TCAT Memphis President Sutton assumes Council on Occupational Education chairmanship. TCAT Dickson President Travis elected to COE board.

Dr. Gwendolyn Sutton, president of Tennessee College of Applied Technology Memphis, has been elected chair of the Council on Occupational Education’s governing Board of Commissioners.

The COE membership also elected Laura Travis, president of Tennessee College of Applied Technology Dickson, to a three-year term on the 20-member Board of Commissioners.

The Council on Occupational Education is a leading accreditor for more than 500 postsecondary occupational education institutions in 43 states and territories, working to assure quality and integrity in career and technical education.

Dr. Sutton assumed the chairmanship Jan. 1 for a one-year term, after her election during COE’s annual business meeting in Atlanta. She succeeded Kim Ziebarth, associate commissioner for technical education at the Utah System of Higher Education.

Sutton brings 24 years of experience in technical education and workforce development. After two years at private colleges, she joined TCAT Memphis in 2003 and was appointed its vice president in 2017. The Tennessee Board of Regents appointed her president in 2023. Under her leadership, TCAT Memphis has been recognized for its innovative programs and partnerships with key industries, helping drive regional economic development and the success of her students in their career training.

“I am honored to serve as chair of COE and to continue the legacy of advancing occupational education,” Sutton said. “The Council plays a pivotal role in ensuring high-quality standards for our member institutions, and I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners to empower students and institutions nationwide.”

Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor Flora W. Tydings expressed her support for both TCAT presidents' new leadership roles. “The COE membership couldn’t have chosen a better leader for its board chair than Dr. Gwen Sutton. Her commitment to excellence has helped position TCAT Memphis as the premier provider of career and technical education in the Memphis area, preparing students for a broad range of high-demand careers.”

“I’m also proud of Laura Travis for her election to the COE board. She also has taken TCAT Dickson and its Clarksville Campus to the next level and will help lead the COE with honor and distinction,” Dr. Tydings said.

Travis joined the TCAT Dickson staff in 1998 as director of nursing. Her responsibilities expanded to academic affairs/health careers coordinator in 2015. She was appointed vice president in 2020 and president in 2023.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to serve on the Board of Commissioners and am eager to help foster the ongoing growth and success of occupational education,” she said.

Dr. Kirk Nooks, COE’s president and chief executive officer, said he and the COE staff are excited to work with Sutton as commission chair. “Dr. Sutton’s visionary leadership and proven track record make her an exceptional choice to lead the COE Board of Commissioners. We are excited to work with her to further COE’s mission of fostering institutional success and student achievement.”

For more information about the Council on Occupational Education and its mission, visit www.council.org