The History of Support Staff Council

Support Staff Council was established in 1982 by former President of the College, J. L. Goins, to "provide a mechanism for input from clerical and maintenance personnel and opportunities for professional growth." To create a timeline with milestones along the way, a short inquiry was sent to people who served as past Support Staff Council presidents. Their responses included much praise and recognition for the hard work and support of their officers and support staff's participation as a whole, attributing to their successes. These acknowledgements were not included for the sake of brevity, but are nonetheless important. Presidents and themes are listed as recalled.

[Year – President – Theme (if available)]

1982-1983 Ronni Chandler – “Working Together”

With only 20 members, the Council worked as a team, helping each other on large projects, phone-forwarding coverage and sharing information. They had covered-dish lunches to build camaraderie and to show appreciation for all their hard work. Presentations and special programs were put on for Secretaries’ Week, and a yearly reception was given for ‘Support Staff of the Year.’

1984-85 and 1985-86 were transitional years for the college. Information regarding the president, theme and accomplishments are not available.

1986-1987 Beckie (Ivie) Scott

Member of the college’s Roundtable with College President and administrators, and served on the steering committee for the semester conversion process.

1987-1988 Anita Amburn

The Council’s bylaws were developed. Thus, the Support Staff Council became official.

1988-1989 Fay Ray

Fay recalls support staff employees working especially hard during the years when State Technical Institute at Knoxville became a community college, changed its name to Pellissippi State Technical Community College, changed from the quarter to a semester system, moved to the new campus and developed 80 plus transfer courses articulated with UTK. The system of teamwork created by the Council helped to aid the college’s success during the transition.

1990-1991 Karon Dozler

This was a year of great progress for the college, and she enjoyed the privilege of giving the invocation at the dedication of the Blount County campus. Karon carried on the tradition of having covered-dish get-togethers to build camaraderie.

1992-1993 Mary Duke

The Council published a monthly newsletter, “The Support Column,” that included minutes, a calendar of events, and support staff birthdays. This year marked the college’s 20^th Anniversary. Support Staff Council planted a flowerbed in the courtyard to commemorate the occasion.

In 1993, Dr. Allen Edwards, became President of the College and also encouraged Support Staff Council.

1993-1994 Janelle Salerno

A notable council president with terrific public speaking abilities whose emphasis was on “Improving Your Professional Image.”

1994-1995 Mary Duke – “WOW – Working on Wellness”

Support Staff Council broadened the scope of “Secretaries’ Week” to include all support staff and established “Support Staff Appreciation Week” at Pellissippi State.

1995-1996 Mary Duke – “A Healthy Work Environment”

The ‘Child of Support Staff Employee’ scholarship fund was established and a scholarship for students majoring in Office Systems Technology was later added. Support Staff Council funded the scholarships by giving donations and by selling Tupperware. A staff cookbook was created as a fundraiser containing many great recipes.

1996-1997 Gina Cox

Support Staff Council began broadcasting Council meetings via the Distance Learning classroom so that staff at the satellite campuses could participate in meetings. Gina introduced team-building exercises at Council meetings.

1997-1998 Mary Duke – “Change Is Everywhere”

During Mary’s terms in office, membership grew from 60 to approximately 120 support staff. The Council began annual participation in the American Heart Walk and the March of Dimes Walk America campaigns and continues to support these and other worthy causes voted in each year. Support Staff Calendars were created. The Support Staff Scrapbook Committee became official, and the Mentoring Program was established in April 1998 to acclimate new employees to the college. A home page was developed for Support Staff Council. The council also sponsored other fun activities such as Secret Pals and the Christmas Talent Show.

