Braeden Watkins started Pellissippi State Community College as a dual enrollment student his senior year at Bearden High School – and had such a “great experience” that he wanted to come back full time.
“I really liked the environment and felt like I could fit in,” said Watkins, who graduates Friday with his Associate of Science in Computer Science, a Tennessee Transfer Pathway that will lead Watkins to the Tickle College of Engineering at the University of Tennessee this spring.
Watkins “cannot say enough” about the professors he had at Pellissippi State, particularly Professor Jerry Burns, Associate Professor Robert Jackson and Associate Professor Jonathan Lamb.
“All of their lectures were carefully thought out so that the information being taught was explained fully and carefully in order to benefit their students,” Watkins said. “Everything that they did was done out of the kindness of their hearts and the true care they had for their students.
“All three of them, as well as others, made a difference in my life by illustrating what it means to help those around you succeed,” he continued. “They helped me succeed, and I plan to treat colleagues and coworkers with that same kind of mentality, regardless of where I may end up.”
Watkins’ professors appreciated his contributions to their classes as well.
“Braeden has been one of our consistently best students over the past few years,” Lamb said. “His work ethic and intelligence kept him at the top of his classes. His desire to only provide the best quality work has been appreciated by all his professors.”
Watkins is looking forward to “diving deeper” into Computer Science at UT and deciding on a career path that’s right for him. Right now his sights are set on something in the gaming industry.
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