College Town Talk
College Town Talk is a podcast from Tennessee Tech University in partnership with
the Cookeville-Putnam County Visitors Bureau available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora, Soundcloud and YouTube.
Each week, hosts Jonathan Frank and Shan Stout introduce listeners to Tech faculty,
staff and students – as well as successful Tech alumni, local business owners and
civic leaders – who are making a difference and living Wings Up in their community.
College Town Talk is a celebration of the people and places that make Cookeville Tennessee’s
College Town.
Catch up on the latest episodes below and email Tech’s Jonathan Frank at jonathanfrank@tntech.edu with podcast questions, feedback or suggestions.
Stream the Latest Episodes:
Episode 45: Elizabeth Sofia
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan are joined by Elizabeth Sofia, a
two-time Tennessee Tech graduate and current doctoral student serving as a director
of development in Tech's Division of University Advancement. As one of Cookeville's
foremost animal advocates, Elizabeth also helped relaunch the region's local spay
and neuter clinic and serves as a board member for "Carin' About the Strays" rescue.
Elizabeth takes us behind the scenes of recent University Advancement events - including
the dedication of Poppie's Ice Cream Shoppe and the Michelle Huddleston Memorial Food
Pantry - and shares how her passion for animal rescue began.
Episode 44: Michele Niec and Brent Young
This week on College Town Talk, we're catching up with Michele Niec, a two-time Tennessee
Tech graduate, current doctoral student and instructor of communication. Michele shares
about the surprising path that brought her to Cookeville and her passion for supporting
nontraditional students and lifelong learners like herself. Then, we're speaking to
Brent Young, a 2002 Tech graduate recently named director of the Sparta-White County
Chamber of Commerce. Brent shares about his hopes for his new role and recalls fond
memories as a Tech student in Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji).
Episode 43: Jeremy Crabtree and Professor Kimberly Winkle
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan talk with Jeremy Crabtree, a Tennessee
Tech alumnus who owns Poet's Coffee, a Cookeville staple that just celebrated 30 years
in business. Jeremy talks with us about the decision to become the owner of a beloved
local hotspot and tells us all about the newest Poet's Coffee location inside the
Volpe Library on Tech's campus. Then, we're chatting with Professor Kimberly Winkle,
director of Tech's School of Art, Craft & Design and director of the Appalachian Center
for Craft. Professor Winkle looks back on her more than 20 years at Tech, highlights
the Appalachian Center for Craft's upcoming "Celebration of Craft" and takes us behind
the scenes of her recent feature in Cookeville Lifestyle magazine.
Episode 42: Marc Burnett and Emily Armstrong
This week, Jonathan and Shan talk to a living legend of Tennessee Tech and the Upper
Cumberland, Marc Burnett. Marc is a three-time Tech graduate, TTU Sports Hall of Famer,
and served the university for 36 years, including 28 as vice president for Student
Affairs, before his well-deserved retirement in 2019. Marc is also a Cookeville Lifestyle 2024 "Most Influential People" honoree. He tells us how he knew it was the right
time to retire, what it was like having a campus building named in his honor and pays
tribute to his late mother who first encouraged him to become a Golden Eagle. Then,
we're joined by Tennessee Tech MBA candidate and College of Business graduate assistant
Emily Armstrong. Emily tells us about her experience as a credentialed photographer
at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France and shares why Tech's College of Business
was the right fit for her.
Episode 41: Dr. Katie Aikens and Dr. Stephen Canfield
To kick off 2025, Jonathan and Shan catch up with Dr. Katie Aikens, Tennessee Tech's
dean of students and assistant vice president for strategic initiatives. Dr. Aikens
shares about her path to working in higher education, the significance of becoming
Tech's first female dean of students, and the fulfillment she finds through her involvement
with the local nonprofit CityScape. Then, we're chatting with Dr. Stephen Canfield,
professor of mechanical engineering at Tennessee Tech. Dr. Canfield shares about the
changes he's seen at Tech over his more than 25 years on campus and tells us about
the inspiration behind the "Tech Engineering for Kids" program, which tasks students
with creating one-of-a-kind products for area children with special needs.
Episode 40: Chris Savage and Brittney Herman
On our last episode for 2024, Jonathan and Shan catch up with Chris Savage, a proud
Tennessee Tech alumnus and co-owner of the iconic Cream City Ice Cream & Coffee House
in Cookeville. Then, we're chatting with Brittney Herman, the winner of the Tennessee
Tech Alumni Association's 2024 Outstanding Young Alumna Award and founder of the nonprofit
organization We Will, which is dedicated to sexual assault prevention and survivor
empowerment.
Episode 39: Candyce Clifft and T. Wayne Williams
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan are joined by Candyce Clifft, a
proud Tennessee Tech alumna and former student body president. Today, Candyce is an
Emmy Award-winning journalist and has been the morning anchor for WDRB News in Louisville,
Ky. for more than 20 years. She shares with us the secret to her longevity in broadcasting,
her advice for aspiring young journalists, and takes us behind the scenes of her daily
routine - including her 2:45 AM wake-up call. Then, we're chatting with Tennessee
FFA President and current Tennessee Tech freshman T. Wayne Williams. T. Wayne shares
with us about his passion for agriculture and why Tennessee Tech was the right choice
for him.
