Community Partners Invest in Teaching, Name Chairs of Excellence at Chattanooga State

May 29, 2025 | Payton Potter | Faculty Spotlight

Left to right: Jim Coleman, Rachel Harris, Charyl Moser, Jennifer Miller, and Lindsey O'Hagan

Three Chattanooga State Community College faculty members were recognized recently for their dedication to providing quality education to students studying nursing and business. Generous support from Erlanger and First Horizon makes it possible to support these outstanding educators who are shaping the future of healthcare and business in Chattanooga and beyond. 

This year, ChattState proudly named Jennifer Miller and Cheryl Moser as Erlanger Chairs of Excellence in Nursing. Both bring clinical experience and a deep sense of empathy—both at the bedside and in the classroom—empowering students to become compassionate, caring caregivers. 

“Supporting the next generation of nurses is one of the most important investments we can make as a healthcare system and as a community partner,” said Jim Coleman, CEO of Erlanger. “These Chairs reflect our commitment to nurse education, workforce development, and clinical excellence.”  

“Nursing is more than clinical knowledge—it’s empathy in action,” added Lindsey O’Hagan, Nursing Director at ChattState. “Jennifer and Cheryl embody that and more. The Erlanger Chairs give our faculty the resources to go even further in preparing students for real-world impact. We’re deeply grateful to Erlanger for their continued investment in our faculty and students.”  

Left to right: Chad Jaynes, Amanda Davis, and Jay DaleFirst Horizon, meanwhile, established an endowed chair to support top-notch business educators and their students. The 2025 First Horizon Chair of Excellence in Business recognition was given to Amanda Davis, Associate Professor of Business. 

Known for integrating real-world finance and entrepreneurship into her curriculum, Davis challenges her students to think strategically, act boldly, and lead confidently. 

“We’re proud to support educators like Amanda Davis, who are shaping tomorrow’s business leaders,” said Jay Dale, Market President at First Horizon. “This Chair reflects our commitment to education, leadership, and a stronger economic future for our region.”  

“Professor Davis’s ability to connect theory with real-world application deeply enriches the student experience,” said Chad Jaynes, Dean of Business and Industry Partnership. “The First Horizon Chair of Excellence elevates that impact and celebrates teaching excellence. We are truly grateful to First Horizon for their continued investment in our students, faculty, and the future of business education.”   

These endowed Chairs, supported by gifts to the Chattanooga State Foundation, ensure that students are learning from the best educators whose teachings ignite careers, passion, and purpose. Thanks to Erlanger and First Horizon, the impact of teaching excellence at Chattanooga State will be felt across industries and generations.