NACCE Names 2024 Entrepreneurial President of the Year

Cary, NC, October 14, 2024 –President of Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Knoxville Wins National Award

The National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE), North America’s leading advocate for entrepreneurship education and programming for community and technical colleges, has named Kelli Chaney, Ed.D., as its 2024 Entrepreneurial President of the Year. Chaney is president of Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Knoxville (TCATK) where she has served as president since 2019. She accepted the award during NACCE’s annual conference in Minneapolis.

“Through the Entrepreneurial President of the Year award, NACCE recognizes outstanding community college leaders who demonstrate innovation and collaboration, two pillars of entrepreneurship education,” said NACCE President & CEO Rebecca Corbin, Ed.D. “President Chaney is pioneering new ways to help individuals find pathways to skills-based careers that uplift local and regional economies and elevate prosperity, which is a vital part of NACCE’s mission.”

NACCE’s Entrepreneurial President of the Year award is given annually to an individual who has achieved entrepreneurial success and played a pivotal role in the community through involvement and support of entrepreneurial activities.

“I’m honored to receive this recognition from NACCE,” said President Chaney. “At TCAT Knoxville, student success is our top priority, and workforce development is what we do. We’re proud to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs and professionals with the skills and mindset to thrive in their careers. The NACCE network is instrumental in our success.”