SkillsUSA Heritage Hub
Tennessee Heritage: Where SkillsUSA Began
SkillsUSA was founded in Nashville in 1965, the College/Postsecondary Division was approved in Memphis in 1969, and the Tennessee College/Postsecondary affiliation agreement was signed in 2005. This page preserves the leadership, achievements, and continuing legacy of SkillsUSA Tennessee College/Postsecondary.
Why Tennessee Matters
Four Historic Milestones. One Lasting Legacy.
SkillsUSA was born in Nashville in 1965. The College/Postsecondary Division was born in Memphis in 1969. The Tennessee College/Postsecondary affiliation agreement was signed in 2005. Today, Tennessee continues that legacy through leadership, technical excellence, workforce partnerships, and national achievement.
Tennessee Birthplace Timeline
Tennessee's Historic Legacy
Four defining milestones established Tennessee's place in SkillsUSA history and continue to shape the Tennessee College/Postsecondary association today.
SkillsUSA Is Born
Students, teachers, and administrators gathered on the steps of the Tennessee State Capitol to establish the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America, now SkillsUSA.
College/Postsecondary Division Is Born
Delegates approved the VICA College/Postsecondary Division during a Constitutional Convention, expanding the organization to include students enrolled in colleges and technical institutions.
State Affiliation Agreement Is Signed
The SkillsUSA Tennessee College/Postsecondary affiliation agreement was signed, formally establishing the statewide association structure that continues to serve Tennessee colleges and TCATs.
The Legacy Continues
Tennessee carries forward its birthplace legacy through student leadership, technical competition, advisor support, industry engagement, statewide service, and national achievement.
Leadership Through the Years
SkillsUSA Tennessee College/Postsecondary State Directors
These State Directors have provided statewide leadership for membership, conferences, student leadership development, advisor support, business and industry partnerships, and the strategic growth of SkillsUSA Tennessee College/Postsecondary.
| Years | State Director |
|---|---|
| 2004–2012 | Carl Creasman |
| 2012–2018 | Chelle Travis |
| 2018–2021 | Joy Rich |
| 2021–2023 | Shana Willyard |
| 2023–Present | Daphne Brown |
Tennessee College/Postsecondary National Officers
Tennessee Leadership on the National Stage
Since the creation of the College/Postsecondary Division, Tennessee students have served in national leadership roles representing college and technical education students across the nation.
| Year | Name | National Office |
|---|---|---|
| 2009–2010 | Nick Daddona | Secretary |
| 2010–2011 | Sam Soto | President |
| 2011–2012 | Jeremy Ballentine | Vice President |
| 2012–2013 | Mary Kamuiru | Secretary |
| 2012–2013 | Mark Roark | Parliamentarian |
| 2013–2014 | Tony Hamblin | Parliamentarian |
| 2014–2015 | Quinel Nabors | Vice President |
| 2015–2016 | David Foss | Parliamentarian |
| 2016–2017 | Sherrie Wilcox | Treasurer |
| 2024–2025 | Scott Mull | Parliamentarian |
| 2025–2026 | Tanner Ashlock | Treasurer |
Tennessee's WorldSkills Success
A Record of Technical Excellence
Tennessee continues to demonstrate excellence on the national and international skills stage. In 2024, Roane State student Gabriel Eady earned the WorldSkills Best of Nation Award in Mechatronics, becoming Tennessee's first recipient of a WorldSkills award.
This achievement reflects the strength of Tennessee's students, instructors, institutions, and industry partners, and it represents an important milestone in the history of SkillsUSA Tennessee College/Postsecondary.
State and National Results
Look Up Present and Past Medalists
Use the official SkillsUSA results system to search state and national medalists from current and previous years. Every medal represents student excellence, advisor dedication, institutional commitment, and industry partnership.
Preserve Tennessee’s Legacy
Your Story Belongs in the Record
Alumni, advisors, retired instructors, former officers, technical chairs, students, and industry partners can help preserve Tennessee’s history by sharing photographs, uniforms, officer jackets, medals, programs, newsletters, oral histories, and personal stories.
The national Heritage Hub preserves organizational history. Red Jacket Journeys documents Tennessee’s living history one conversation at a time.