On Monday, April 6, the faculty and staff of Chattanooga State Technical Community College hosted the “Investment in Technology” tour.  The event showcased the college’s significant upgrades and improvements in its technology education.  Highlighting Chattanooga State’s substantial investment of $2,371.328, the tour provided local business executives, foundation presidents, elected community leaders, and state officials with an intimate preview of the extensive advancements directed towards technology-related curriculums, equipment, and facilities.

During the event, Jim Barrott, vice president for technology, referenced the experiences and successes of three Chattanooga State students-Bailey Farrell, Aaron Haithcock, and Scott Smith.

Bailey Farrell is an 18-year old senior at Chattanooga State’s Middle College High School.  In May, Bailey will graduate as valedictorian of the Class of 2009.  During her two-year tenure as a Middle College High School student, Bailey has been concentrating her studies in engineering and math.  In the fall, she will join the student body of Stanford University as a member of the freshman class.  Stanford selected Bailey from an applicant pool of 30,428 students.  Her plans are to major in biomechanical engineering.

A former award-winning gymnast, Bailey has been recognized by the Prudential Insurance Company of America as one of its 2009 Distinguished Finalists for The Prudential Spirit of Community Award.  This award applauds the efforts of young people who are impacting their communities and inspiring others.  Bailey was acknowledged for her work as the director of the Chattanooga operation of the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program.  In this role, Bailey actively rescues and rehabilitates off-the-track thoroughbred and standardbred horses for a life outside the racing industry.

Chattanooga native Aaron Haithcock will graduate from Chattanooga State this May.  A full-time father of a three-year old son as well as a full-time student, Aaron will leave Chattanooga State with an associate degree in pre-engineering.  At 29-years old, Aaron is exceedingly ambitious, and this fall he plans to continue his education at UTC.  Entering as a junior, Aaron will major in civil engineering.  Ultimately, Aaron’s goal is to complete a master’s degree in structural engineering. A dedicated student, Aaron values education and notes that he wants “to be a good role model” for his son, Callahan.  Reflecting back on his experience at Chattanooga State, Aaron notes that his accomplishments in the classroom correlated with Chattanooga State’s small classes and caring faculty.  “I excelled because I was persuaded to excel,” says Aaron.  He commented that Chattanooga State’s environment encouraged him.  “I have a self-confidence that I did not have when I first started college.  Because I was successful in the classroom, I am convinced that I can be successful as an engineer."

In December 2008, Scott Smith graduated from Chattanooga State’s Tennessee Technology Center with a diploma in industrial electricity.  Steadfast in his commitment to personal excellence, Scott elected to continue his education and returned to Chattanooga State this spring to earn a second diploma in industrial electronics.

Scott has become deeply involved in a variety of extracurricular programs sponsored through the Tennessee Technology Center.  In 2008, Scott was instrumental in establishing a chapter of SkillsUSA.  Formerly known as the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America, SkillsUSA is a partnership that involves students, teachers and industry, all of which are working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce.  As president of the Chattanooga State chapter of SkillsUSA, Scott wrote a grant to Lowe’s, an official sponsor and financial partner of the national Skills USA program.  Lowe’s awarded the Chattanooga State SkillsUSA chapter a $10,000 community service grant.  Scott and his SkillsUSA members will use the funds to rebuild and refurbish a playground at a local elementary school.  Scott is also a state officer for Skills USA and has plans to earn a four-year degree majoring in electrical engineering.

For more information about Chattanooga State’s technology programs and technical careers, call the Engineering Technology Department at 423.697.4434 or the Tennessee Technology Center Division at 423.697.4433 or the Chattanooga State information hotline at 423.697.4404 or toll free at 1.866.547.3733.

For information about Chattanooga State and its educational programs, visit the college’s Web site at www.chattanoogastate.edu.

Chattanooga State is a comprehensive, regionally accredited community college, operated under the policies and guidelines of the Tennessee Board of Regents College System. Founded in 1965 and serving a six-county area in Southeast Tennessee, Chattanooga State offers a wide array of programs and services.