Kent is the Exam Coordinator for Civil Service, coordinating written and physical performance and equipment tests for employees in the city of Knoxville.

He’s lived in East Tennessee his entire life, except for the time he attended Tennessee Tech. And his family has resided in Tennessee since before it was a state. 

In addition to volunteering his self-defense and coaching skills, Kent has performed martial arts demonstrations to raise funds for various causes. He's also engaged his powerlifting team in a Lift-A-Thon and raised several thousands of dollars for Isaiah 17 House for foster kids in Blount County. 

Kent Johnson is a generous neighbor and colleague. What is his biggest source of pride?

"I love being a dad and consider my sons my greatest accomplishment," he says. 

Kent was the College of Interdisciplinary Studies Alumnus of the Year in 2010.

Michelle Huddleston passed away on October 21, 2023.

Michelle worked at Tennessee Tech in various capacities since 2010, including as coordinator for the service learning center and later as assistant director of service learning and community engagement, culminating in her most recent position as associate director of residential life and service learning.

A hallmark of Michelle's service to Tech will always be her leadership overseeing the university food pantry, including during the aftermath of the March 2020 tornadoes and the COVID-19 pandemic.

When Tech students needed to isolate due to positive COVID-19 diagnoses, Michelle teamed up with Residential Life, Health Services and Chartwells to make sure no one on campus went without meals while in quarantine. She helped build a system to ensure students had meals and snacks for their dorm rooms or off-campus apartments, calling the program "Meals on Wings."

Michelle was a 2021 recipient of Tech's Wings of Kindness award and was presented with an honorary key to the City of Cookeville by former mayor Ricky Shelton.

A Tennessee Tech University employee was honored recently for 35 years of service.

Susan Henry was the longest-serving staff member recognized by President Phil Oldham at the university’s annual service pin ceremony. Altogether, more than 90 staff members were honored for their years of service in increments of five years.

Henry works in the division of Student Affairs, where she serves as an administrative associate in the Center for Student Engagement. 

“Susan has truly immersed herself in all Tech has to offer, earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees while employed full-time, serving as a teaching assistant, and attending special events, lectures, performances, athletic and student events,” said Katherine W. Aikens, assistant vice president for strategic initiatives and dean of students.

Aikens points out that she has worked in various roles with Henry for 20 years, beginning when Aikens was a graduate assistant and moving up the ranks from coordinator and director to her current position.

“If you look up synonyms for ‘Susan Henry,’ you’ll find ‘multitasker,’ ‘hard-working’ and ‘encourager,’” she said. “Susan is an advocate for the student’s needs and goes above and beyond to help them succeed.”

Henry says the best part of her job is and always has been helping students.

“Student Engagement hosts all types of events for the students. I get to enjoy all the fun activities we plan and host. It’s fun hanging out with the students in a fun atmosphere,” she said.

Making long-time connections has also been meaningful for her.

“The most rewarding thing to me has been meeting so many students over the years. Our department plans and hosts the Homecoming parade, so I get to see many of them return for that. Some of them even have families of their own by then,” Henry said.

As a life-long learner with a love for knowledge, Henry said she simply enjoys being part of Tech’s vibrant campus community.

“Working on a university campus gives you access to so many activities, speakers, and knowledge. I have attended so many interesting events hosted on campus and consulted with faculty on numerous occasions for specific issues,” she said.

Henry was already working when she took her first college course, which helped her improve her writing skills. By taking a class at a time, she eventually earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. 

“I’ve taken classes just for the fun of it since then, and all my supervisors and co-workers have been mentors to me, too, because I’ve learned something from all of them,” Henry said.

For her service at Tech, she has received an Outstanding Staff Award, been recognized as a University Ambassador of the Month and served as chairman of the Staff Advisory Committee to the President, on behalf of which she offered remarks at President Emeritus Bob Bell’s retirement ceremony. 

“Speaking to a large group of prominent people in a formal setting was a first for me,” she said.

Henry has also served on committees for various events, including Boys State, Governor’s Schools and Window on the World Festival. 

Outside her professional role, Henry is active in her church, helps with several elderly family members, enjoys playing golf and works on the farm where she lives.

Tim Benford was making big marks in the Tennessee Tech record book before his senior campaign, but the Golden Eagle wide receiver saved the best for last.

A Preseason All-OVC pick that season, he backed that up with 65 catches for 925 yards and the Ohio Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year Award with the 925 yards then standing as a single-season Tech record (which held until Dontez Byrd beat it twice with 933 yards in 2016 and 1,003 yards in 2017 to become Tech's only 1,000-yard receiver in program history). The yardage total was also the best in the conference that season.

He is one of five inductees into the 49th class of the Tennessee Tech Sports Hall of Fame. Along with Benford, Tristan Archer (baseball, 2010-13), Bruce Hatfield (football, 1984-87), M. Dianne Murphy (women's basketball/volleyball/women's tennis/supporter, 1969-present), and Beth Underhill (women's golf, 2002-06) will be inducted during the annual Hall of Fame Dinner on Friday, Nov. 3 at 6:30 p.m. CT at the Roaden University Center's Multipurpose Room. Tickets for the dinner are on sale by calling (931) 372-3940, visiting the Eblen Center ticket office, or by visiting TTUsports.com.

Benford helped lead the Golden Eagles to the 2011 OVC championship as Tech defeated Eastern Kentucky and Jacksonville State on their home fields to force a three-way tie at the top and the Golden Eagles won the tiebreaker for their 10th OVC championship. He was named an All-American by The Sports Network and Phil Steele's Football both in 2010 and 2011.

In his career, Benford continues to be the Tech career leader in receptions with 216 and receiving yardage with 3,097 yards. He ranks 10th all-time in all-purpose yardage with 3,116 yards. Benford still ranks fifth in the OVC career marks in receptions and receiving yards. He also has the most 100-yard receiving games with 10, including a career-best 177 yards against Southeast Missouri in 2010. He also has two 70-plus yard touchdown catches – a 72-yarder from Tre Lamb against UT Martin and a 71-yarder from Lamb against Maryville, both in the 2011 campaign.

Following his senior campaign, Benford went to the NFL Combine and was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys.

