Walters State Named Community College Of The Year
March 31, 2022
Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor Dr. Flora Tydings, left, presents the Community
College of the Year award to Dr. Tony Miksa, president of Walters State Community
College.
Walters State Community College was recognized as the Community College of the Year
by the Tennessee Board of Regents during its annual SOAR Awards Dinner in Nashville.
The College of the Year award recognizes the college that has demonstrated, through
evidence, a sustained commitment to and proactive advancement of student success and
workforce development.
“This award reflects the dedication and work of our students, faculty and staff,”
Dr. Tony Miksa, president of Walters State, said. “I am so proud of every member of
our college family who has remained dedicated to student success, especially during
the challenges of the past two years. We are deeply honored and humbled by this award
and know that it would not be possible without the tremendous community support we
receive from throughout our service area or the leadership of the Tennessee Board
of Regents and the state legislature.”
In its selection criteria, TBR said the award seeks to recognize colleges with measurable
and significant increases in: on-time degree completion; certificate completion; transfer
rates to four-year institutions; and progression and completion of underrepresented
student populations. Other criteria included innovative programs that support student
success and workforce development with student support services, K-12 partnerships/collaboration,
and workforce readiness partnerships.
The selection committee also looked at the development of a comprehensive and bold
strategic plan to address existing equity gaps and how the college has contributed
to state completion goals and system strategic priority areas across the institution.
More than 300 students, faculty, staff, supporters, state legislators and other guests
attended the SOAR Awards Dinner, presented by The Ayers Foundation, at the DoubleTree
by Hilton Hotel Nashville Downtown.
Special guests included former Governor Winfield Dunn, who in 1972 signed into law
the legislation creating the Tennessee Board of Regents system, which is celebrating
its 50th anniversary this year. Other special guests included former TBR Chancellors
Roy Nicks and David Gregory, and board members of the Foundation for the College System
of Tennessee.
In the photo: Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor Dr. Flora Tydings, left, presents
the Community College of the Year award to Dr. Tony Miksa, president of Walters State
Community College.