The First Lady
As First Lady, Gloria Granthum Bell serves as an ambassador for the University in Cookeville and the region. She also is well known to students because she enjoys meeting as many students as possible and has worked on several projects with student groups. She is dedicated to attending many campus activities, and she coordinates events in cooperation with university departments.
As the hostess of Walton House, she has overseen donations including a grand piano, fine art, furniture and rugs. One of her greatest joys has been to re-establish a rose garden at Walton House with donated roses and the help of The Rose Society and the TTU Grounds Department.
Mrs. Bell often travels with the president to represent the university at state, national, and international events and meetings. She has recruited President’s Club Members and donations for the University. In 2003, she designed the University Flag.
Current affiliations: United Way Board of Directors, Spouse Member of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, First Ladies of Middle Tennessee, The Global Directory of Who’s Who, Past President and Board Member of the Tennessee Tech University Women’s Club, First United Methodist Church; Past President of Trustees, Member of the Jubilee Handbell Ringers, Anna Rebecca Circle, Leadership Putnam Class of 2005, Leaders Against Meth; Advocate for Meth Education and support for children affected by Meth and/or child abuse, Bryan Symphony Orchestra Association, P.E.O. Chapter L, Town and Gown, Book Lovers, Cookeville Rose Society
Before moving to Cookeville in 1976, Mrs. Bell worked at the University of South Florida and The University of North Florida, where she met and married Robert Bell. Their family includes two sons and daughters-in-law, David and Kerry Thomas and John and Misty Bell; one daughter, Heather Koslin; and four grandchildren, Kelsey and David Thomas, Isabelle Koslin, and Sarah Bell.
Department Links