Benford won Tech football's premier honor – the Robert Hill Johnson Award – three times, joining Larry Shipp and Larry Schreiber as the only three Golden Eagles to perform the feat. He was also named the OVC Freshman of the Year in 2008 and was a three-time All-OVC first-team selection from 2009 to 2011 with an All-Newcomer nod in 2008.

He was also named Tech Athletics' Male Athlete of the Year in 2012.

The four-year Golden Eagle star was included in both the Tennessee Tech Football 100th Anniversary Team as well as the Ohio Valley Conference's 75th Anniversary Team.

Benford came back and finished his degree from Tech in May 2023.

By TTU Sports Information

Elizabeth Sofia has been named Director of Development for Tennessee Tech’s College of Engineering.

From her sales work at Ideal Distributing to her service as executive assistant to the Director of North America for Delivery Service Partners and Director of Onboarding and Acquisition for North America with Amazon, Elizabeth has a strong knowledge of using strategic processes to build and enhance relationships. Elizabeth also has university experience, previously serving as the executive assistant to Tennessee Tech’s Provost.

Elizabeth also currently serves as the President of Wags and Whiskers Pet Rescue, a local nonprofit dedicated to operating the Major Michael Shipley Spay and Neuter Clinic in Putnam County.

She holds three degrees – a bachelor’s in psychology from Troy University, a master’s in public safety from Tech and an Ed.S. from Tech. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in exceptional learning at Tech.

When Rachel Patterson of Wartrace, Tennessee, took an internship while earning her bachelor’s from Tennessee Tech University in professional studies with a concentration in healthcare administration, she was energized to see what a difference she could make.

“I know a lot of people in healthcare avoid administration, but I want that to change. I want to be the person that they can come to and love working with,” Patterson said. “After I took an internship at Southern Tennessee Regional Health System-Winchester, I realized this was a career that I wanted to pursue after I saw how they were changing healthcare for the better. It really inspired me.”

She says she first came to Tech for her bachelor’s because of the atmosphere and location.

“My brother and sister-in-law both came to Tech, so I had visited a few times. I didn’t even go on a campus tour because I already knew I loved the atmosphere, the size of the campus and Cookeville.”

After earning her bachelor’s, Patterson decided she wanted to advance in her career and make the most impact possible with her work. She returned to Tech for her master’s in professional studies with a concentration in healthcare administration. Pursuing her master’s degree remotely has helped her keep her GPA at a 4.0 while also having time for a job, family and friends. She is working as a graduate assistant in Tech’s University Advancement.

“Working as a graduate assistant has helped me gain a lot of experience that I am going to be using in my career someday,” she said. “It has also helped pay for almost all of my grad school tuition. I would recommend any grad student to work as a graduate assistant if they are able to.”

She encouraged anyone thinking of pursuing their master’s to do so and to keep pushing through.

“There are going to be times when you will want to give up, but getting your master’s will make it worthwhile in the end,” she said. “I feel like getting my master’s is going to help me reach the dream that I have always desired and that is making a difference in healthcare. I am so passionate about being the best I can be to make a difference to others.”

 When Patterson graduates, she will be the first person in her family to receive a master’s degree.

“I had a lot of people that doubted me along the way but I have never been so proud of myself for pushing through and achieving my goals,” she said. “It is an amazing feeling. I have come to love Tennessee Tech and Cookeville has become my home away from home over the last few years. I would recommend this program and this university to anybody.” 

Tennessee Tech University staff member and alumna Andrea Kruszka holds many titles. By day, she serves as outreach coordinator for the university’s Tennessee Center for Rural Innovation (TCRI). In this role, she helps lead the university’s Rural Reimagined initiative and manages Eagle Works, the annual Shark Tank-style innovation and entrepreneurship contest for students. Kruszka is also a local radio host, sought-after photographer, arts advocate and nonprofit board member, to name a few. 

Now, she can add a new title to the list: Kruszka was named to the inaugural class of “Movers & Shakers” by Cookeville Lifestyle. The local magazine highlighted 20 of Cookeville’s most impactful community members for its summer 2023 issue. Kruszka’s write-up touts her as “everyone’s hype girl” with “a passion for making an impact on quality of life, regionally and statewide.” 

By happenstance, Kruszka found out of her selection for the magazine’s elite list moments after the decision was made.

“I was actually walking into The Biz Foundry to work out of there one afternoon, as I do fairly frequently since they are a partner of ours, and the selection committee had been using the conference room and had just finished,” said Kruszka. “I was one of the first to find out I was on the list and being the sentimental person that I am, I started crying immediately. Hearing that from the committee, which is full of people who I respect and admire, was next level.” 

Kruszka adds that her profile in the local publication, complete with a photo shoot and full-page story, casts a spotlight that she says feels unusual. 

“I’m really not someone who focuses on recognition,” said Kruszka. “I’m used to being kind of in the background. To know that what I do is valued and noticed was gratifying in a way that almost feels selfish.”

Yet the decision to include Kruszka was an easy one, according to Cookeville Lifestyle founder and owner Chelsea Dartez. 

“Andrea's zest for her passions, work and people is unmatched,” said Dartez. “She pours her heart into helping her students reach their full potential and is a beloved mentor to many. Andrea is the definition of a Mover & Shaker in the Cookeville community, and we are honored to tell her story in this issue.” 

Likewise, Michael Aikens, TCRI director and administrative chair of Rural Reimagined at Tech, praised Kruszka’s “invaluable contributions that have not only helped numerous entrepreneurs, businesses and governmental offices, but have also touched the lives of countless students.”

“We are truly fortunate to have her leadership and work ethic at the TCRI,” said Aikens. 

Cookeville Lifestyle, which launched in 2022 and has quickly amassed a dedicated local following, says that it aims to highlight the many reasons community members love Cookeville “one story at a time.” Through her work at Tech, photography and community involvement, Kruszka does much the same. 

“I love the people and the community here,” added Kruszka. “I’ve made incredible friends in Cookeville and at Tech and seen how the community comes together to support its own. I also love that it’s a small town but still big enough to have a vibrant art scene, plenty of things to do, and I’m at the center of a hundred amazing hikes – which makes life as a part-time nature photographer really fun.” 

Kruszka adds that her Tech colleagues, including Aikens, have welcomed her projects outside the workplace. 

