Pellissippi State Foundation, Alumni & Friends

Pellissippi State Foundation, Alumni & Friends The Pellissippi State Foundation supports the educational, cultural and service goals of PSCC

Today’s Where Are They Now Wednesday feature highlights Pellissippi State alumna Korea Howard, a storyteller, creative p...
09/02/2026

Today’s Where Are They Now Wednesday feature highlights Pellissippi State alumna Korea Howard, a storyteller, creative professional, and entrepreneur who has turned her passion for writing, media, and production into businesses of her own. Korea is the founder and Creative Director of K Love Productions and KLH Book Writing Consultant, where she combines her creative talents and industry experience to help bring stories and ideas to life.

Korea chose to attend Pellissippi State because she wanted to learn more about video production and develop the skills needed to support and grow her businesses. The College gave her the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while expanding her knowledge of the media and production industry.

One of the most meaningful parts of Korea’s time at Pellissippi State was the relationship she developed with Ella Ruggles, who served as the coordinator of the Video Production Department at the time. Korea worked as Ella’s work-study assistant and credits her with teaching lessons that went far beyond video production. Ella showed Korea the importance of leading with patience, compassion, and understanding, lessons that have continued to influence her throughout her life and career.

One moment in particular has stayed with Korea. When she was recognized at an award ceremony, her mother was unable to attend, but Ella was there cheering her on. That act of support meant so much to Korea and became a memory she continues to carry with her. Ella became more than a supervisor or professor. She became an important part of Korea’s journey and someone whose influence helped shape who she is today.

Pellissippi State helped Korea strengthen her writing skills and deepen her understanding of video production. Through her instructors, work-study experience, and an internship, she learned that success in media requires a commitment to continually learning, practicing, and developing your craft. Those experiences gave her the confidence and discipline to keep growing long after leaving the classroom.

Her advice to current and future Pellissippi State students is simple: put in the work. Korea encourages students to learn everything they can about their chosen field, ask questions, make mistakes, and keep learning. She reminds students that the classroom is only the beginning and that hands-on experiences can help shape the professionals they become.

We are proud to highlight Korea Howard and the creative work she continues to pursue through storytelling, writing, and media. Her journey is a reminder that education can provide not only valuable skills, but also meaningful relationships, mentorship, and the confidence to turn your creativity into something of your own.

08/26/2026

Happy 40th Anniversary, East Tennessee Foundation! Thank you for changing lives through education at Pellissippi State Community College.

Only 4 seats remain for Plates for a Purpose! Register now: https://www.pstcc.edu/foundation/plates-for-a-purpose/Press ...
08/22/2026

Only 4 seats remain for Plates for a Purpose!

Register now: https://www.pstcc.edu/foundation/plates-for-a-purpose/

Press release: https://www.pstcc.edu/news/2026/081926plates-for-a-purpose-2026/

We are incredibly grateful to our generous sponsors whose support has elevated this year’s event and increased its impact for Pellissippi State’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management students.

A special thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, The Wakefield Corporation, for investing in our students and their futures. We’re also incredibly grateful to The Plaid Apron, Kevin Green, Carrie Poteat - Realty Executives Associates, Kathy & Butch Peccolo, Lynda Leftwich Newton, Cassie and Jonathan Smith, Nancy Voith and Kenneth Stark, Gordon Food Service, Knoxville Beverage, and Company Distilling for their generous support.

Join us Sept. 29 at The Plaid Apron for an unforgettable evening of great food, w**e, and purpose. Grab one of the final four seats!

Pellissippi State Athletics is growing, and we want you to be part of it!This year, we are excited to introduce a new ti...
08/21/2026

Pellissippi State Athletics is growing, and we want you to be part of it!

This year, we are excited to introduce a new tiered giving model designed to provide greater flexibility while recognizing the many ways our supporters choose to invest in Pellissippi State Athletics. Whether you're making your first gift to athletics or looking for a new way to increase your impact, every gift directly supports the continued growth of our programs. Your generosity plays a vital role in providing our student-athletes with the resources they need to compete at a high level and succeed both on the field and in the classroom.

View Panthers Club levels and join here: https://psccpanthers.com/Panthers_Club_Join

Go Panthers! 🐾

Meet Our Board: Nathan WoodsWe're excited to welcome Nathan Woods, Senior Advisor at Rather & Kittrell, Inc., to the Pel...
08/14/2026

Meet Our Board: Nathan Woods

We're excited to welcome Nathan Woods, Senior Advisor at Rather & Kittrell, Inc., to the Pellissippi State Foundation Board of Trustees.

