TOP PHOTO: After 26 years as the Campbell County Roane State Community College Campus director, Tracy Powers is retiring.  Her husband, States Rep. Dennis Powers read a proclamation signed by Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton at Tracy’s retirement reception held Monday afternoon at Roane State.

By Charlotte Underwood 

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – After 26 years at the helm of the Campbell County Roane State Community College Campus, Director Tracy Powers is retiring. 

Community and business leaders turned out in number to wish her well on Monday afternoon at her retirement reception, which was held at the campus conference room. US Senator Marsha Blackburn also stopped by to speak beforehand and to wish Powers well on her retirement.

Roane State Community College President Chris Whaley wishing Tracy Powers a happy retirement at her reception on Monday afternoon. (Left to right) Roane State Community College VP of Workforce and Community Development Teresa Duncan, Tracy Powers and Chris Whaley.

Powers took on the director’s role in 1997. Prior to that she taught middle school locally. She saw many changes during her nearly three decades at Roane State, including the opening of Campbell County’s new campus location. 

She said she had loved her time at Roane State and her goal as site director had always been to “help students achieve their education goals, whatever they may be.”

“I wanted to help as many students as I could to meet their own goals, whether it was to take a few classes, earn a certificate or get a degree,” Powers said.

Her main retirement plans are to travel. First up is a trip overseas to Ireland in August. 

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (right) visits with soon to be retired Campbell County Roane State Community College Campus Director Tracy Powers. Friday is Powers last day on the job.

According to Roane State President Chris Whaley, the search to find a replacement director for the Campbell County campus is currently underway.

“We are sad to see Tracy go; she can rescind her retirement any time she wishes,” Whaley said with a laugh, adding that he was happy for her and wished her well. 

“There is no way to quantify or tell how many lives this woman has impacted. For so many, she’s the reason they stuck it out or achieved their goal. We are so grateful for all your contributions; there is no matching your heart,” Whaley said. 

Tracy’s husband and State Rep. Dennis Powers read a proclamation from Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton wishing Tracy well on her retirement and thanking her for her “professionalism, abilities and integrity” in serving as the site director at Roane State. 

Campbell County Mayor Jack Lynch said it was the end of an era for Campbell County.

Roane State Community College Campbell County Campus director Tracy Powers, State Senator Marsha Blackburn and State Representative Dennis Powers. Blackburn visited Campbell County Monday afternoon to speak to Community leaders and to wish Tracy Powers a “happy retirement.”

“It has been a good era for Campbell County.  She has been wonderful in working with area high schoolers and with TCAT. Whoever replaces her has big shoes to fill,” Lynch said. 

“It’s been a blessing to be here working with area students on achieving their dreams,” Tracy Powers said. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 06/27/2023-6AM)

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