“Michael is incredibly supportive of all of it because it really pushes me into the community, working with small businesses like artists and makers, and that’s a big part of what I need to be doing for TCRI to be successful,” said Kruszka. 

As the latest issue of Cookeville Lifestyle hits newsstands, Kruszka finds herself reflecting on her past with Tech and looking forward to the future.

“The last five years at Tech have been phenomenal, from the success we’ve seen as TCRI and Rural Reimagined, to the brilliance I’ve seen in our Eagle Works students, and on a more personal note, the sheer joy I had in finally finishing my bachelor’s degree in December 2022 after one of the more up-and-down college careers anyone could imagine,” said Kruszka. “In the fall I’m starting my master’s of professional studies with a concentration in media and strategic communication, and I’m looking forward to a fresh set of Eagle Works students, new projects for TCRI, and many more chances to make a difference.”

Photo credit: Cookeville Lifestyle.

Natalie Robbins, originally from Arizona, had dreams of becoming a park ranger. However, when she found a hiring freeze had been put on government jobs, Robbins had to pivot to create a new plan for her career. While an undergraduate in Arizona, she heard a little about geographic information systems (GIS) but had not yet had the chance to learn the computer systems used for studying data related to positions on the Earth’s surface.

“Searching for jobs, I quickly discovered that GIS skills were highly desirable and something I didn’t have,” Robbins said. “With all of that information, I started looking at grad school programs that focused on environmental science but also integrated GIS, and I ended up finding the professional science master’s program at Tennessee Tech.”

Tech’s program with a concentration in environmental informatics focuses on GIS while also integrating courses in business and statistics. Along with these courses in spatial analysis, students develop skills in remote sensing, policy analysis and environmental management.

“One thing about the professional science master’s program that I don’t think is highlighted enough is how much everyone in the program cares about making sure you succeed,” Robbins said. “I never felt like I was on my own or had to just figure it out, even post-graduation. Everyone in the program is invested in making sure the graduates are able to find a job in their wheelhouse and the program has created a great network of post-grads looking to help each other succeed, as well.”

While at Tech, Robbins was given the opportunity to work on a NASA-funded project involving the mapping of geography on Mars. She was the GIS go-to for the project and helped develop workflows for planetary geologic mapping. She presented her work at both the Geologic Society of America and Tennessee Geographic Information Council annual meetings.

“The various GIS classes I took, especially Environmental Applications of GIS, have been crucial for me in my role,” Robbins said. “What I really appreciated about that class is that it gave us experience using real GIS data, which is messy and requires cleaning before you can use it for analysis. That prepared me for the types of data cleaning and joining tasks I would be doing quite often.”

Now a graduate of the program, Robbins works as a geospatial consultant for researchers and collaborators across the United States as the program manager at the Vanderbilt Institute for Spatial Research. In that role she is also helping to conduct geophysical investigation herself. She is a member of a team using ground penetrating radar to map the Battle of Nashville Civil War sites. She has also worked on a project unearthing the identities and stories of enslaved, indentured and free people of color on the east end of Long Island, New York, from the 17th-19th century.

“If you are coming in to the program with one goal, allow yourself to move towards that goal, but don’t let opportunities slip away if they may not be 100 percent in line with that goal,” Robbins said. “I came in to the program wanting to be an environmental consultant and wanted to complete my internship with a company like that. The opportunity to work with Dr. Jeannette Luna (chair and associate professor of earth sciences at Tech) came along and I am so grateful I pursued that. It led to amazing conference and presentation opportunities and affirmed my love of research to help get me to the career I am in today.”

Rob Frazier graduated in May of 2023 from the Professional Studies program with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership. He now is the Chief Executive Officer of RF Digital Media, LLC, a social media marketing agency that represents several prominent businesses in the Upper Cumberland and recently took a position as the lead pastor of Providence Assembly of God in Jamestown, TN.  He is now a student of the Master of Professional Studies program here at Tennessee Technological University with an emphasis in Strategic Leadership with plans to become a TTU lecturer and to obtain a PhD in Organizational Leadership from Liberty University.

Rob uses the knowledge he gained here at the College of Interdisciplinary Studies to consult several area nonprofits in the faith-based recovery sector helping their organizations to set clear goals, fulfill the mission, and move into the next vision.

Brandon Pierce graduated in May of 2022 majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies program with emphases in Business and Environmental Sustainability.

In 2021 his start-up company, Pure Legacy – Future innovators placed as a Tennessee Regional finalist for the Global Student Entrepreneur award competition representing TN Tech, third in the TTU Eagle works competition, and won the Rural Reimagine award which is part of TTU’s grad economic challenge to help rural development in Tennessee.

Recently Brandon was nominated for the Keri Oldham Wings of Kindness award for his startup company providing STEM tutoring and materials for rural school children. He placed first in the 2022 TN Tech Eagle Works business competition.

Brandon was also nominated for the Harold Love TN state award by the dean, and received awards from the TN Tech research competition. He was also the winner of the TN Tech College of Interdisciplinary Studies 2022 Faces contest.

Brandon's has aspirations to expand his start-up company into partnerships with TSIN, TNDOE, and rural schools near his hometown with a goal of providing STEM materials for after-school programs and incorporating college students to teach the curriculum. Providing agricultural sustainability education for high school students which will enable them to receive dual enrollment credits and certifications from TCAT.

Bethany is a first generation college student, and began her education at TTU after graduating high school in the late 1990's. Bethany recalls, "coming to campus was not a huge transition for me, as I was a local and most of my classes felt like an extension of high school with many of the same faces." She spent several semesters pursuing an early childhood education degree, but decided to dedicate her time to moving up in retail management shifting her focus from school to work. She had plans to return to school quickly, however, life had other plans for her! Bethany met her husband who was also from TTU, and she says, "thanks to TTU he came to Cookeville and never left!" Within a 5-year period, they pursued management positions together, relocated for a short time and returned to Cookeville, got married, and had their daughter. Upon returning to the workforce Bethany began a position in healthcare. She spent the next 12 years advancing the ranks within her office. During that time, she still had the desire to return to school, and reapplied a couple of times but never followed through with finishing her degree.

