Few stories are more powerful than those of people who change the direction of their lives, and Chattanooga State Community College is no stranger to helping students achieve big goals.

Inspiration was on display during the College’s inaugural induction ceremony for Tri-Alpha, a national honor society recognizing high-achieving first-generation college students. 

Last month, ChattState honored current and former first-generation students while celebrating the founding of the College’s Alpha Alpha Alpha chapter, the first of its kind at ChattState. 

First-Time College Students Aren’t Alone at ChattState 

The ceremony highlighted the resilience of first-generation students, many of whom balance family, work, school, and financial challenges on their path to a degree. Tri-Alpha celebrates that journey.  

Chattanooga State President Dr. Rebecca Ashford, herself a first-generation college graduate, shared memories of doubt during her own college journey. 

She encouraged students to recognize their accomplishments and trust in their strengths, reminding them that doubt can be a powerful motivator when paired with discipline and belief in oneself. 

First-Generation Experiences Become Expertise 

Many inductees are part of TN Promise or TN Reconnect, two statewide programs that expand access to higher education for recent high school graduates or adults returning to college. These initiatives allow students to begin or restart their journey with financial and academic support. 

The ceremony also honored Chattanooga State employees who were the first in their families to earn a college degree, including Dr. Ashford, who was inducted as an alumna member during the ceremony. 

“I was certain that I was going to fail,” Dr. Ashford shared. “So I took that certainty and turned it into motivation. I didn't need to have someone else in my family who had blazed a trail. I had the skills I needed in me.” 

2025 Tri-Alpha Inductees at ChattState 

In accepting Tri-Alpha membership, students and honorary members made a promise to celebrate themselves while setting an example for future generations: “By accepting membership into the Tri-Alpha Honor Society, you have an obligation to take pride in your achievements and share your story so that others learn of your accomplishments and can share the joy in your successes.” 

• Allianna Quinn 
• April Holguin 
• Ariel Daniels 
• Ashley Barrett 
• Ashley Spresser 
• Carrie Gray 
• Casi Ceraolo 
• Chalsea Greene 
• Crystal Plata 
• Daniela Farias 
• David Perez Delfin 
• Dulce Cruz 
• Elijah Stafford 
• Gerrika Fredericks 
• Glenda Pearson 
• Hannah Gee 
• Israa Omar 
• Jared Bice 
• Jarett Pavon 
• Jasmine Cobb 
• Jeriyah Schropshire 
• Jerod Freeman 
• Jonathan Sammons 
• Kaira Lopez 
• Karen Deciderio 
• Keira Davis 
• Kristy Millsaps 
• Liyah Torres 
• Madison Day 
• Maria Chavez 
• Meagan Dowlen 
• Meleah Nettles 
• Michael Spandau 
• Michelle Redd 
• Mukayla Smith 
• Rebecca Ashford 
• Sarah Whitworth 
• Shasta Vance 
• Tabitha Somero 
• Tashona Maddox 
• Tiffany McBee 
• Tonya Teets 
• Valerie Rose 
• Veronica Sullivan 
• Waterlily Na'a