wins in NACCE’s Pitch for the Skilled Trades competition.
- Chaney’s contributions exemplify the power of community colleges in driving economic growth and preparing students for in-demand careers.
- The award highlights the growing importance of entrepreneurship education within the community college system.
Chaney’s Transformative Leadership at TCAT Knoxville
Dr. Chaney’s leadership at TCAT Knoxville has been instrumental in its remarkable growth and success. Since assuming the presidency in 2019, she has spearheaded numerous initiatives designed to equip students with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in today’s dynamic job market. Her dedication to **student success** is evident in the college’s numerous achievements, including its two victories in NACCE’s prestigious Pitch for the Skilled Trades competition, a testament to the innovative spirit and practical skills nurtured within its walls. This program, supported by the Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation, showcases the college’s ability to translate entrepreneurial thinking into concrete achievements.
A Focus on Skills-Based Training and Workforce Development
Under Dr. Chaney’s guidance, TCAT Knoxville has become a model for **skills-based training** and **workforce development**. The college proactively addresses the evolving needs of both students and employers, ensuring that its curriculum remains aligned with industry demands. This approach is not just about teaching technical skills; it’s about instilling an entrepreneurial mindset— a commitment to innovation, problem-solving, and adaptability that prepares graduates for success in a competitive marketplace. This proactive engagement with industry partners allows the college to bridge the gap between education and employment, creating a powerful pipeline of skilled workers for Tennessee’s economy.
Embracing Innovation Through the Maker Movement
TCATK’s commitment to innovation extends beyond traditional classroom settings. The college’s active participation in the **maker movement**, notably through its partnership with Maker USA and the launch of a new makerspace facility in Spring 2024, showcases its dedication to fostering creativity and hands-on learning. The makerspace provides students with access to cutting-edge technology and tools, encouraging experimentation and the development of innovative solutions. This initiative reflects Dr. Chaney’s forward-thinking approach to education, empowering students to become not just skilled workers, but also potential entrepreneurs and innovators. The “Remake Learning Days Across America” initiative, launched under her tenure, further underscores this commitment to cultivating creativity and problem-solving skills.
The Significance of NACCE’s Entrepreneurial President of the Year Award
The NACCE’s Entrepreneurial President of the Year award is a significant honor, recognizing outstanding leadership in the community college sector. It celebrates individuals who demonstrate exceptional innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to fostering entrepreneurship among their students. **Rebecca Corbin**, NACCE President & CEO, aptly stated that President Chaney is **”pioneering new ways to help individuals find pathways to skills-based careers that uplift local and regional economies and elevate prosperity.”** This statement perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the award and the transformative impact of Chaney’s leadership.
NACCE’s Mission and Impact
NACCE, with its network of over 330 community and technical colleges and 2,000 faculty, staff, administrators, and presidents, plays a crucial role in promoting entrepreneurship education and innovation within the community college system. The organization’s dual mission – to empower colleges to adopt entrepreneurial mindsets and to enhance their role in local job creation – aligns perfectly with Dr. Chaney’s work at TCAT Knoxville. The award serves as a powerful endorsement of NACCE’s efforts and underscores the increasing recognition of the critical role community colleges play in economic development.
The Future of Entrepreneurship Education in Community Colleges
Dr. Chaney’s recognition underscores the growing importance of entrepreneurship education within the community college system. Community colleges, with their accessibility and focus on practical skills, are uniquely positioned to nurture entrepreneurial talent and support local economic growth. By providing students with both the technical skills and the entrepreneurial mindset, these institutions can empower individuals to create jobs, innovate, and contribute to their communities. Dr. Chaney’s success at TCAT Knoxville provides a compelling example of the potential of community colleges to drive economic prosperity and prepare students for success in the 21st-century workforce. Her leadership serves as an inspiration for other community colleges to embrace similar initiatives, fostering innovation and economic growth across the nation.
Chaney’s Impact and the Broader Context
Dr. Chaney’s achievement isn’t just about individual accolades; it’s a powerful symbol of the transformative potential within community colleges. Her leadership demonstrates that a focus on **practical skills training**, combined with an entrepreneurial mindset, can significantly impact student success and regional economic vitality. By empowering students with the necessary skills and the drive to innovate, community colleges are not just educating individuals; they’re creating future leaders and entrepreneurs who will shape the landscape of tomorrow. This narrative transcends a single award; it represents a broader movement towards a more dynamic and entrepreneurial approach to community college education, one that recognizes the vital role these institutions play in fostering economic growth and preparing students for a successful future.
“I’m honored to receive this recognition from NACCE,” said President Chaney. “At TCAT Knoxville, student success is our top priority, and workforce development is what we do. We’re proud to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs and professionals with the skills and mindset to thrive in their careers. The NACCE network is instrumental in our success.” This quote perfectly sums up Chaney’s philosophy: a dedication to student success, a strong focus on workforce development, and a collaborative approach that leverages powerful networks like NACCE to achieve remarkable results.