In 2019 Bethany began a position in the Bursar’s office as a Financial Associate in accounts receivable. It is there where she was encouraged by a fellow employee to check into taking classes, and she states, "I am so thankful I did!" Bethany began with one online class during the summer. Once she realized how close she was to obtaining her degree, she pursued a couple of classes a semester. The motivating factor that really pushed her to complete her degree was her teenage daughter. Bethany stated, "I want to continue to show her when you put your mind to anything you are capable of achieving great things!"

Bethany is still employed in the Bursar’s office as a Financial Associate in loans accounting and accounts receivable. She is now working toward a Master’s of Professional Studies, as well as being a wife to a middle school football coach. A mom to a high school athlete that is a member of the 2022 State Champion Girls Basketball team, plays travel basketball, and runs track. Bethany also assists in managing a catering company (Half Acre Farms Catering) and she is a proud fur mom to 2 huskies. As an employee of TTU she serves as the Chair of the Staff Advisory Committee to the President, a member of the diversity committee, and a member of the Administrative Council.

"I love our campus and our students! I wish to continue working to improve our campus culture through the committees I serve, as well as the interactions I have with our students and student-athletes!"

Wendy Haley Bandy graduated the College of Interdisciplinary Studies in 2022 with emphasis areas in Human Behavior and Workplace Leadership and a minor in Social Science. Originally a Tennessee Tech student in the early 1990s, she decided to come back to finish her degree in 2021. Wendy earned an Associate of Science degree in Social Science and Education from Volunteer State Community College in 2021. 

Wendy is a longtime employee of Fortis Institute in Cookeville, Tennessee and celebrated 20 years as the campus’s registrar in 2022. Wendy is also the owner of Bright Spot Designs where she continues her love of all things floral design as a local wedding and event floral designer, originally getting her start at Gunnels Florist in the mid-1990s.

“Returning to college later in life has granted me time to reflect and really appreciate the experiences this time around. I work with individuals daily that inspire me to continue what I started. I appreciate the COIS, the advisement and the faculty leadership, and the opportunity to accomplish my immediate goals. I have enjoyed meeting and working with my fellow classmates who share their own journeys, encourage others, and serve as my further inspiration. I truly believe you are never too old to chase a dream or finish what you started!”

Be kind. Drink coffee.

That’s the motto of Cookeville’s newest coffee shop, where two Tennessee Tech alumni are making Cookeville a more inclusive place for individuals with special needs. Michael and Cigi England opened The Exceptional Bean, a nonprofit that provides employment opportunities in a supportive environment for individuals with disabilities. The Englands say they hope to cultivate a community of inclusivity where all members have purpose and value.

“Everyone wants to be seen,” Cigi said. “Everyone wants to have a purpose. Everyone wants to be needed. But the world doesn’t always allow that.”

Michael and Cigi say The Exceptional Bean might not exist if it weren’t for Tennessee Tech.

Cigi knew from an early age that she wanted to work in fashion. She chose Tech for its size and for a close-knit human ecology program where professors would know her name. She graduated from Tech in 2006 with a degree in human ecology and moved to Atlanta to work for AmericasMart, the largest home goods and apparel trade show in the country. But Cigi says something was missing – she didn’t have a sense of community. In 2014, she moved back to Cookeville and opened Cigi’s Boutique.

Michael admits his college journey was very different from his wife’s. He entered Tech as a history major but wasn’t committed to his education.

“I cannot stress this enough: I had no idea what I was doing,” Michael said. “I was going to school because that’s what everyone else was doing. It felt like my only option. If I’m being completely honest, I didn’t want to go to Tech. I wanted to go to UT with my friends. I thought Knoxville was cooler than Cookeville, and that’s where I wanted to be. But I came to Tennessee Tech and joined Kappa Sigma Fraternity. I made friends and connections but was floating around with no goal, no plan. My grades weren’t good. My attendance wasn’t good.”

Michael says despite all this, Tech History Professor Michael “Birdie” Birdwell saw his potential.

“I remember one day Dr. Birdwell pulled me out into the hallway and said, ‘You’re one of the smartest students I have, but your attendance and performance are based on decisions you’re making,’” Michael said. “He was right, and that stuck with me. He didn’t have to do that – he had a lot of students – but he made me feel like I belonged at Tech.”

Michael ultimately decided to withdraw from Tech and move back home to Crossville. He worked in commission-only sales for a while and later at the same tire company as his dad. But, like his future wife, he knew something was missing. A few years later, Michael met Cigi and moved back to Cookeville.

“My perspective had changed, and my life had changed dramatically,” Michael said. “Leaving Tech and Cookeville the way I did – as a college dropout – always ate at me. It was something I wanted to correct, but I didn’t know how.”

Then Michael met Susan Wells, a lecturer in Tech’s Department of Decision Sciences and Management. She offered to help him re-enroll. Michael was concerned that his GPA would prevent him from being admitted and that it would take too many years to complete a degree, but Wells was undeterred.

“She said, ‘I’ve seen worse GPAs than yours – not many, but I’ve seen worse,’” Michael recalled. “’You can clean this up and do this in four years. You can be 39 years old with a degree or 39 years old without a degree. Who do you want to be?’ Susan Wells is an absolute asset to our university because she genuinely cares. And that ultimately is what Tech is all about.”

Michael was re-admitted to Tech’s College of Interdisciplinary Studies and says the faculty and staff created a schedule that accommodated his full-time job. In 2019, Michael graduated with his bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies.  

“Going back to get my degree, I realized how much I genuinely liked Tennessee Tech,” Michael said. “I was now looking at Tech through different eyes. I had this ‘aha’ moment. I was never a Volunteer. I was always a Golden Eagle. I just didn’t know it at the time.”

 Michael and Cigi volunteer with several organizations that assist people with disabilities. Through Ainsley’s Angels, Michael met Bradley Styer. Bradley has multiple disabilities, including cerebral palsy, and has used a wheelchair for most of his life. Michael, a runner, pushes Bradley in races.

“When I started running with Bradley, and I would push him in the wheelchair, we’d get going down the hill and he’d say ‘Whoo!’ I realized he’s having more fun than any of us. I said to my trainer, ‘You know, we haven’t whoo’d a single time.’”

Michael and Cigi quickly discovered that their friends with disabilities couldn’t go everywhere they could go.

