CHATTANOOGA, TN -- A Chattanooga State Community College professor’s impact will soon extend across the nation as she serves as one of only four Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Future Leaders Fellows chosen among STEM faculty members from community colleges across the country. 

Dr. Lyn Potter, Department Head of Engineering Systems Technology at ChattState, was selected as an inaugural member of the new fellowship program, which aims to enhance leadership skills among two-year college professionals and promote STEM technician education.  

Organized by the American Association of Community Colleges, the program focuses on developing leaders who can build STEM programs, support business and industry relationships, and foster campus innovation. 

Dr. Potter is no stranger to innovation. While serving as a department head at ChattState, the College received grant funding from the Department of Labor and worked alongside the American Society of Mechanical Engineers to become the world’s first and only Designated Test Organization to offer ASME ANDE-1 certification. 

This certification program prepares students for careers testing and inspecting machinery and immovable objects. ChattState students learn to use cutting-edge technology to find and repair weaknesses in objects like bridges without dismantling them. 

Future Leaders Fellows will participate in the association’s John E. Roueche Future Leaders Institute or Future Presidents Institute, serving as ambassadors to raise awareness about STEM technician education and funding opportunities. 

Dr. Potter will work alongside faculty members from community colleges in North Carolina, Nebraska, and Washington to help broaden the impact of community colleges in advancing STEM education, nurture STEM professional and leadership development opportunities, cultivate innovation and entrepreneurship, and raise awareness of the contributions and resources of community colleges in STEM technician education. 

Her recognition as a Fellow underscores ChattState's role in advancing STEM education, preparing students for tomorrow’s challenges and opportunities in specialized fields like Non-destructive Testing. 

Dr. Potter said serving as a Future Leader Fellow will open doors to new educational opportunities at ChattState, benefiting both the college and its students. 

"This fellowship is a unique chance to collaborate with peers across the country and develop innovative strategies to improve STEM education,” she said. “I look forward to applying what I learn to benefit our students and faculty at ChattState."