Mark Cotter came to TRiO at Pellissippi State in August of 2007 with great hopes to inspire a love of learning in the students here.  He has strong ties to East Tennessee with three degrees from the University of Tennessee where he served as a faculty member in Collaborative Learning after six years with the TRiO program there.  Dr. Cotter has conducted research on the TRiO program that he was able to present in Edinburgh (Scotland), Prato (Italy), and Budapest (Hungary).  His research and publications also include Creative Drama and Problem-Solving.

 Dr. Cotter and his wife, Cindy, have two daughters in college.  His interests include fencing, kayaking, and travel, and he is involved in Children’s International Summer Villages.  Dr. Cotter is all that and a bag of chips.  Snap.

Dr. Cotter may be reached in his office at (865) 539-7266 or via email:  mscotter@pstcc.edu.

Tracy Walker also came to TRiO at Pellissippi State in August of 2007 and is originally from Madison, Wisconsin. Having graduated from Edgewood College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music and Theater Production & Design, she is now pursuing her Master's Degree in Professional Studies through MTSU.  An avid musician, she currently performs with The Atomic Horns Rock & Soul, Rhythm & Blues Show Band, and is often found on-stage or behind the scenes of various local theatres. She is also the Executive Director and Producer/Director of Footlights Productions Theatrical and Entertainment Production Company based in Oak Ridge and Knoxville.

Tracy is excited to be a member of the TRiO Student Support Services Staff, and enjoys her interaction with students of all ages and backgrounds, and loves the feeling of community within a family, group or organization, such as TRiO. Tracy and her husband Bill reside in Oak Ridge and are the proud parents of two daughters, Rebecca and Sarah, both of which are Pellissippi State Students.

Tracy may be reached in her office at (865) 539-7267 or via email:  mtwalker@pstcc.edu.