“Not everywhere has a ramp or accessible restroom,” Cigi said. “Bradley can’t go just anywhere he wants, because the world wasn’t built for Bradley.”  

They also noticed that their friends with special needs had trouble finding jobs.

“More than anything in life, Bradley wants a job,” Cigi said. “There’s nowhere for our friends to work. There’s nowhere for them to have a community.”

While watching television on a Sunday afternoon, the Englands saw a documentary on European coffee shops that serve as “the heartbeat of the community.” It’s where people get their news. It’s where they go to mourn or celebrate. It’s where everyone meets. They knew then what they wanted to create. While the Englands founded The Exceptional Bean, they are quick to correct people who say they are the owners.

“I am the founder, and Michael is the general manager,” Cigi said. “We answer to a board of directors. And one month in, we are killing it! Business is going great! I’m a doubter, but I never doubted this. There’s been no hesitation to come support it. And there’s no hesitation for me to brag about it because our community made this.”

Nearly every item inside The Exceptional Bean – whether it’s a table, espresso machine or piece of art –bears a plaque with the name of a sponsor. And several of Tech’s Greek organizations have volunteered to help out as well.

“People hear about this and want to be a part of it,” Michael said. “Everyone knows someone who has a disability.”

Michael and Cigi admit that opening The Exceptional Bean hasn’t been easy. Neither has a background in the restaurant business, coffee, nonprofits or special education. But Cigi says she uses her Tech education every day. She credits accounting classes with Richard Rand and economics classes for lessons in how to run a business.

“I also have to give credit to Melinda Swafford and my child and family studies classes,” Cigi said. “Dr. Swafford is a special needs mom, and she would always share real life-stories of the struggles and was very honest about it. She taught me how a special needs family interacts with the world.”

Michael says it’s been a long journey from an idea on a lazy Sunday to where they are today.

“There were so many times it would have been easy to give up,” Michael said. “But it goes back to my experience at Tech. I took everything for granted. I had a healthy body. I was at a wonderful university. But I had a chip on my shoulder. Being employed is something I’ve taken for granted my entire life. I can walk in almost anywhere and fill out an application and know that I have a shot. Bradley is more enthusiastic about working and life in general than anyone. People just need a chance. Once you get a chance, you can do anything.”

When Bradley received his first paycheck from The Exceptional Bean, he knew exactly how he wanted to spend part of it. He took Michael and Cigi to dinner.

“He thought it was the greatest thing because, for once, he could do something like that,” Cigi said.

Cigi says The Exceptional Bean has become more than just a place of employment. It’s a community.

“One day, I saw a few employees being dropped off outside, and I realized they weren’t on the schedule for that day,” Cigi said. “So, I ran outside and reminded them of the schedule. They said, ‘Oh, we know. We’re just here to hang out.’ We have employees who have their first apartments now because they have paying jobs. They are living independently for the first time. They are living their best lives.”

The Exceptional Bean is located at 55 N. Walnut Ave., the former home of One Hour Martinizing. Michael and Cigi say people come for the mission but stay for the coffee.

“I think originally, people came for the mission,” Michael said. “But I hope eventually people don’t even know what the mission is. They just come because we have really good coffee and amazing customer service.”

Tennessee Tech University did not have to look far for the grand marshals of its 2023 homecoming parade. In fact, the honorees live just off the parade route, but their community leadership and nonprofit work has touched lives across the Upper Cumberland and beyond.

Michael and Cigi England, married Tech alumni and founders of the venerated Cookeville-based nonprofit coffee shop “The Exceptional Bean,” which is dedicated to inclusion and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, will guide the annual parade down Dixie Avenue.

Their homecoming duties won’t be finished after the parade’s end. Later that evening, they will also accept the Tech Alumni Association’s 2023 Outstanding Service Award for The Exceptional Bean’s impact uplifting the special needs and disabilities community.

“Michael and Cigi represent the best of Tennessee Tech. They have dedicated their livelihoods to helping others and they have contributed to the success of our local community in ways big and small,” said Susan Luna-Hazlewood, director of Tech’s Crawford Alumni Center. “Plus, they have given Tech students a beautiful place to gather while enjoying a cup of coffee that supports a worthy cause. We cannot wait to watch them lead our 2023 homecoming parade and to present them with our 2023 Outstanding Service award.” 

“We are thrilled,” said Cigi, a 2006 graduate of Tech’s School of Human Ecology. “This day is always one of my favorite days of the year. We host a parade party every year at our home, so to be grand marshal is an even bigger deal.”

Michael, a 2019 graduate of Tech’s College of Interdisciplinary Studies, describes the honor as “almost comical” given the uneven path that led to his eventual degree.

Michael recounts disenrolling from Tech in 2006 before making “drastic” life changes, including finding sobriety and replacing old habits with a newfound dedication to running. He re-enrolled at Tech in 2017 to complete his degree. He is also set to receive the College of Interdisciplinary Studies’ 2023 Alumnus of the Year Award on homecoming weekend.

“I had made some poor choices, my GPA was bad, so getting an opportunity to come back, getting re-enrolled as a nontraditional student, and then being given this award and being asked to be grand marshal – it’s almost science fiction,” said Michael. “It’s such an honor and almost an alternate universe I found myself in.” 

Michael’s lifestyle changes didn’t just earn him a degree. It also meant a chance to reconnect with Cigi. The pair became acquainted as Tech students in the early 2000s through their involvement in Greek life, but did not forge a dating relationship until 2015, after both had moved away and serendipitously returned to Cookeville.

Their second stint in Cookeville brought a new focus on contributing to the success of the community, too.

Months after Cigi’s return to the area, she opened Cigi’s Boutique, a clothing store for women of all ages and sizes less than a mile from Tech’s campus. The store will celebrate its ninth anniversary this year.

The Englands also bought season tickets to Tech basketball games and forged a relationship with the players and coaches. Michael took on a role as alumni advisor for his fraternity, Kappa Sigma. But it was Cigi and Michael’s deep connection with the disabilities community that would become their legacy.

The couple emphasizes that the success of their nonprofit and their accolades from Tech were never part of their original plan – but maybe that’s the point.

“I like to say, ‘man plans, and God laughs,’” said Michael. “To get to come back, to be part of the festivities, and to be at a point in your life that you can be grateful for it and understand what an opportunity it is and get a chance to soak it in, it’s just really cool.”

