The College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS) is excited to announce the establishment of the inaugural Board of Visitors. This board will play a crucial role in shaping the future of CECS by offering strategic guidance, fostering industry-academic collaborations, and ensuring CECS curriculum remains at the forefront of emerging trends.
The Board of Visitors is composed of a diverse group of industry leaders who share a commitment to innovation, education, and preparing students for the careers of the future. Their collective expertise will enhance CECS’s mission to provide students with access to emerging technologies and in-demand skills, and to contribute to the economic development of Tennessee and beyond.
Board Members include:
- Ashley Saunders, Chief Program and Sustainability Officer, United Cleanup Oak Ridge, LLC
- Ashley Stowe, Director, Y-12/Oak Ridge Enhanced Technology and Training Center
- Barry Mathis, Managing Principal – IT Advisor Consulting, PYA, P.C.
- Betsey Kirk McCall, CEO, Seven States Power Corporation
- Brian Arrington, Chief Human Resources Officer, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Britton Garrett, Founder & CEO, iO Urology
- Chris Gambill, Function Delivery Associate Director – Knoxville Operations Lead, Accenture
- Faisal Hanafi, Director, Worldwide Public Sector, Amazon Web Services
- Mario Duarte, Learning, Training, and Development Lead, Volkswagen Group of America
- Matt Provencher, President, North America, Financial Services, NTT DATA
- Ramon Padilla, Jr., Chief Information Officer/Vice Chancellor IT and Innovation, University of Tennessee System/University of Tennessee Knoxville; UT Department of Technology Solutions (DTS)/UT Office of Innovative Technology (OIT)
- Rashida Ricks, Vice President, Strategic Engagement and Business Operations, CGI
- Tachaka Hollins, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Tennessee Board of Regents
Barry Mathis will serve as inaugural Chairman of the Board.
“The establishment of the Board of Visitors marks a significant milestone for the College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies,” said Vice Provost and Founding Dean Ozlem Kilic. “Their guidance will help us shape an educational experience that is responsive to the needs of our students and the demands of a rapidly evolving job market. We are honored to have such an esteemed group of professionals and industry experts helping us steer the future of CECS.”
The Board will meet twice a year to provide strategic advice, support outreach initiatives, and foster partnerships between CECS and industry stakeholders. The inaugural Board of Visitors kickoff meeting was held September 26, 2024 in Knoxville. Topics of discussion included experiential learning opportunities, CECS programs in development, and resource strategies.
For more information on the CECS Board of Visitors, click here.