1998-1999 Nancy Williams – “Making a Difference”

As Vice President of Support Staff Council, Nancy assumed the position of President after Angela Edwards resigned due to extenuating circumstances. Nancy planned a professional development activity for each month so that individuals who could not attend every meeting were offered more opportunities for professional growth. This was the year that Pellissippi State celebrated its 25th Anniversary. As a part of the celebration, the Council buried a time capsule at the base of the Pellissippi history sign that they had purchased a few years prior. Since that time, the sign was moved to the Information Center, and the current Council is working on another way to mark the capsule’s location for easy retrieval on the college’s 50th Anniversary. The President-elect position was also added to the bylaws.

1999-2000 Orpha Leitch – “Sharing Knowledge”

The Council members benefited from shared knowledge through monthly professional development programs. She encouraged support staff to work with their supervisors to keep their skills current. Support staff memorabilia was put on display in the cafeteria as a reminder of accomplishments. The first Officer’s Retreat was organized for outgoing officers to train those coming in. Faculty Council Parliamentarian, Donn King, presented Robert’s Rules of Order at this first Officers’ Retreat to help the monthly meetings stay focused, orderly and timely, so that those who attend can plan their work around them.

2000-2001 Cynthia Noles – “Unity and Teamwork”

This year, Support Staff Council had two major fundraising events—a White Elephant Sale and a Celebrity Dinner. Both events were successful and the largest moneymakers in the history of the Council. Proceeds from the events helped finance the Council’s two scholarships funds.

2001-2002 Yolanda Roebuck – “Empowered to Excel”

The Council got off to a good start. Roger Crowe spoke at the Officers’ Retreat on the topic of Participatory Management. A guest speaker was invited to speak at each Support Staff Council meeting to address topics a professional development topic. Support Staff Council and Phi Theta Kappa raised money for the American Red Cross’ Disaster Relief Fund to benefit victims of the September 11^th terrorists attack on the USA. The Council had a successful 2nd Annual White Elephant Sale. The first Support Staff Council Handbook was published in October, 2001.

2002-2003 Catherine Collins and Regina Collins - "Synergy"

Synergy: The interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects.

Catherine Collins left Pellissippi very early in the term. Afterwards, Regina Collins became President. The Council combined efforts with other councils and departments over the course of the year in order to benefit various causes and the college as a whole. We sponsored the hotdog stand at the COSA Fall Fest and Spring Fling to raise money for scholarships. We worked with the music department to present a St. Patrick's Day concert in the Performing Arts Center to benefit both the music and support staff scholarships. We supported the March of Dimes campaign by selling Beanie Babies and promoting Blue Jeans for Babies Friday. We sold Christmas ornaments to faculty, staff, and students to benefit the support staff scholarships and used them to decorate a tree in the ERC. We learned side by side, in our many professional development programs, and we made a few changes to our bylaws in order to better serve our members. We installed a bulletin board at each campus to be used by the council to post schedules and announcements that are of interest to ourselves and others.

The Support Staff Award program was started within the support staff council. The recipient of the award gets to choose someone to pass the trophy to in order to recognize their contributions. It is a very honest award that recognizes persons who otherwise may not get an encouraging pat on the back for all their efforts. Of course, everyone's efforts are needed, appreciated, and multiplied in the concept of SYNERGY.

2003-2004 Karen Dozier and Annette Eldridge - "SHERPAS”

Sincere, Helpful, Energetic, Respectful, Positive, Accountable, & Steadfast (SHERPAS) was this year’s theme. The year started sadly with the passing of Karen Dozier. But with the cooperation of all the Support Staff Council, it became a wonderful year of working with the PSTCC Support Staff council. We started on changing the criteria for the scholarship funds to allow students more money toward their education. Because of our busy schedules, Support Staff started the process of online voting to allow every member opportunities to voice their views. We had several wonderful seminars and once again proved how invaluable every member of this team truly is for Pellissippi State.