As a Phonathon student caller, Abbey Markus, ’18 communication, served Tennessee Tech by raising funds to help Tech students. Now, Markus continues this desire to help others by serving more than 100,000 individuals who struggle with food security at the Chattanooga Area Food Bank (CAFB).

As the event planner and community engagement coordinator for the CAFB, Markus focuses on food drives, third party events, marketing, and serving community members at different mobile food pantries. And she credits her success to many of the skills she acquired at Tech.

“My favorite part of my job is being able to see firsthand how my work is affecting our community,” she said. “The Chattanooga Area Food Bank covers 7,000 square miles. We have 11 counties in Tennessee and 9 in Northwest Georgia. Within that area, 132,050 individuals are in need of our services. That’s one in eight adults and one in five children.”

Markus graduated from Tech in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in communication and says her classes and work experience encouraged her to be outgoing and taught her how to speak with people in all situations. She wrote for The Oracle student newspaper, filmed Tech sporting events for the Golden Eagle Sports Network, and mentored incoming freshmen as a Student Orientation Assistant. In her communication classes, she learned Photoshop, InDesign, and Premiere Pro, which she now uses to create signs, flyers, cards, and videos to promote the CAFB.

While the CAFB serves a high volume of clients even in the best of times, Markus says that COVID-19 has presented a perfect storm of increased demand, decline in food donations, and disruptions to their supply chain. Their emergency food box distribution went from 50 per day to 120 per day, and they have added at least one new mobile pantry in each of the 20 counties they serve to increase their capacity for food distribution.

“When you walk through our 40,000-square-foot warehouse, you see racking that’s filled with food; however, if we didn’t get another donation, all that food would be gone in 30 days,” said Markus. “Even though these are tough times, we are shown how amazing our community is and how ready they are to step up and help in times of need.”

Mr. Johnny D. Stites has served as managing partner of XI Investments, one of the largest commercial and industrial real estate developers in the Upper Cumberland Region of Middle Tennessee, for more than 25 years. He served as CEO of J&S Construction Company, Inc. for more than 43 years before stepping down in March 2015 to give more focus to XI Investments.

Throughout his career he has served on numerous boards and organizations. He is a Certified Professional Constructor, and a founding member and past president of the Home Builders Association of the Upper Cumberland. He has served more than 17 years with the Associated General Contractors (AGC), the largest and oldest construction organization in the state and the country. He served as President of the Middle Tennessee Branch of AGC from 2004-2006 and 2006-2007 and served as President of AGC of Tennessee from January 2014 through June 2015.

In 2013, Mr. Stites was honored with the Skill, Integrity, and Responsibility (SIR) Construction Lifetime Achievement Award by the AGC of Middle Tennessee’s Branch. He also received the Alumni Citation Award and the Distinguished Business Leader award from Abilene Christian University, his alma mater, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree and served on its Board of Trustees for 16 years. He also holds a master's in professional studies from Tennessee Tech University, graduating in 2017.

In February 2014, he was appointed to the Tennessee Board of Regents by Governor Bill Haslam to represent the 6th congressional district, and served until resigning in 2015 upon being named to his current state role.

He previously served on Tech’s College of Business Board of Trustees.

He  serves as the chair of the Audit and Business Committee.

The Cookeville native and ‘15 communications graduate originally wanted to be a morning TV news host, but his plans changed when he got involved with Tech’s cheer squad.

“I grew up watching Awesome Eagle,” he said. “As a dorky kid, I didn’t really care about the basketball game as much, so I would watch Awesome Eagle instead.”

During the time he was a part of the mascot program, he took Awesome Eagle to new levels. His routine took the top spot in the open mascot division in the Universal Cheerleaders Association national competition his junior year.

That was the third time Awesome competed in the competition, making it the most memorable experience of his college career.

One year, Fenlon and team members took two mascots - Awesome and Grandpappy Eagle - to the national tournament.

“I recommend NOT doing that,” he said with a laugh. “It was fun, but exhausting.”

While at Tech, he was involved in a number of additional organizations. From being a member of several athletics committees to Tech Players and the managing editor of the Oracle, he was a face known around campus.

He is also a 2015 recipient of the Derryberry Award, the university’s highest award.

Since he graduated with a communications degree, he has slowly moved westward, revving audiences up by dressing as a variety of mascots for different teams. He’s gone from a lion, to a wolf, a donkey then a dog.

And as the 2019 Major League Baseball season gears up, he will don the mascot for the Oakland Athletics, the elephant known as Stomper.

“It’s a new journey, new adventure,” he said. “I’m looking forward to it.”

During his time as a student at Tennessee Tech, Damon “Dee” Prince knew he would need to adapt to college life, but he didn’t want to just survive. He wanted to succeed.

Life happened and, although his educational journey was not the traditional one, Prince found a community at Tennessee Tech that allowed him to be his true self and to grow through challenging situations.

“There were spans of time while I was in school, and there were spans of time that I was out of school. I started a family and left school behind but then eventually came back to finish.”

Prince praises now retired Vice President of Student Affairs Marc Burnett for helping him finish school, because without him, along with Tech President Phil Oldham, Prince says he is not sure when he would have ended up completing his degree.

“I had a situation where I could either make it work as a person of color who was going to adapt and survive, or I was going to be someone who was a person of color that was going to adapt and succeed,” Prince said. “There’s a big difference between the two. When you start thinking about adapt and survive, you feel like it’s a struggle, but when you adapt and succeed you’re taking it as a learning moment and it was probably the best thing for me.

“I often think about if I had gone to a historically black college or university (HBCU) how comfortable I might have been, and there were moments here at Tennessee Tech where I was very uncomfortable.”

Despite his struggles, Prince graduated in ‘14 with a psychology and business interdisciplinary studies bachelor’s degree.

He also recognizes the differences in today's college climate versus when he was first attending Tech.

“I love what the university is doing with diversity. I think maybe more so I love the effort because I know that the effort is there. Although, I would love to see more spotlight on it. For those of us that are not on campus every single day, I would love to hear more about [the university’s actions] outside of the university.”

Because of his passion for diversity and inclusion, Prince is currently active within many organizations that include being a member of the Cookeville Multicultural Advisory Council, serving as the vice president of IMPACT Cookeville, and participating with the Cookeville Regional Medical Center Charitable Foundation.