Episode 38: Tina Francis-Hodges and Matt McClanahan
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan speak with Tina Francis-Hodges,
a four-time Tennessee Tech graduate, Cookeville Lifestyle "Most Influential People" awardee and the 2023-2024 Principal of the Year for the
State of Tennessee. Then, we're catching up with Matt McClanahan, a Tennessee Tech
alumnus and adjunct instructor who also serves as executive director of the Tennessee
Association of Conservation Districts and won the American Farm Bureau 2024 "Discussion
Meet" competition.
Episode 37: Jameson Wharton and Rachel Wingo
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan talk with Jameson Wharton, a Tennessee
Tech junior and defensive back for the Golden Eagle football team who founded the
nonprofit "Football for the Cure" to raise money for cancer research. Jameson tells
us how he turned his grief into action by starting his nonprofit at just 10 years
old after the passing of a beloved aunt. Then, we're joined by Rachel Wingo, cultural
arts superintendent for the City of Cookeville, former executive director of the Bryan
Symphony Orchestra, and adjunct instructor of religious studies at Tennessee Tech.
Rachel shares about upcoming arts events in Cookeville, pays tribute to former Tennessee
Tech First Lady Joan Derryberry, and explains how she handles teaching a complex topic
like religion.
Episode 36: Trudy Harper and Randy Wilmore
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan sit down with Trudy Harper, the
chair of Tennessee Tech's Board of Trustees. Trudy is a two-time graduate of Tech's
College of Engineering, a devoted philanthropist, and the former president of Tenaska
Power Services Co., the power marketing affiliate of Tenaska - one of the largest
privately held companies in the United States. Then, we're joined by Randy Wilmore,
the chief relationship officer for Farm Bureau Health Plans and recipient of the Tennessee
Tech Alumni Association’s 2024 Outstanding Service Award. Randy also gives us an update
on his cousin, NASA Astronaut and Tennessee Tech trustee Barry Wilmore, who is currently
stationed at the International Space Station.
Episode 35: Maria Baltazar and Damon "Dee" Prince
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan are joined by Maria Baltazar, a
two-time Tennessee Tech graduate and former local elementary school teacher who now
serves as the new recruitment specialist in Tech’s Office of Access, Belonging and
Community Outreach. Maria shares about being a first-generation college graduate and
the sacrifices that her immigrant parents made to equip her for success in life. Then,
we’re joined by Damon “Dee” Prince, a Tennessee Tech alumnus and community leader
who was named to Cookeville Lifestyle’s inaugural “Most Influential People” list.
Dee tells us about the long road that led to his college degree, the importance of
mentorship, and his heart for community service.
Episode 34: Sidonie Sansom and Kelly Chambers
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan are sitting down with Sidonie Sansom,
board president for the Bryan Symphony Orchestra, the Upper Cumberland's professional
symphony that operates in partnership with Tennessee Tech's School of Music. Sidonie
tells us about her time serving in Antarctica on behalf of the U.S. Coast Guard and
discusses the rich musical legacy of the Bryan Symphony Orchestra, now in its 61st
season. Then, we hear from Kelly Chambers, a two-time Tennessee Tech graduate and
the current assistant director for the university's Crawford Alumni Center. Kelly
shares about favorite alumni she has interviewed over the years, a recent 100th anniversary
event she helped plan for The Oracle, and ways that alums can visit exciting destinations across the globe through the "Golden
Eagle Travel" program.
Episode 33: Dr. Harry Ingle and Andrea Kruszka
On Episode 33 of College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan are joined by Dr. Harry Ingle,
Tennessee Tech's executive director for Student Affairs and head of the university's
new Office of First-Generation Student Success. Dr. Ingle shares about his passion
for reaching first-generation students as well as his volunteerism with causes such
as IMPACT Cookeville and the Putnam County Library. Then, we hear from Andrea Kruszka,
assistant director of the Tennessee Center for Rural Innovation, a celebrated local
artist and current Tennessee Tech graduate student. Andrea discusses the importance
of Tech's Rural Reimagined Grand Challenge, how a difficult season helped her rediscover
her love of photography and the outdoors, and the unlikely road that led to her "dream
job" promoting local tourism and inspiring students.
Episode 32: Kelsey Hewitt and Sen. Paul Bailey 
This week, we’re joined by Tennessee Tech 2024 – 2025 Student Government Association
President Kelsey Hewitt. Kelsey is a junior from Signal Mountain, Tenn. and shares
about her passion for student government, her favorite things about Cookeville, and
how she hopes to put her education and foreign language majors to use in her future
career. Then, we’re joined by State Senator Paul Bailey, who discusses the importance
of Tech’s Rural Reimagined Grand Challenge, lessons he learned from an early campaign
loss, future goals in the state legislature and the impact of Tennessee Tech on his
district and his own life.
