Chad Jaynes admits he was a pretty good high-school student, but when he got to college, was terrible. A first in the family college student, Chad’s college mentor saved him from having to go down a hard path. He earned his MSU undergrad degree in 1989 and his MBA two years later. “I told myself that if I ever got the opportunity, I’d pay it forward.”

Jaynes is getting that chance here at Chattanooga State, where he is currently the Business and Industry Division dean.

“When students face struggles, we encourage them to ‘just keep swimming,’” Jaynes says.

“We have an amazing number of resources available, many of which students don’t take advantage of – a food pantry, tech needs, a math/writing center and even help with mental health challenges. We have so many resources. In most cases, if students will just communicate, share their struggles and be diligent, we’ll get them through.” - Gary, Bob. “Paying It Forward.” Edge Magazine, November 2022, p. 54.