Retired Pellissippi State VP recognized by international honor society

It was just like the Academy Awards.

Jim Bruns says he crossed the stage in Nashville to a cheering crowd of thousands. The music played, as his picture and job title flashed on a gigantic screen behind the stage.

Bruns, who retired as vice president of Academic and Student Affairs at Pellissippi State in December, was presented with the Administrator Award of Distinction at the 89th International Convention of Phi Theta Kappa in April.

He was selected for his ongoing support of the College’s chapter of PTK, the largest and most prestigious international honor society for two-year colleges.

“They made a really major production of presenting me with the award at the convention,” Bruns said.

Carol O’Farrell, advisor for the PTK chapter at Pellissippi State, also attended.

“It was a thrilling moment for our chapter and for Dr. Bruns,” said O’Farrell.

In true celebrity style, Bruns gave thanks to his supporters.

“I have to give great appreciation to the students of Pellissippi State for nominating me.”

Bruns says he especially enjoyed hearing speeches by the PTK students who were running for national office.

“The College didn’t have anybody running for national office,” he said, “but Karen Quammen was named a Guistwhite Scholar. That was a major, major honor.” Quammen is a recent Pellissippi State graduate and president of the PTK chapter at Pellissippi State. She wrote the nomination of Bruns.

In addition to the recognition, Bruns also earned the opportunity to rub elbows with other “celebrities.”

Jehan Sadat, wife of Anwar Sadat, the late president of Egypt, participated in the convention.

Bruns and his wife, Patty, along with the other award recipients, had a special meeting and pictures taken with the international activist. The former First Lady addressed the convention on women’s rights, speaking in particular of the role she and her husband had played in supporting the rights of Muslim women.

Former Vice President Al Gore also spoke at the convention.

Bruns came to Pellissippi State in 1996. Before that, he served as director of instruction, then vice president for academic affairs at Carroll Community College in Westminster, Maryland. From 1979 to 1990, he served as chair of the Division of Social Science at Dundalk Community College in Baltimore. He earned a B.S. in education and an M.A. in teaching from Miami University in Ohio, and an Ed.D. from Ball State University in Indiana.

“I think the highlight of a career,” said Bruns, “is simply being able to work with the students and faculty of a college to make something positive happen. I spent about 20 years in the classroom before I became an administrator. I think that helped greatly to attune me to the needs of students and faculty.”