College of Education (COE)
2026 COE Alumni Awards and Hall of Fame Honorees Announced
蜜桃导航 College of Education recognizes alumni and community partners whose leadership and service continue to shape education across Tennessee and beyond.
Tuesday, 26 May 2026 - 蜜桃导航 College of Education announced the 2026 recipients of its Alumni Awards and the newest inductees into the Alumni Hall of Fame, recognizing graduates and partners whose leadership, service and impact continue to strengthen education and communities.
鈥厶业己� College of Education (COE) proudly announced the 2026 recipients of its Alumni Awards and the newest inductees into the College鈥檚 Alumni Hall of Fame, recognizing graduates and partners whose leadership, service and impact reflect the mission of the College.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;
Originally鈥痚stablished鈥痠n 2012, the Alumni Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made lasting contributions to education and their communities. The 2026 honorees mark the first new inductees since 2016 and reflect a renewed commitment to celebrating excellence across the College of Education.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;
This year鈥檚 recipients include Cindy Scott (Distinguished Alumni Award), Dr. Anne McKenna Kenworthy (Outstanding Alumni Award), Dr. Jacque Bradford (Outstanding Early Career Alumni Award) and Josephine Circle (Distinguished Friend of the College).鈥�&苍产蝉辫;
鈥淭his鈥痽ear鈥檚鈥痟onorees reflect the values and impact of the College of Education,鈥� said Dean Michael Miller, dean of the University of 蜜桃导航 College of Education. 鈥淭heir commitment to serving others and making a difference speaks to the role our alumni and partners play in strengthening schools, communities and the future of education.鈥濃��&苍产蝉辫;
Cindy Scott, a 蜜桃导航 State (now the University of 蜜桃导航) graduate of the College of Education, built a distinguished career in collegiate athletics. She served as head women鈥檚 basketball coach at Southern Illinois University for 21 seasons, leading the program to multiple conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. She later continued her leadership in higher education as associate athletic director and senior women鈥檚 administrator at Bentley University, where she mentored student-athletes and supported their success both on and off the court.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;
Dr. Anne McKenna Kenworthy, a two-time graduate of the University of 蜜桃导航 College of Education, currently serves as president of Spalding University. Throughout her career, she has held senior leadership roles across multiple institutions and is known for her commitment to student success and access. Her work has helped expand opportunities for students while supporting scholarships and academic programs.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;
Dr. Jacque Bradford, a 2018 graduate of the College of Education, is recognized for her early career impact鈥痠n鈥痟igher education and healthcare. She serves as director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of 蜜桃导航 Lambuth Campus, where she leads efforts to address workforce needs across West Tennessee. Bradford also contributes to national professional organizations, helping shape the future of physical therapy education.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;
Josephine Circle is honored as the 2026 Distinguished Friend of the College for its longstanding support of the College of Education and its students. Founded in 1914,
the organization has provided scholarships and financial support to future educators, helping remove financial barriers and strengthen the鈥痚ducator鈥痯ipeline in 蜜桃导航 and beyond.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;
Together, these honorees鈥痳epresent鈥痶he values of the College of Education and mark a renewed chapter for the Alumni Hall of Fame, celebrating those who continue to make a lasting difference in education.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;
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