In the final days leading up to the presidential primary election in Tennessee, retired Gen. Wesley Clark visited with about 500 students, faculty, staff and visitors here last Friday.

Clark made the unscheduled stop on a tour that took him across the state in the past week. The presidential hopeful covered a wide range of issues during a 30-minute stump speech, giving his view of the current presidential administration and where he believes he differs from the other Democratic contenders.

During the visit to the Roaden University Center, Clark was welcomed by President Bob Bell, Student Government Association President Brent Waugh, and Cookeville Mayor Charles Womack, who presented Clark with a key to the city.

After his remarks, Clark took questions from the audience, addressing concerns about foreign policy, military salaries, the environment and the rising cost of college tuition.

Clark formally announced his withdrawal from the race Wednesday, following a third-place finish in the Tennessee primary.