2004-2005 Marcia Lawson – “Body & Soul: An Extreme Makeover"

The general Support Staff Council meetings this year centered on healthy lifestyles with speakers discussing the importance of physical activity and getting enjoyment out of your job. Professional development activities centered on learning new PC Tips and improving job performance. Support Staff Council voted to raise the scholarship amounts from $350 to $500 per semester due to an increase in tuition. The Council also instituted an on-line voting process for Executive Board Officer elections and eliminated taking nominations from the floor. The White Elephant Sale was reinstated this year with the St. Patrick's Day Sale-A-Bration which raised $375. We worked with the March of Dimes again this year and raised approximately $1,800. Support Staff volunteered to work the 1st Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival which is the Pellissippi State Foundation Office's annual fundraising event. The Executive Board scheduled one monthly meeting at each of the site campuses, successfully making the site campuses feel more included in Support Staff Council activities and decisions.

2005-2006 Michelle Coggins and Barbara Bailes –"Building Relationships"

That was exactly what had to be done. Michelle Coggins resigned due to a job change. Following the previous President's vision, the body chose to delete the position of President-Elect. The Support Staff Handbook was updated for the first time since 2001-2002. We also updated our web site so that it would be user friendly. New employees were given a welcome packet and handbook. After many years of supporting the March of Dimes Walk America Campaign it was voted to change our support to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Campaign. Activities and events focused on "Building Relationships"

2006-2007 Donna K. Ford – “Embracing Change”

It seemed only fitting that change should be our theme for the year as the college faced a new database software installation. Many of the professional development activities focused on personal safety and identity theft in the hopes of preparing staff against both the physical and technological dangers in our world today. As a way to de-stress, we encouraged staff to try new things by hosting seminars on different hobbies and crafts. We continued our relationship with the Susan G. Komen Foundation by forming a team for the Race for the Cure in October 2006 and began a new tradition in setting up onsite mammography screenings for the staff through UT’s Medical Center. We were able to raise $750.00 for that foundation. We voted to revise the support staff scholarship guidelines to allow for the eligibility of part-time students in the hopes of helping single parents and others who must work a full-time job while pursuing their degree. We continued to hold Executive Board meetings at the site campuses so staff at the branch campuses could voice their opinions. We had a fantastic Executive Board that worked tirelessly to make the year a success. Sometimes change is good.

2007-2008 Lori Warneke – “Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone”

Over the year, Support Staff Council was recognized throughout the college for its high level of activity; particularly its philanthropic activities. Despite implementation of the new Banner system, all kinds of records were broken as the Executive Board challenged Support Staff to step outside of their comfort zones and reach higher goals.  Attendance at quarterly meetings was at an all-time high.  Participation from Support Staff, faculty and students was outstanding and included non-traditional seminars such as Maintenance and Facilities’ “Home Repair” and Enrollment Services’ “Challenges for International Students.”  We also had record-breaking fundraisers (Thanksgiving Food Drive, Spring Fling, Dollars for Scholars).  Altogether, over $1500 was raised for scholarships.  The Council chose to support the Knox Area Rescue Ministries (KARM) as its charity for the year.  Quarterly campaigns were held to collect items for the organization. Over 230 coats were collected for Coats for the Cold and many items were donated to KARM’s Thrift Store.   Frigid temperatures did not stop Support Staff from organizing and walking in the Martin Luther King Parade accompanied by faculty, staff, and students. Our relationship with UT’s Cancer Institute was maintained and the Mobile Mammography Unit was brought to campus in both the spring and fall, enabling students without insurance to receive free screenings through grant funding. The college’s enrollment was at an all-time high and twenty-five new Support Staff members were hired during the year.

(Support Staff Council has facilitated more wonderful and challenging events and activities than could be mentioned in a ‘Brief History,’ but they remain in the memories of those who shared them.)

Working together to accomplish excellence on our jobs through teamwork, promoting trust and accountability through camaraderie, is what Support Staff Council is all about. It is still ‘like a family,’ as it was referred to by its earliest members, in that, some years the Council is more fruitful and cohesive than others, but loyalty to the College, its students, administrators and faculty is unyielding. This is a diverse group of individuals with many talents and skills who present themselves as a unified and dedicated voice for Pellissippi State’s support staff.