On Friday, Nov. 4, the central building on the Magnolia Avenue Campus of Pellissippi State Community College will officially become the Joe Armstrong Building. On that day, the community is invited to attend a naming ceremony and celebration honoring the building’s namesake, state Rep. Joe E. Armstrong.
Now in his 12th legislative term, Armstrong is being honored by Pellissippi State for his service to the college, to the community and to the citizens of Tennessee. He is a lifelong resident of the 15th legislative district of Knoxville.
Armstrong has played a key role in the success of Pellissippi State’s Magnolia Avenue Campus.
“Mr. Armstrong’s efforts on behalf of Pellissippi State to acquire and renovate the main building at the Magnolia Avenue Campus have made it possible for us to serve thousands of students over the years,” said Allen Edwards, president emeritus of Pellissippi State.
“Thanks to his leadership, it became possible for the college to develop the former Knoxville Catholic High School building into an award-winning structure that has become the gateway for redevelopment of this Knoxville neighborhood.”
Throughout his tenure, Armstrong has sponsored important legislation to improve the quality of life for Tennesseans. Areas of involvement have included the Meharry Wellness Program, Tennessee Health Equity Commission, Tennessee Safety Net, Long-Term Care Community Choices Act, HOPE Scholarship and Tennessee Pre-Kindergarten Programs. Additionally, Armstrong is president-elect of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators.
Armstrong has earned numerous awards, among them, “Legislator of the Year,” bestowed by the Tennessee Men’s Health Network, Tennessee Medical Association, Tennessee Community Organizations and National Black Caucus of State Legislators.
He has received the Tom Joyner Foundation Volunteer Award, as well as leadership awards from the American Diabetes Association, National Black Caucus of State Legislators, National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators and Knoxville Area Project Access Health Partnership. Recently, Armstrong was appointed to the State Legislators for Health Care Reform Task Force.
Armstrong stresses political participation in all levels of government. He says that such participation is a true way to improve quality of life, helping to assure freedom and equality for all. He is often quoted as saying, “Voting is our choice of hope.”
Pellissippi State’s naming ceremony and celebration for the Joe Armstrong Building begins at 1 p.m. on the west lawn of the campus, 1610 E. Magnolia Ave. A reception and tours of the building will follow.
For additional information, call (865) 694-6400.
To request accommodations for a disability, contact the executive director of Human Resources and Affirmative Action at (865) 694-6607 or humanresources@pstcc.edu.