Pellissippi State Foundation awarded $100,000 for endowment

The Pellissippi State Foundation has received $100,000 to establish an endowment to support the Civil Engineering Technology (CET) program.

The Rufus H. Smith Jr. Housing Foundation (RHSHF) has given the Pellissippi State Foundation $50,000 toward the endowment. That amount will be matched by a U.S. Department of Education Title III Endowment Challenge Grant.

“We are very grateful to the Smith family, the Housing Foundation and its contributors for their generous donation to our Civil Engineering Technology program,” said Peggy Wilson, vice president of College Advancement and executive director of the Pellissippi State Foundation. “Their gift, combined with the matching funds from the Challenge Grant, will allow us to purchase new technology and equipment that will benefit the students in this program as they prepare for jobs in the construction industry.”

The RHSHF was founded in memory of Rufus H. Smith Jr., a Knoxville business, civic and construction industry leader. RHSHF is the educational and affordable housing arm of the Home Builders Association of Greater Knoxville. Through its programs and sponsorships, it provides a means for individuals in the building industry to own a home. It is also dedicated to ensuring educational opportunities for those involved in the housing industry.

Tommie Smith, president and founder of RHSHF and wife of the late Rufus Smith, says the Housing Foundation chose Pellissippi State as the funding recipient because of the College’s successful work in educating students in the construction field.

“One the initial goals of the RHSHF was to establish scholarship programs for postsecondary education in housing-related fields,” said Smith. “Pellissippi is making that goal a reality.”

Graduates of the CET program earn an associate’s degree that prepares them to work in a number of fields, including construction and environmental areas. Now, through an agreement with East Tennessee State University (ETSU), students have the opportunity to continue their education and earn a four-year degree through ETSU without ever leaving the Pellissippi State campus. Graduates of the “University Connection” will earn a bachelor’s degree from ETSU in Engineering Technology, with a concentration in Construction Technology, Industrial Technology or Manufacturing Engineering Technology.

“Regardless of the career path,” said Smith, “a young adult entering any industry is better equipped for any job with a college degree. While sweat of the brow cannot be discounted in the home-building industry, education is beneficial, too. By contributing to Pellissippi State, we are investing in the future of the building industry.”

"Inside Pellissippi" is a bi-monthly electronic publication produced by the Community Relations Office for the faculty and staff of Pellissippi State Technical Community College, 10915 Hardin Valley Road, P.O. Box 22990, Knoxville, Tennessee 37933-0990. All suggestions and comments should be sent to Julia Wood (jwood@pstcc.edu).

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