Chattanooga State Community College recently honored exceptional faculty members through its long‑standing Erlanger Nursing Chairs of Excellence and First Horizon Business Chair of Excellence, established through the Chattanooga State Foundation to recognize outstanding educators.  

The Erlanger Nursing Chairs of Excellence, awarded annually since 2012, recognizes outstanding faculty in adult and pediatric nursing. The First Horizon Endowed Chair of Excellence in Business has similarly honored distinguished business faculty for more than a decade.  

“These Chairs of Excellence honor our faculty who show up every day for students as teachers, mentors, and leaders,” said Tammy Sawyers, Director of College Advancement at Chattanooga State. “Strong partnerships with Erlanger and First Horizon represent a shared belief that strong educators lead to strong student outcomes.” 

Erlanger Nursing Chairs of Excellence  

The Erlanger Nursing Chairs of Excellence recognize leadership in nursing education and support Erlanger’s commitment to preparing skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals. 

Brooke Anderson, Assistant Professor of Nursing, was named the 2026 Erlanger Nursing Chair of Excellence for Children. She teaches and coordinates Medical‑Surgical Nursing 1 and supports program effectiveness and NCLEX success. Anderson brings extensive pediatric experience from Children’s Hospital at Erlanger, where she served as a Children’s Nurse Practitioner Case Manager.  

Karen Ramos, RN Faculty and Course Coordinator, was named the 2026 Erlanger Nursing Chair of Excellence for Adults. Ramos coordinates Medical‑Surgical Nursing 2 and supports students in classroom and clinical settings. Her background includes experience as a Nurse Manager, and she is currently completing her master's degree in nursing education.  

“The Erlanger Nursing Chairs of Excellence program reflects our deep belief in the faculty who shape the future of nursing,” said Rachel Harris, executive vice president and chief nursing officer at Erlanger Health System. “Brooke and Karen lead with both skill and heart. They prepare nurses who are ready to care for children, adults, and families across our community from day one, and Erlanger is proud to invest in the educators who make that possible, 14 years and counting.” 

“Our nursing faculty do far more than teach clinical skills. They help students build confidence, compassion, and the ability to think critically in moments that matter most,” said Dr. Martina Harris, dean of Nursing & Allied Health. “Brooke and Karen exemplify the dedication, leadership, and commitment to student success that define ChattState’s nursing programs, and we are proud to see them recognized through the Erlanger Nursing Chairs of Excellence.” 

First Horizon Business Chair of Excellence  

The First Horizon Business Chair of Excellence honors faculty who connect classroom learning with real‑world business experience.  

Amanda Davis, Associate Professor of Business, was recognized for a second year in a row as the 2026 First Horizon Business Chair of Excellence. Davis also received the Chair in 2025 and is known for integrating applied finance and entrepreneurship into her curriculum, challenging students to think strategically, act boldly, and lead confidently.  

“We are proud to recognize Professor Amanda Davis as the First Horizon Business Chair of Excellence again this year,” said Richard Shaffer, Regional President of East Tennessee with First Horizon Bank. “Her ability to connect theory with real‑world application has a meaningful impact on students and reflects the teaching excellence this Chair is designed to honor.” 

“Amanda consistently creates meaningful learning experiences that prepare students to succeed in today’s business environment. She brings energy, innovation, and real-world perspective into the classroom, encouraging students to develop the confidence to lead,” said Chad Jaynes, dean of Business and Industry. “We are grateful to First Horizon for continuing to recognize and support excellence in business education at ChattState.” 

The Chattanooga State Faculty Chairs of Excellence program demonstrates how strong community partnerships can impact faculty, their students, and the regional workforce.