Saluting Chattanooga's MVPs
Chattanooga's downtown skyline took on a new look in 2017 with the tallest new building erected in decades added in the central city and several signature structures taking on new owners and uses.But far more than just the built environment was altered during the past year as a growing and shifting economy and workforce continued to change the way business is done in Chattanooga.The individuals who helped lead such changes and did the most to reshape the regional economy are our Most Valuable Players in business in 2017. The top 10 list includes those leading everything from volunteer programs to Chattanooga's biggest business and reflects the diversity of our changing economy.
Politicians often run for office on a jobs platform, but few people in public life can actually bend a local workforce toward higher-paying jobs like a successful community college president.
Rebecca Ashford, a 44-year-old Florida native who was formerly vice president of student affairs at Pellissippi State Community College in Knoxville, took the helm as president of Chattanooga State Community College this summer.
Ashford was among 63 candidates to apply for the position, which opened when past-president Flora Tydings was promoted to chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents in late 2016.
Already, a batch of recent headlines signals that Chattanooga State is on the move.
» This fall, Chattanooga State became the first school internationally to offer training for a new American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) non-destructive testing certification.
» Community colleges in Tennessee, including Chattanooga State, are set to guarantee the quality of their tech grads with a warranty. If employers aren't satisfied, students can get additional training for free.
» The state of Tennessee recently approved plans for a new 6,000 square foot horticulture building to be constructed on the Chattanooga State campus.
"I've been on the job for approximately four months, and I love it," Ashford says. "I am so proud to be at Chattanooga State. The people at the College are committed to serving students and the community, and I have felt a great deal of support for Chattanooga State in the community."
Rebecca AshfordAshford said three areas of emphasis have dominated her first few months at Chattanooga State.
First on her to-do list, she said, is to energize Chattanooga State's Focus on Completion program, which seeks to boost the number of students who complete their degrees and certifications. Student retention is traditionally one of the biggest challenges for two-year colleges.
"Second, I have been focused on meeting key workforce development partners in our service area to ensure that we are meeting their workforce training needs," she says.
"(And) finally, I have been working to develop relationships in the community on behalf of the college. These relationships are so important to the success of the college and our students."
Ashford has taken top job at Chattanooga State during a golden age of community colleges in Tennessee. The state's Tennessee Promise program promises to provide free tuition to most students, including many who could not otherwise afford a post-secondary education.
"This has removed the financial barrier to attending college," says Ashford. "I believe it's a way to change a person's life."
Ashford holds a doctorate in education leadership from the University of Central Florida.
She and her husband, Richard, have two daughters.