An important factor in his everyday life is continuing the legacy of his late wife, Heather Kernell-Prince. His wife’s desire to enrich the city of Cookeville motivates Prince to be proactive in giving to the community through Legacy XI, a charitable initiative founded in the name Heather Kernell-Prince that focuses on giving to the Cookeville community and raising awareness for metastatic breast cancer.

Today, he is still involved with many of the same organizations he was involved with during his time as an undergraduate at Tech, including Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Man-Up, and the Teens Need Training (TNT) program.

Prince has also served as the director of a non-profit child advocacy program where he interacts with many different people during the hardest times of their lives.

He credits Tech’s interdisciplinary program and campus life in helping prepare for the challenges he faces in his day-to-day work life.

“My encouragement to other people is if you are looking for an opportunity to be you in a situation where you have to be you or you will not succeed. This is the university that you need to be at.”

As an advocate for nontraditional students, Prince draws on his own experiences. He wants to be an example to those students and show them that if he can do it, then they can too.

“My advice I would give to nontraditional students, people who are becoming freshmen at 23, 24, or 50 I would stay stick with it. It does not matter when you graduate as long as you graduate. It is going to pay off in the end, and it does not matter when you finish. Just make sure that you finish.”

KSLA News in Shreveport, Louisiana, recently announced their newest morning anchor. Biskie Duncan, a 2014 communication graduate of Tennessee Tech, says the new role combines her favorite parts of working in media.

“The most rewarding aspect is being able to say that you helped someone tell their story,” she said. “That is the best feeling in the world. Whether it’s a kid who started his own lemonade stand to fundraise for his classroom or a new business bringing something to the area that’s never been done before, you see people who are passionate about what they are doing. There are so many negative things in the world, but I think it’s better to shine a light on incredible people.”

Duncan didn’t set out to become a news anchor. She worked for Zimmer Broadcasting in Cookeville for two years during college and says it’s where she was first introduced to the magic of radio.

Duncan and her husband, Josh, moved to Louisiana in 2014 when Josh was stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, and Duncan landed a job with The River 95.7 in Shreveport. She worked at The River for nine years, including a few years as director where she was responsible for the station’s identity, programming and playlist.

Although Duncan had never worked in television, one day she received a call asking if she’d be interested in hosting a lifestyle show.

“I didn’t want to leave radio,” Duncan said. “I remember thinking, ‘I have no tv experience. I’ve never done anything with tv. I love what I do now.’ But you reach a moment in your career when you know it’s time for a change.”

Duncan had hosted the lifestyle show Loving Living Local for a year and a half when she learned that the morning anchor position at KSLA was open.

“I went in for the interview and here we are,” she said. “It just goes to show that you never know what can happen.”

While Duncan says she never intended to pursue a career in television, one of her communication classes at Tech might have hinted at something different.

“My sophomore year, Karen Lykins decided to teach a broadcasting class,” Duncan said. “She took us to the television studio in the basement of the library and showed us what it would be like to produce a newscast. It was a really cool class – really intriguing – but I thought, ‘I’m never going to do anything with tv. I’m never going to use this skill.’ It was foreshadowing.”

In addition to Lykins’ broadcast class, Duncan says newswriting and public speaking classes with Tech professors Russ Witcher, Brenda Wilson and Graham Cash prepared her for a career in media.

“I remember taking intro to mass communications with Dr. Witcher and falling in love with the class,” Duncan said. “It’s been ten years and I still have my notebook. I learned so much about the creation of radio and tv and broadcast and how it’s changed over time. Dr. Witcher was one of the most amazing professors, and he could make you learn something in such an engaging way that you didn’t become overwhelmed with information. The professors in the communication department instilled in me a love of what journalism really is.”

Duncan’s communication major focused on print journalism, but while it may seem like she’s not using her degree directly in her new role, she says the opposite is true.

“I may not work for a newspaper, but I still need newswriting skills,” she said. “You need to be able to accurately convey information, and you need to be able to communicate in a way to draw your reader or listener in. I learned so many skills from my communication classes, and you can really apply those skills anywhere.”

Duncan encourages students to take as many writing and public speaking classes as they can.

“You will be pleasantly surprised at how often you use those classes in your career,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. Try something new. Take a risk. Stretch your brain. If it’s hard, it’s good – it means you’re learning and you’re bettering yourself along the way.”

A 2013 Tech graduate in interdisciplinary studies, Hoot took a big first step toward stardom by landing a spot on The Voice, a singing competition television series broadcast on NBC. The 30-year-old Hoot was part of the show’s blind auditions and was selected by Kelly Clarkson to be on her team.

“The show reached out to me to come and audition, so I did back in February,” Hoot explained. “You go through multiple steps before you ever get to the blind auditions. Somehow, I made it to that stage and I got a chair turn and I can’t even believe it’s happening.” 

The response of being a participant on the nationally-televised show has been somewhat overwhelming.

“It’s been unreal. I tell people all the time you know it’s a national television show but you don’t realize the impact and the number of people who watch it until after you appear on it,” said Hoot. “It’s been crazy and incredible to see the amount of support I’ve been getting.” 

Hoot has been getting support and improving his singing career since he came to Tech in 2009 as a walk-on member of the football team. He would play open mic nights at Tech’s Backdoor Playhouse and even sang the national anthem when Tech hosted the Ohio Valley Conference outdoor track and field championships at Tucker Stadium.

“He told me he could sing. I believe him now,” said Watson Brown, who was the Golden Eagles’ head coach when Hoot played from 2009 to 2011. “He didn’t even know how to put the pads in his uniform when he first got here. He wound up winning our most improved player award after his first year at Tech.”

After wrapping up his football career as a member of Tech’s 2011 OVC championship team, Hoot’s singing career also began to improve. He played gigs around Cookeville and the Upper Cumberland, honing his craft and getting a lot of support along the way. He even tried out for American Idol, although he didn’t make it past the audition phase. 

“I kind of got in the flow of it,” said Hoot. “Playing music around here, everyone has been so supportive. A lot of people who have been supporting me over the years are reaching out. It’s nice to be able to make them proud and try to give Cookeville as much love as possible.”

