Fannie HewlettFannie Hewlett will take over as interim president of Chattanooga State Community College until a permanent president is selected.
Hewlett retired from Chattanooga State in June 2014 following 35 years of service. In 2012 she was honored by the Tennessee Legislature as an outstanding educator. She received the college's Eye of the Tiger Award for 2010-11 and the Chair Academy Exemplary Leadership Award.
She takes over from TBR Vice Chancellor Warren Nichols who was serving in the interim after the departure of longtime President Jim Catanzaro, who retired amid scandal last month.
Hewlett was a past president of the Chattanooga State Faculty Senate, a group that sharply opposed several of Catanzaro's controversial policies and sent a letter to state authorities questioning the legality of some of his actions. In a news release, the Tennessee Board of Regents said it expected her to "help build stability on the campus and continue the institution's focus on student success while the Tennessee Board of Regents begins the search process for the college's next [permanent] president."
"We are fortunate Dr. Hewlett, who is well respected and extremely knowledgeable about the campus and its environments, is available and eager to help guide the college during this transition period," said TBR Chancellor John Morgan. "Her experience and qualifications will enable Chattanooga State to continue its drive forward."