Empowering the Next Generation: President Dr. Kirk A. Nooks Concludes Tennessee Stop of Presidential Leadership in Motion Tour

Dr. Kirk A. Nooks Concludes Tennessee Leg of Presidential Leadership in Motion Tour with visits to Concorde Career College and TCAT Memphis.

Dr. Nooks advanced the Tennessee segment of his tour with two impactful visits in Memphis, highlighting the critical role of workforce-focused education in preparing students for high-demand careers.

On Thursday, October 9, Dr. Nooks visited Concorde Career College in Memphis, where he toured classrooms and laboratories while observing students in active training.

“Observing students in active training, fully immersed in their craft, underscored the strength of Concorde’s model,” said Dr. Nooks. “Hands-on education doesn’t just prepare graduates for the workforce; it accelerates it.”

Dr. Terri Dowell-Kimble, Academic Dean at Concorde Career College and Commissioner for the Council on Occupational Education reflected on the visit, saying, “It was an amazing event. Thank you to Dr. Nooks for this tremendous opportunity.”

The tour continued Friday, October 10, at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Memphis. After meeting with students and faculty, Dr. Nooks delivered the commencement address, inspiring graduates under the ceremony’s theme, I Believe.

“The atmosphere was electric,” said Dr. Nooks. “Standing before a class with over 300 graduates prepared to enter the workforce was inspiring, and it reaffirmed the power of purpose and preparation.”

 “We were honored to welcome Dr. Kirk Nooks to TCAT Memphis, both for his visit to our campus and for serving as our commencement speaker,” said Dr. Gwen Sutton, Commission Chair for the Council on Occupational Education and TCAT Memphis President. “His engagement with our students and faculty, along with his inspiring message to our graduates, reinforced the shared commitment to excellence that defines technical education. Dr. Nooks’ presence reminded us of the power of purpose, perseverance, and leadership in preparing the next generation of skilled professionals.”

With these visits, Dr. Nooks concluded the Tennessee stop of the Presidential Leadership in Motion Tour on a powerful note, celebrating institutions that not only educate students but also empower them to step confidently into their careers. His engagements highlighted the transformative impact of hands-on, workforce-focused education and reinforced the vital role of leadership, purpose, and preparation in shaping the next generation of skilled professionals.