The President’s Blog

I just returned from a meeting with Pellissippi State’s Global Ambassadors, a new designation for students who receive service scholarships to assist with study abroad programs. It is so encouraging and inspiring to meet these bright young men and women who are engaged in exploring the world and all the possibilities before them.
There are so many people in our community who never consider the possibility, or perhaps never think they have the opportunity, to study or even visit another country. These Global Ambassadors hope to change that by speaking about their experiences and about assisting our students in taking the first steps toward a new and potentially life-changing event–a study tour abroad.

Even in a difficult financial environment there are often funds available for students to pursue their dreams of studying abroad. Just as important as the money, however, is the encouragement provided by faculty, staff, and students to take the first step and the Global Ambassadors should help us move our programs forward.

During Pellissippi State’s second year of involvement with an organized study abroad program, we are among the top 25 community colleges in number of students who study abroad. With the help of our Global Ambassadors, I think we have the potential to enter the ranks of the top 10 community colleges in the nation in this category.

Congratulations to our Global Ambassadors, and thanks to all of them for inspiring others to dream big.