From humble beginnings in Rossville, GA, to overseeing nuclear power plants across the Tennessee River Valley and beyond, Lew Myers’ story highlights the importance of higher education. The now-retired Chattanooga State Community College alumnus, a former nuclear energy executive, attributes his success, in part, to the foundation he established at the college. 

Myers chose to study nuclear science during his time at ChattState. A self-described “geek,” the 74-year-old alumnus said deciding to enroll in the program was an easy choice, having already studied nuclear energy in his high school classes. 

“When the opportunity came, I was already interested,” Myers said. “I thought it was the wave of the future. TVA was building all kinds of nuclear plants.” 

Little did he know he would one day oversee nuclear power plants in Tennessee, Virginia, Florida, Ohio, Georgia, Louisiana, Indiana, and even Mexico as both a TVA employee and FirstEnergy’s Chief Nuclear Officer. 

“ChattState laid the groundwork for my career, even when I went to Purdue for engineering,” Myers said. “It was a unique opportunity that aligned with my interests." 

A first-generation college student and 1969 graduate of ChattState, Myers went on to earn a mechanical engineering degree at Purdue University and a Master of Business Administration at Brenau University. 

Although the now-retired Myers has put both his professional and educational careers behind him, his words of wisdom ring true for people of all ages. 

“You never really finish your education, so you must be driven,” he said. “I am 74 years old, and I’m still learning every day. Every time you go to a different company or new place to live, it’s a completely different education.” 

Myers was inducted into the ChattState Alumni Association Half Century Club on Nov. 29, 2023.