TOP PHOTO: TCAT President Debbie Petree, TCAT Jacksboro’s 2021 Chancellor’s Commendation for Military Veterans honoree Phillip Lay and TCAT Student Services Coordinator Tim Smith.

JACKSBORO, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF) – Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor Flora Tydings established the Chancellor’s Commendation for Military Veterans. 

Each community and technical college in the TBR system nominates a student, faculty or staff member for the honor.  Within the 39 colleges, this year’s recipients comprise seven airmen, nine sailors, 14 soldiers, six Marines, and one Coast Guardsman. 

TCAT President Debbie Petree has announced that TCAT Jacksboro’s 2021 Chancellor’s Commendation for Military Veterans is Phillip Lay.  Lay served in the United States Navy from 1982 – 1985.  He served as a Hull Technician 3rd Class on the USS Frank Cable.  After completing his service, Phillip worked with several companies in industrial maintenance positions.  Phillip has served as a faculty member at TCAT Jacksboro since January 2003 starting as an Associate Instructor, and he currently holds the rank of Master Instructor. 

, “Mr. Lay’s students graduate from the Residential, Commercial, Industrial Electricity program with the skills needed to enter a competitive job market with the skills needed by regional employers,” Petree said. “Our campus is honored to have Phillip Lay represent our campus this year for this prestigious award.” 

Petree and Student Services Coordinator Tim Smith presented the pin to Lay.  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 11/11/2021-6AM)