First cohort class completes AHEAD program

December was especially joyful for 15 students at Pellissippi State. They make up the first class to complete the College’s Accelerated Higher Education Associate’s Degree program.

AHEAD was created with working adults and their full schedules in mind. The program provides the opportunity for students to earn an associate’s degree in business in just 16 months. The accelerated program also combines classroom and online instruction, with the hybrid classes meeting four hours two evenings a week.



“Students who complete the AHEAD program earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Management,” said Roger Crowe, an associate professor of Management.

Besides benefiting from the shorter duration and hybrid classes, AHEAD students have the advantage of going through the entire program with the same group of peers.

“Going through the program with the same people is a huge benefit,” said cohort member Kelly Davis. “You’re building a great support system.”

Davis has worked for Alcoa for 15 years.

“The reason I wanted to do it was mainly to advance my career,” Davis said. “I’ve reached a point that I’m not going to get any further without a degree. I’d been taking classes, maybe one or two a year. It was going to take me years to get an associate’s, and I want to go even further and get my bachelor’s.”

Sixteen months and 61 credit hours later, Davis has passed a major hurdle in her educational and career goals.

Cohort member Jeannette McAlister says she had always regretted not finishing her college degree. Like Davis, she took advantage of the AHEAD program to further her education.

“I always felt like I was at the back of the pack at work because I didn’t have my bachelor’s degree,” said McAlister, a manager at 21st Mortgage Corporation and mother of two grown children.

Armed with what she’s learned through the program, McAlister is now prepared to forge ahead toward a four-year degree. Meanwhile, she is already applying what she’s learned to her job.

“AHEAD has helped me become a better manager,” said McAlister. “The overall knowledge I have gained has helped me tremendously.”

“It required sacrifices to get it done,” said Davis, “but it was well worth it.”

Those interested in registering for the fall 2009 cohort should contact Pellissippi State’s Enrollment Services at 694-6400.