Project GRAD Promotes Two as Work Continues
KNOXVILLE, TN (May 2020) – Project GRAD Knoxville Executive Director Vrondelia Chandler announced the promotion of two of its long-tenured leaders. Tanisha Fitzgerald-Baker is the new Project GRAD Program and Analytics Director, and Terreka Holloway-Smith will be the Project GRAD College/Career Access team leader at Austin-East Magnet High School.
“We are committed to attracting and retaining top talent as we serve our amazing students and Knox County public schools. Mrs. Baker and Ms. Smith exemplify excellence, creativity and a proven ability to achieve results through collaborative leadership,” said Chandler.
Before joining ProjGrad, Baker was a Knox County Schools teacher. Since joining the ProjGRAD team Baker has served in several positions that include; Project GRAD math coach, data manager, College/Career Access Team leader, and has led the development of several professional presentations created by the program. She holds degrees from both Florida A&M University (Actuarial Science) and the University of Tennessee (Education). Baker completed the Consortium of Social Enterprise Effectiveness class of 2018 and is a member of Leadership Knoxville’s Class of 2020.
In her tenure with GRAD, Terreka Holloway-Smith has served as a High School College/Career Access Coach and scholarship coordinator, Student and Family Support Campus Manager, Site Supervisor for social work interns assigned to GRAD, and most recently as GRAD’s first College/Career Access Coach for K-8 (elementary and middle). Smith is a licensed school social worker and family counselor. She holds degrees from the University of Tennessee (Social Work), Tusculum College (Organizational Training and Education), and Lincoln Memorial University (Ed S Administration and Supervision). She is also the parent of a Project GRAD Knoxville scholarship recipient.
ABOUT: Project GRAD Knoxville was established in 2001, is a nationally recognized K-16 (elementary through post-secondary) education program acknowledged for helping to improve high school completion and postsecondary degree attainment among students from disadvantaged circumstances. Project GRAD Knoxville is supported by the Knox Education Foundation, a 501c3 organization that strengthens public education through advocacy, investment, community resources, and programs that empower every student to excel. To learn more about Project GRAD, click here www.projectgradknoxville.org.