News
Tennessee Tech alumni lead, inspire in local schools
The influence of graduates from Tennessee Tech’s College of Education can be seen in schools across the nation.
In the Upper Cumberland region Tech calls home, Tech alumni are leading the way in the education of children and preparing them for success.
“As educators, we realize there’s no greater calling than to impact students’ lives every day. Leaders with a degree from Tennessee Tech are dedicated and diligent professionals who constantly change the trajectory of schools and communities—especially some of our rural communities across the Upper Cumberland. We are proud of the commitment to learning in the face of such challenging times, and we are humbled to call these leaders alumni,” Jeremy Wendt, chair of the department of curriculum and instruction, said.
The education systems in Putnam, White, Overton and other surrounding counties are home to large numbers of educators and administrators with Tech degrees, including many school principals.
“We are incredibly thankful for each of our principals and their leadership in Putnam County schools. Principals set the vision and culture of their school. They are there to listen, guide and lead the team. They wear many hats including financial operations, building maintenance, personnel, school policy, discipline, instructional programs, and more. Their leadership has been instrumental through the pandemic and we commend them for their hard work, passion for education, and leading their schools,” Corby King, Director of Putnam County Schools, said.
Bubba Winningham is currently the principal at Algood Middle School. He has received
three degrees from Tech, including his undergraduate degree in secondary education
with a concentration in history and government, his master’s degree in instructional
leadership and his Ed.S. in curriculum and instruction.
“All of these degrees have prepared me for leadership in the Putnam County School System. I am grateful for Tennessee Tech and the amazing faculty and staff that helped me throughout my time at Tech and still continue to help me to this day. I still foster a great relationship with Tech trying to give back to future teachers and help them as they enter the best profession in the world,” Winningham said.
He speaks to Tech educational classes every year and currently serves on the university’s teacher education committee. He is an advocate for Tech resident and practicum teacher placements at Algood Middle School. He says practicum and resident placements are a great opportunity to help future teachers grow and learn as they continue their teaching careers.
Melissa Palk received her bachelor of science degree in elementary education, Master
of Arts degree in instructional leadership, and Ed.S in curriculum and instruction
from Tech. She has been the principal at Northeast Elementary School in Putnam County
for the last 10 years.
Palk said her education at Tech equipped her with the foundational knowledge that was necessary to lead a faculty of 35, 12 staff members and over 425 students. The mission at her school is to “Serve Others, Work Hard, and Soar High.” She feels that this mission has always embodied her philosophy of leadership which was developed through her peer interactions and course work at Tech.
“Being a school leader requires many different roles such as a manager, instructional leader, coach, counselor, legal analyst, motivator and chief inspiration officer! Although several of these roles I learned over the years, my professors at Tech modeled strong leadership skills and the importance of leading with the students at the focus of all decisions,” Palk said.
Many of the educators in White County are also Tech graduates including most of their school principals.
“The White County school district is proud to work with Tennessee Tech University on a daily basis. Tennessee Tech does an excellent job of preparing school leaders for the challenges of today. Comprehensive classwork coupled with real-world experience gives Tech graduates the tools they need to be successful,” Kurt Dronebarger, Director of White County Schools, said.
Rebecca Ryan is in her fifth year as principal at Findlay Elementary in Sparta, Tennessee.
She received her Bachelors of Science degree in secondary education mathematics and
her master’s degree in instructional leadership from Tech.
“My time at Tennessee Tech prepared me well for my career as a teacher and as an administrator. The courses taken and the work done helped me to develop my own understanding of teaching and learning and set the foundation for my educational philosophy. Being an administrator is one of the most challenging and rewarding careers. It allows me to influence education through supporting and growing educators, mentoring and guiding students, and developing relationships with families and our community,” Ryan said.
All seven of the principals and all the central office supervisors in the Overton County School District have received some level of degrees from Tennessee Tech.
“Overton County has a long and enduring relationship with the College of Education at Tennessee Tech. Our proximity to Tech has given us the benefit of having access to not only a quality education but new graduates in the college of education program to supply our classrooms with top-notch educators,” Donnie Holman, Director of Overton County Schools, said.
Brandon Cross is the principal at A.H. Roberts Elementary in Overton County. He received
his bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and Ed.S from Tech. Both advanced degrees are
in instructional leadership. 
He says being a principal is one of the greatest honors he has ever been given. He feels blessed to be in a position where he can look forward to going to work each day.
“At A.H. Roberts, I am surrounded by a building full of amazing professionals that truly love kids. This makes the job of a principal so much more fun and enjoyable. At Tech, Dr. Akenson always preached that if you love every kid and make them feel special, then the majority of the work is completed. I have found this to be true in every position I have held in my career and try to live by his advice in my role as an elementary school principal,” Cross said.
Principals are among the hardest working, yet often least recognized individuals in education according to the National Association of Secondary School Principals. That organization seeks to honor these unsung heroes for their tireless efforts in pursuit of excellence in education.
Leaders in Tech’s College of Education are proud to play a part in the foundations of those individuals.
