COE Re-elects Dr. Gwen Sutton as Commission Chair

The Council on Occupational Education has re-elected Dr. Gwen Sutton to serve a second term as chair of the COE Commission. Sutton is president of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Memphis and brings extensive leadership experience and a strong commitment to career and technical education to the role.

“I am honored by this reelection and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the Council on Occupational Education with purpose and commitment in the term ahead,” Sutton said.

Sutton has played a key role in advancing institutional quality and student success within the technical education sector. As the first woman to serve as president of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Memphis, she has led initiatives focused on workforce alignment, academic excellence and expanded access to technical education.

Her professional perspective is shaped by a broad academic background spanning technical training, business administration and educational leadership. Sutton earned a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University, a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in human resource management from Bethel University, and a Bachelor of Science in office systems technology from Mississippi State University. She also holds a diploma in computer information systems from the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Covington.

Sutton’s experience as both a technical education student and institutional leader provides her with a comprehensive understanding of the evolving needs of career and technical education institutions and the students they serve.