The first thing one notices about Sarah Davis, manager of recruitment at Pellissippi State Community College, is her enthusiasm and passion for the College.
Sarah has a genuine love of Pellissippi State and finds her job rewarding. Sarah enjoys making a change in peoples’ lives and feels that she is “meant to be here.” A major component of her job includes talking with prospective students and their parents in Knox and Blount County high schools. She also goes to area middle and elementary schools. In addition, Sarah often does presentations on how to prepare for college.
How Sarah came to Pellissippi State as a student is an interesting story. A graduate of Webb School of Knoxville, Sarah was enrolled at a four-year university. However, she felt overwhelmed by its size.
That changed when one day she accompanied a friend who was enrolling at Pellissippi State. According to Sarah, the moment she entered Pellissippi, she felt welcomed. As Sarah states, “a smile at a counter goes a long way.”
After that first impression, Sarah decided that she also wanted to be here. For one semester, Sarah was dually enrolled, taking classes at both Pellissippi State and her four-year university. She then fully transferred to Pellissippi State and earned her general associates of arts before going back to earn her bachelor of arts.
While a student at Pellissippi State, Sarah recalls that she struggled in her French class. Her French professor, Joan Easterly, took the time to meet with her outside of class. She gave her extra work to do that was graded, enabling Sarah to pass the class.
For those who are considering enrollment at Pellissippi State, Sarah offers this advice – get on campus. This could be through a tour or an open house.
“It makes a big difference to actually be here.” She also advises students who are already enrolled to “get involved. Involvement in clubs, service opportunities, etc. enriches the college experience.”
