The Tennessee Tech University Foundation Board is set to enhance its leadership with the addition of six new members. These individuals come from diverse professional backgrounds, including engineering, information technology, education, business, nursing, and insurance. Their collective expertise is expected to significantly contribute to the Foundation's efforts in supporting the university's mission. "The strength of a university is not measured only by its buildings or programs, but by the people who choose to invest their time, wisdom and vision in its future,” Kevin Braswell, vice president of University Advancement and executive director of the Board, relayed his sentiments in a statement released by the Tennessee Tech University news service.
The injection of new talent onto the Foundation Board is set to start to take their respective seats come November 2025. DeWayne Allen (`99 industrial engineering), a director at Raytheon with a knack for revenue synergy, is one of those tapped. Stephanie Dedmon (`88 business management and `89 MBA), praised for her former role as Chief Information Officer for the State of Tennessee, will offer her extensive strategic expertise. Others include Mary Anne Koltowich (`77 civil engineering), a consultant recognized for her philanthropic contributions; Whitney Robinson, a junior with an educational focus on special education; Becky Tolbert, a founder of the university's School of Nursing; and Randy Wilmore (`82 business management) of Farm Bureau Health Plans, who balances robust business leadership with community service.
According to the university's announcement, these new directors bring unique perspectives shaped by their individual experiences and passions. DeWayne Allen, for example, has played a leading role at Raytheon since 2019, and Stephanie Dedmon earned national recognition for enhancing statewide cybersecurity and IT infrastructures during her tenure with the State of Tennessee. Mary Anne Koltowich has been honored with an Outstanding Philanthropy Award from the Tennessee Tech Alumni Association, demonstrating her commitment to the university’s engineering students.
With their sights set on the future, each new member aims to provide guidance to the university and its students. Whitney Robinson, despite her status as a student, stands out for her service in various student organizations and her commitment to educational leadership. Becky Tolbert's legacy at Tennessee Tech, spanning several decades, reflects her dedication to nursing education and community health. Randy Wilmore's multifaceted career in healthcare and his community involvement exemplify a blend of professional expertise and civic engagement. These six individuals are uniting to push forward the shared goal of advancing the university, as emphasized by Kevin Braswell's acknowledgment of their potential impact.
The Tennessee Tech University Foundation serves as a nonprofit corporation, which among other tasks, assists with managing gift support for the university and provides strategic guidance to the university's president. This Board is comprised of some of Tennessee Tech's most notable supporters and alumni, who are deeply invested in the institution's growth and success. The official announcement of these appointments can be found on the university's news service website.
