Athens receives TBR award for Excellence in Philanthropy

The city of Athens, alongside the McMinn County Economic Development Authority and McMinn County, was honored to be awarded the Tennessee Board of Regents Award for Excellence in Philanthropy. The Regents Award serves to recognize persons and organizations that have clearly demonstrated generosity of time and resources to TBR institutions, encourages others, promotes higher education and provides an example of ethical leadership, civic responsibility, and integrity. The three McMinn County organizations contributed land and funding matching 10% of the total funding for the McMinn Higher Education Center which houses Cleveland State Community College, TCAT-Athens, and the University of Tennessee Extension Offices. The nearly $18 million building serves as the model across Tennessee for collaborative and cost-effective use of space for educating and training the region’s workforce. Athens Mayor Bo Perkinson accepted the award on behalf of the City. Regent Tom White, TCAT President Stewart Smith, and Cleveland State President Dr. Ty Stone provided remarks as part of the award ceremony.