For more than 20 years, Deborah Hale was a contented wife and stay-at-home mother to her four children before circumstances changed dramatically ending in an unexpected divorce. Deborah had plenty of volunteer teaching experience at her children’s school and her church but when she attempted to re-enter the workforce, she quickly realized that she lacked the skills necessary for a position that would provide adequate income to support her and her family.

“I spent many years teaching preschoolers and elementary children in different capacities,” said Ms. Hale. “I wasn’t sure how I was going to accomplish it, but I knew in my heart that I needed to overcome my fears and feelings of inadequacy, so that I could pursue my dream of going to college to become a teacher.”

A friend knew about Deborah’s dream and notified her about the Tennessee Reconnect program at ChattState, a program that allows students 23 and older to attend ChattState Tuition-free. “I was thrilled! I knew this was the answer to my prayers,” stated Deborah. The support she received from family, friends and ChattState staff helped Deborah realize she did not have to face this alone as she entered Chattanooga State pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education.

“Thanks to Tennessee Reconnect, I had the opportunity to do what I know God has gifted me to do, and it’s something that not only brought me great joy each and every day, but also gave me a sense of purpose and fulfillment,” said Ms. Hale. Upon graduating from ChattState in 2021, Deborah received scholarships from SOAR, Phi theta Kappa, Spire, and Lee University that enabled her to attend Lee University tuition-free for her first year.

Officially a senior, Deborah was recently accepted into Lee’s Helen DeVos College of Education and is at the point where classes are now specially related to her degree. She is on track to graduate in December 2023 with a degree in Early Childhood Education PreK-3rd grade.

Deborah is grateful to have begun her academic journey at ChattState thanks to Tennessee Reconnect. “I felt a sense of indebtedness to the many individuals who encouraged and supported me from the moment I enrolled until I took my final steps across the stage to accept my diploma,” stated Ms. Hale.  “Each faculty and staff member I had the privilege of knowing worked so diligently to equip me with the knowledge, confidence, and courage I would need to face every new and exciting future challenge.”

Tennessee Reconnect is free education for adults 23 and older. To find out more information or to see if you qualify, call (423) 697-4753 or email marsha.barker@chattanoogastate.edu.

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