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Wlaf1450TOP PHOTO: TCAT Jacksboro President Debbie Petree and Student Services coordinator Camilla Gambrel celebrate Friday’s $4,000 donation to the school’s Foundation from State Senator Ken Yager with a high five!
By Charlotte Underwood
JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – Tennessee State Senator Ken Yager and State Representative Dennis Powers visited the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Jacksboro campus on Friday for fundraising efforts.
Yager presented a personal check for $4,000 to TCAT Jacksboro President Debbie Petree fulfilling a fundraising promise to raise $15,000 for the school’s foundation.
Several years ago, at the groundbreaking for the new wing at TCAT’s Jacksboro campus, Senator Yager, who was a key supporter of the project, announced he would raise $15,000 in funds for the Jacksboro TCAT Foundation.
Over the past couple years, Yager has garnered fundraising partners such as AT&T and Consolidated Nuclear Security (CNS), as well as UCOR who donated funds helping to fulfill that pledge to TCAT Jacksboro.
On Friday, Yager cut a personal check for $4,000, which put the total funds raised for the foundation at $15,800.
Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor Flora Tydings, as well as Assistant Vice Chancellor Cris Perkins were at the check presentation event as well.
“Donations like this change lives. We couldn’t have better representation than we do with Ken Yager and Dennis Powers. There are not two better partners across the state of Tennessee and Presidents like Debbie Petree are what make all this work,” Tydings said.
Yager said TCAT Jacksboro was near and dear to his heart.
“I keep my promises; we try to take care of this institution! I am fulfilling my $15,000 commitment I made in 2019 during the groundbreaking of the new wing here at TCAT, and I am just so happy to help such a worthy cause that helps these students achieve their dreams. Our community colleges are indispensable,” Yager said.
Each community college within the College System of Tennessee has a foundation that raises funds to support their students and campus. The donation made on Friday will go into the school’s foundation account in Nashville and will be pulled out as needed for students.
Yager said the TCAT Jacksboro Foundation can make a big difference in the success of students who have unique needs that are not addressed by tuition and fee support.
“For example, the cost for books or gas can often be one hurdle too many for our students to complete their education,” said Yager. “This is one of many needs where the foundation may be the vital link towards ensuring student success and graduation. Foundation funds help these students achieve their dreams.”
College President Debbie Petree said she was thrilled with the donation.
“This will help build our foundation to help with last minute emergency situations with our students as well as fund scholarships,” said TCAT President Debbie Petree.
The president went on to say that these emergency funds may sometimes mean whether or not a student is able to stay in school.
“The foundation funds make a world of difference to our students; we couldn’t be more thrilled with the Senator’s donations and the many great partnerships he has helped establish,” Petree said. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 03/20/2023-6AM)