The Tennessee Board of Regents has named Dr. Melody Edmonds the next president of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology McMinnville, effective Sept. 1.

“Being selected as the next TCAT McMinnville president is a true honor,” said Edmonds. “I am humbled by the confidence placed in me to work with the wonderful faculty and staff at this institution. My passion is helping students be successful and preparing the skilled workers needed for our community, and I will maintain that consistent focus. I eagerly anticipate the engagement with students, faculty, staff, and all of the community partners as we start this new chapter together.”

Edmonds has been assistant vice president for academic affairs at Motlow State Community College for two years, after three years as interim vice president for academic affairs. She served as director and academic dean of Motlow’s McMinnville Center from 2000 to 2016, and has held faculty and administrative positions at Motlow since joining the college in 1995 as an assistant professor of business and information systems technology.

She earned her Ed.D. in higher educational leadership at East Tennessee State University, a master’s of business administration at Tennessee Tech, a bachelor of science in accounting at MTSU, and an associate of science degree at Motlow State Community College.

Edmonds succeeds Nathan Garrett, who has served as interim president since the retirement of former president Warren Laux. Garrett will return to the Board of Regents system office as assistant vice chancellor for academic affairs.