Episode 31: Megan Atkinson and Steve Taylor
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan are joined by University Archivist
Megan Atkinson. Megan discusses the history behind the upcoming centennial anniversary
of Tech's identity as the Golden Eagles and shares about Tech's rich concert history,
including performances on campus from Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Neil Diamond and others.
Then, we hear from Tech alumnus and former assistant basketball coach Steve Taylor.
Steve spent 27 years with the FBI and was named to Tech's all-century basketball team
in 2022, but his proudest accomplishment is his family - including his daughter Maria
Taylor, the host of "Football Night in America" on NBC.
Episode 30: Amy New and Bobby Wilder (Season 2 Premiere)
On the season two premiere of College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan are joined by Amy
New, a Tennessee Tech alumna, member of the Tennessee Tech Foundation Board, and the
President and CEO of the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce. Then, we hear
from Tennessee Tech head football coach Bobby Wilder about his plans for the Golden
Eagles' upcoming season.
Episode 29: Kaitlin Salyer and J.R. Russell (Season 1 Finale) 
On the season one finale of College Town Talk, we're joined by Kaitlin Salyer, a Tennessee
Tech graduate and former Tech staff member who now serves as talent development director
for the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce and was this year's recipient of the
Mandala Award at Tech's annual "Window on the World" festival. Later, we hear from
J.R. Russell, a proud Tennessee Tech alumnus who now serves as administrator of the
Tennessee Legislative Internship Program at the Tennessee General Assembly in Nashville.
Episode 28: Lela Gracy and Thomas Corhern
On this week's episode of College Town Talk, we're joined by Miss Tennessee Tech 2023
Lela Gracy. Lela shares with us about being a computer science major with a concentration
in cybersecurity and French and discusses the importance of women's representation
in STEM fields. Then, we hear from Tech alumnus and award-winning sports writer Thomas
Corhern. Thomas has been Tech's sports information coordinator since 2016 and shares
with us about his excitement for the upcoming renovation of Tucker Stadium and his
memories as a writer for The Oracle, Tech's student newspaper.
Episode 27: Bob Luna and Amelia Greer 
This week on College Town Talk we're joined by Bob Luna, a longtime community leader,
proud Tennessee Tech alumnus and the voice of the Golden Eagle Marching Band for more
than 30 years. Then, we hear from Amelia Greer, the morning anchor for WDEF News 12
in Chattanooga and a proud graduate of Tennessee Tech's class of 2023.
Episode 26: Chelsea Dartez and Dr. Helen Hunt
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan are visited by Chelsea Dartez, founder
and publisher of the popular local magazine Cookeville Lifestyle. Then, we hear from
Dr. Helen Hunt, director of the Women's Center and associate professor of English
at Tennessee Tech University.
Episode 25: Jay Albrecht and Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza
This week on College Town Talk, we're joined by Tennessee Tech alumni Jay Albrecht
and Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza. Jay owns the popular local restaurant "Seven Senses"
and is a former newspaper publisher who was recently named chair of the board for
the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Espinoza is a native of Peru
and a proud graduate of Tech Honors. Today, she is an award-winning chemical biologist,
National Geographic explorer, sought-after speaker and host, and the founder of Amazon
Research Internacional.
Episode 24: Morris Irby and Lori Jackson Strode
As Black History Month comes to a close, Jonathan and Shan are joined by two trailblazing
Tennessee Tech alumni: Morris Irby, the first Black baseball player recruited to Tennessee
Tech and a Tennessee Tech Sports Hall of Fame member, and Lori Jackson Strode, a three-time
Tennessee Tech graduate who recently directed and co-created the Cookeville Theatre
Company's production of "I Am My Ancestors' Wildest Dream," a musical and spoken-word
production honoring the struggles and triumphs of Black history.
Episode 23: Penny Grace Judd and Cheryl Montgomery 
On a special Presidents' Day episode of College Town Talk, we chat with a bipartisan
pair of Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles who previously served in presidential administrations.
First, we hear from Tech alumna and former SGA President Penny Grace Judd, who served
as an aide under President George W. Bush. Then, we're joined by Cheryl Montgomery,
director of program development and engagement in Tech's College of Business, who
worked on the Clinton-Gore 1992 presidential campaign and transition team and later
served in the administration as a top aide to U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno.
Episode 22: Dr. M. Dianne Murphy and Vice Mayor Luke Eldridge
This week on College Town Talk, we're catching up Dr. M. Dianne Murphy, a trailblazing
athlete, coach, and university administrator. Dr. Murphy is a Tennessee Tech Sports
Hall of Fame member and the 2005 winner of the university's Distinguished Alumna Award.
Later on, we are joined by Luke Eldridge, the vice mayor of Cookeville and a proud
Tennessee Tech alumnus from the class of 2010.