COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 25, 2005) — Tammy Reynolds, employment manager at Tennessee Tech University, was recently named to a Tennessee Board of Regents program that recognizes and trains top African-American administrators employed at TBR institutions.

Appointed to the Maxine Smith Fellows Program, Reynolds was chosen to participate in a working and learning environment designed to enhance administrators’ work experience and career development. The program allows participants to gain experience in policy-making and administrative roles.

“The university nominated Mrs. Reynolds based on her outstanding history of leadership, service to the university and excellence in performance,” said TTU President Bob Bell.

A selective program, fewer than half of this year’s 25 nominees from institutions across the state were chosen as Fellows. During the 10-month appointment, each Fellow completes assignments under the guidance of an administrative mentor at the Tennessee Board of Regents Central Office, Tennessee Higher Education Commission or a TBR institution.

Reynolds works at the TBR Central Office with James King, vice chancellor for Tennessee Technology Centers. Currently she is coordinating the development of a new employee orientation program to be implemented systemwide at the centers. She is also involved with compliance audits and human resource issues, plus has served on a search committee.

“I really enjoy balancing the challenges and responsibilities the program gives me,” said Reynolds, who travels at least once a week to the TBR Central Office to work on projects.

Reynolds said the Fellows program provides two distinct opportunities for growth. It provides a mentor who can share experiences and knowledge, plus offers development and management training through seminars and meetings.

“Prior to working at the university level, I worked at a community college, so working with the technology centers give me a well-rounded view of how each type of institution functions within the TBR system,” she added. “It was an honor to be selected.”

While employed by the university since 1992, Reynold’s earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from TTU.

The Fellows program is named for Smith, who is serving her second term on the TBR. A civil rights leader in Memphis, Smith has served as executive secretary to the Memphis NAACP since 1962.

--Karen Lykins
This information posted 1 March 2005