Floyd County’s TCATK President Kelli Chaney Named 2024 Entrepreneurial President of the Year

Floyd County Celebrates Entrepreneurship Leadership

In a wonderful display of recognition for educational leadership, Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Knoxville (TCATK) has garnered national attention by honoring its president, Kelli Chaney. This past week, she was awarded the title of 2024 Entrepreneurial President of the Year at a prominent conference held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, organized by the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE).

A Milestone Achievement

The prestigious award underscores Chaney’s exceptional contribution to fostering an environment that champions innovation and collaboration in entrepreneurship education. As president since 2019, Chaney has led TCATK with a clear vision focused on empowering students with vital career skills that can positively impact local and regional economies.

Chancellor’s Vision

Rebecca Corbin, the President & CEO of NACCE, stated, “Through the Entrepreneurial President of the Year award, NACCE recognizes outstanding community college leaders who demonstrate innovation and collaboration, two pillars of entrepreneurship education.” Dr. Corbin praised Chaney’s pioneering efforts and highlighted the meaningful pathways she is creating for individuals seeking skills-based careers.

Empowering Future Generations

In her acceptance speech, Chaney expressed her deep appreciation for the honor, emphasizing TCATK’s commitment to student success. “At TCAT Knoxville, student success is our top priority, and workforce development is what we do,” she remarked. Chaney believes that by equipping students with the necessary skills and entrepreneurial mindset, they will be better positioned to thrive in their careers.

Local Impact on Employment

TCATK’s focus has many ramifications for the community at large. The college actively works to empower the next generation of professionals by providing them with the training needed to excel in various industries. Chaney’s leadership is helping create a workforce that can fill critical gaps in the economy, contributing to the vitality and prosperity of the entire region.

Recognizing Hard Work

The recognition of Chaney is not only a personal achievement but also a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff and students at TCATK. The college is notable for its unique approach to education, fostering partnerships that extend beyond the classroom and into the wider community. By doing so, they’ve cultivated a culture of entrepreneurship that has far-reaching effects.

A Bright Future Ahead

With her recent achievement, Chaney is poised to inspire even more individuals towards entrepreneurial pursuits in the coming years. Her passion for education and workforce development resonates with the core values of NACCE, which aims to encourage community colleges to innovate and adapt in a changing economic landscape. Chaney’s commitment to uplifting others reflects a deeper mission to instill confidence in future entrepreneurs.

Final Thoughts

As Floyd County and the surrounding areas look to the future, the recognition of Kelli Chaney’s role as an entrepreneurial leader stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. It is clear that with leaders like Chaney at the helm, the local community can expect a bright and prosperous future. From skill-building initiatives to empowering students, TCATK is making significant strides in creating opportunities that are crucial to both individuals and the economy.