The son of missionary parents, Hoot traveled all around the world with his eight siblings. At Tech, though, Hoot found a home.

“Without getting too corny, whether it was the football team or other students or people in the community, I could name 50 people off the top of my head who took me in as an extra kid. People around here embraced me so well,” Hoot said. “I used to tell people all the time that when I graduate I’m going to leave and travel and do whatever. But as you grow older and mature, you see how great this area is and how great these people are around here. It was a no-brainer to stay around here.” 

Now, Hoot is traveling to Los Angeles where his appearance on The Voice will continue in the upcoming battle rounds. Whatever the outcome of the show, Hoot would like to be another famous singing Tech alum like Dottie West, who is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, or Rodney Atkins, who has sold more than 13 million units. 

“Just to be mentioned in the same sentence as those two is amazing,” said Hoot. “I don’t think you can mentally prepare yourself when you make it on a show like that. I knew everyone around here was so supportive, but it’s like taking it to a different level. I’m very, very grateful for everyone.”

With a 4-year-old daughter and chasing a dream of being a star in the music industry, Hoot keeps himself humble by relying on his faith.

“The best piece of advice I can give is to keep God first in everything. A lot of people say that,” said Hoot. “My faith is very important to me. Keep God first and just keep chasing your dream. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and knocked down, but as long as you keep doing what you are doing and keep God first, stuff will line up.”

Article written by Buddy Pearson (2019, October 7) 

Little doubt can be had on the effect Kevin Murphy had on the Tennessee Tech men's basketball program during his four-year career from 2008-12. A starter almost immediately from the day he set foot in Cookeville, the Atlanta, Ga. established himself as one of the all-time great scorers in school history.

The program's all-time record holder with 128 games played, he made a whopping 110 starts (fourth in team history) while becoming just the second player in school history to surpass 2,000 career points, finishing with 2,109, just 87 shy of Earl Wise. His 681 points scored during the 2011-12 campaign ranked as the third most ever by Golden Eagle.

That senior season was highlighted by the single greatest scoring display in program history, a 50-point outburst over SIUE in front of the Tech faithful. The performance broke a more-than-50-year-old record of 48 points set by Jimmy Hagan in February 1959 and tied by Ron Filipek in February 1966.

He is one of five inductees into the 48th class of the Tennessee Tech Sports Hall of Fame. Along with Murphy, David Collett (football, 1998-2001), Tacarra Hayes Barnes (women's basketball, 2008-12), Ottis Phillips (football/supporter, 1969-present), and Dave Pratt (baseball/men's basketball, 1964-67) will be inducted during the annual Hall of Fame Dinner on Friday night at 6:30 p.m. at the Roaden University Center's Multipurpose Room. Tickets for the dinner are on sale by calling (931) 372-3940, visiting the Eblen Center ticket office, or by visiting TTUsports.com.

After averaging 9.6 points as a true freshman, he continued to improve each season, increasing his scoring average to 15.3 points as a sophomore, 17.0 points as a junior, and a whopping 20.6 points as a senior, which ranked 10th nationally in the 2011-12 season. He also shot a career-best 41.6 percent from 3-point range his final season, ranking in the top-10 in single-season history.

Playing 3,718 minutes in his career (third-highest mark in program history), he rounded out his time in Cookeville also ranked in the top-10 for a career in field goals made (706 – fourth), field goal attempts (1,594 – third), 3-point field goals made (191 – seventh), 3-point field goal attempts (515 – seventh), free throws made (416 – sixth), free throw attempts (568 – sixth), 20-point games (39 – fourth), and 30-point games (seven – fourth).

As a junior and senior, Murphy led the Golden Eagles to two of the program's seven total postseason appearances, invites to the CIT in 2011 and 2012. He also led Tech to just its third-ever appearance in the OVC's postseason tournament title game, a close loss to eventual champion Morehead State in 2011.

For his on-court efforts, Murphy was a two-time member of the All-OVC First Team in 2010-11 and 2011-12, as well as an OVC All-Newcomer Team selection as a rookie in 2008-09. He was twice named to the OVC All-Tournament Team as a junior and senior and collected NABC All-District honors both years as well. Following his senior campaign, he was selected to take part in the Reese's College All-Star Game and was just the second Golden Eagle ever to earn All-Tournament honors at the revered Portsmouth Invitational Tournament.

Following his illustrious career, Murphy became the third-highest and ninth-ever NBA draft pick in program history, taken in the second round with the 47th overall pick of the 2012 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz. He went on to play 17 games with the Jazz as a rookie, making his professional debut on Oct. 31, 2012. He scored a career-high nine points in a contest against Houston on Jan. 28, 2013.

The next summer, he was involved in a three-team trade that sent him to the Golden State Warriors. After playing in the 2013 NBA Summer League, he was waived and played professionally overseas in France before heading back to the U.S. in January 2014 for a spot on the NBA D-League's Idaho Stampede.

He was named to the All-NBA D-League First Team in 2014 after averaging 25.5 points per game. That same season, he also broke the Stampede's all-time scoring record with 51 points nearly two years to the day after setting Tech's scoring mark.

Following the 2013-14 season, he spent time playing professionally overseas again in China, Japan, Croatia, Turkey, and the Philippines through the 2017-18 seasons. In that time, he dropped a career-high 67 points in a contest for Guangxi of the Chinese National Basketball League. Murphy also spent parts of the 2014-15 season with a pair of NBA D-League clubs.

In 2016-17, he played 45 games for the D-League's Grand Rapids Drive, averaging 23.1 points per game. He returned to the league for the 2021-22 season as a member of the NBA G League Ignite, a developmental team affiliated with the newly re-branded NBA G League.

Since 2021, he has competed for the 3 Headed Monsters of the BIG3, a 3-on-3 basketball league founded by hip-hop musician and actor Ice Cube. The league consists of 12 teams with both former NBA players and international players. Drafted with the seventh overall pick in the 2021 draft, he won the BIG3 Rookie of the Year trophy after ranking fourth in the league in scoring with 20.4 points per game. He upped the ante in year two in the league, winning BIG3 MVP and being named the Too Hard To Guard player for the 2022 season after averaging 25.9 points per game. 

Murphy graduated from Tech in the spring of 2012 with a degree in interdisciplinary studies.

By TTU Sports Information