Nathan brings extensive experience in finance and a remarkable record of community service. He currently serves as Chair of the Great Smoky Mountain Council, Scouting America, Chair-Elect of Cancer Support Community East Tennessee, and as a board member of the Williams Creek Youth Foundation.

A dedicated supporter of Pellissippi State, Nathan has served on the Foundation's Swing Big for Students Golf Tournament Committee since 2021 and has demonstrated a genuine passion for helping students achieve their goals.

We're grateful for Nathan's continued commitment to student success and look forward to the impact he'll make as a trustee.

Meet Our Foundation Board: Joy Forster CarverWe're honored to welcome Joy Forster Carver, proprietor of Dandy Lions Gift...
08/11/2026

Meet Our Foundation Board: Joy Forster Carver

We're honored to welcome Joy Forster Carver, proprietor of Dandy Lions Gifts, to the Pellissippi State Foundation Board of Trustees.

Joy has dedicated years of service to organizations that enrich the lives of East Tennesseans. She currently serves as Chair of the Smoky Mountain Tourism Development Authority and volunteers with Blount County Young Life and the Levitt AMP Maryville Concert Series. Her past leadership includes the Maryville City Schools Foundation, Blount Memorial Foundation, Blount Chamber, and New Hope Children's Advocacy Center.

Joy's passion for community, education, and service will be a tremendous asset as we continue creating opportunities for Pellissippi State students. As a proud former dual enrollment student at Pellissippi State, she understands the value and impact of the College to our community.

Welcome, Joy!

Meet Our Board: Sandi SwilleyWe're pleased to welcome Sandi Swilley to the Pellissippi State Foundation Board of Trustee...
08/07/2026

Meet Our Board: Sandi Swilley

We're pleased to welcome Sandi Swilley to the Pellissippi State Foundation Board of Trustees.

As Concierge & Community Outreach at Cirrus Aircraft, Sandi has built her career around serving others and strengthening community connections. She is a graduate of Leadership Blount and actively volunteers with the Knoxville Museum of Art and the Historic Tennessee Theatre. Many in the Pellissippi family also know Sandi from her previous service at Leadership Knoxville.

Her enthusiasm for community engagement and student success makes her a wonderful addition to our Board.

Welcome, Sandi!

With the support of the Pellissippi State Foundation and Hardin Valley Church of Christ, the Pellissippi Pantry has upgr...
08/05/2026

With the support of the Pellissippi State Foundation and Hardin Valley Church of Christ, the Pellissippi Pantry has upgraded its donation collection process with new, permanent donation bins across all four Pellissippi State campuses.

These new bins provide a more durable, organized, and welcoming way for faculty, staff, and students to donate throughout the year. They also create opportunities for students to grab a small snack when items are available.

The new bins replace the cardboard boxes previously used for collections, which were no longer the most reliable solution. This project is another step toward making the Pellissippi Pantry more accessible and sustainable as we continue supporting our students and their success.

Thank you to Hardin Valley Church of Christ for helping make this improvement possible! 💙

Meet Our Board: Alex WillardPlease join us in welcoming Alex Willard, Managing Partner at LeConte Wealth, to the Pelliss...
08/04/2026

Meet Our Board: Alex Willard

Please join us in welcoming Alex Willard, Managing Partner at LeConte Wealth, to the Pellissippi State Foundation Board of Trustees.

A Maryville College graduate with degrees in Finance and Accounting and an Enrolled Agent designation, Alex has long invested in the Blount County community. His leadership includes serving as Past Chair of United Way of Blount County and Blount County Young Professionals, and he continues to serve on the United Way Executive Board.

Alex's financial expertise and passion for community engagement will help strengthen opportunities for Pellissippi State students for years to come.

Welcome, Alex!

08/01/2026

🏌️‍♂️ Secure your spot before it’s gone - less than 10 teams remain for the Swing Big for Students Golf Tournament!

Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a great day on the course, connect with friends and community members, and make a lasting impact on Pellissippi State students. Your team’s participation helps provide resources and opportunities that empower students to reach their goals. 💙

Team of 4: $1,000
Register today: https://loom.ly/0SPqtfU

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