Under the leadership of President Dr. Robin
Tricoli, the college regained accreditation in
2013 (lost in 2008) with reaffirmation in 2018.
Enrollment increased, as well as the priority
of community commitment. Working closely
with Lisa Bingham, the Hiwassee H.O.P.E.
program was founded. This program provided
students, within or aging out of the foster care
system a home, three meals, financial aid and
a support parent enabling them to achieve
higher education. Proceeds from Monroe
Life Magazine’s Celebration of HOPE Balloon
Festival, held on the campus, provided the
funding. When the program caught the
attention of Hiwassee Alumni, Jim Henry,
then Commissioner of the Tennessee
Department of Children’s Services, it became
a fully funded government program and
today is offered in post-secondary schools
throughout Tennessee.
In addition to community and education,
Hiwassee College has excelled in sports
with National Championship appearances
in Baseball, Men’s Basketball and Women’s
Basketball. The Hiwassee Tigers gave
opportunities for students to play their sport
on a collegiate level while obtaining their
education. Carolyn Bush-Roddy, 2019
Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame inductee
and 1975 Pan-American Games Gold
Medalist, enjoyed that opportunity. She
finished her playing career with the
Dallas Diamonds of Women’s Professional
Basketball League. In 1997, she returned to
Hiwassee as Head Coach of the Lady Tigers
until 2000. The Hiwassee College Athletics
Department was diverse with Basketball,
Soccer, Baseball, Golf, Shooting, Volleyball,
Cross-Country, Softball and Cheerleading.
Hiwassee College has a rich heritage. The
liberal arts college is affiliated with the
Holston Conference of the United Methodist
Church. The core values and foundation
of faith are the pride of Hiwassee alumni;
it is the lifelong connection that brings so
many of them back to the campus. Brittany
Tipton, class of 2012 valedictorian, returned
eight months after graduation to be Resident
Director and Equestrian Center Manager.
“From the moment I started working,
President Tricoli pushed me to go for my
Master in Equine Science,” said Brittany.
“I was accepted to UTK’s graduate school
and achieved it. The plan was to return to
work in April.” She did return to work at
the Equestrian Center as planned; however,
now it is to manage the first-class boarding
and training facility until it is sold. “I was
speechless,” expressed Brittany upon learning
her beloved Hiwassee would closed. “It’s a
part of me.” The Hiwassee College Board
of Trustees voted to close the institution
at the end of the spring semester. The
announcement came in late March, citing
financial instability. In an official statement
from the communications department:
“We are proud of our historic mission of
educating students for 170 years in the
United Methodist tradition of John Wesley…
Hiwassee College’s legacy will survive
through those who attended the college and
who continue to lead and serve…changes
in demographics, our rural location, and
declining enrollment have combined to
produce an unsustainable economic model.
Our current full-time equivalent enrollment
is 225 students... the community, our alumni,
and this region have all been a vital part
of supporting our mission and campus.
Our faculty and staff have been supportive
through the years and we are grateful for
their commitment to Hiwassee College and
Christian higher education...We wish to thank
all of those whose prayers and support have
been so meaningful for so long."
Although the college is closing, the legacy
will live on with those positively impacted by
Hiwassee College. The final graduates walked
across the stage in May. It is a new start for
them and the finale of the historic school. Eric
Wolfe, student body president and graduate,
will have the unique legacy of being the first
Biology major to graduate in 60 years and
also the last one in school history. This reality
for Hiwassee College was heartbreaking for
students, alumni, parents, faculty, community
and the entirety of Monroe County.
Lisa Bingham, Hiwassee Alumni and
former Board of Director, is dedicated
to the promotion of Monroe County. The
Bingham Group, increased enrollment
by 39% in one year through strategic
marketing campaigns for Hiwassee College.
The Monroe Life Magazine's Celebration
of H.O.P.E. Balloon Festival successfully
raised funds for college bound foster care
students. The H.O.P.E. program continues
today throughout Tennessee. The Monroe
Life Balloon Fiesta continues to raise funds
annually benefitting youth & children.
50 FARRAGUT LIFE SUMMER 2019