For Pellissippi State alumna Robin Bingham, education was not simply about earning a degree. It was about opening a door — and having the determination to keep walking through it.
Bingham is now a broker and Realtor with Wallace Real Estate in Knoxville and a Tennessee Real Estate Educational Foundation state instructor. With more than eight years in real estate and a 20-year background in tax and accounting, she works with buyers and sellers across Knoxville and East Tennessee. Her specialties include first-time homebuyers, 55-plus transitions, military and veteran buyers, lakefront properties and sellers preparing homes for market.
Bingham chose Pellissippi State because it offered an affordable path to higher education while allowing her to begin working and building a career sooner. Her accounting education led to a career in accounting, then tax accounting, entrepreneurship and business ownership.
One of her most memorable college experiences was serving as one of Pellissippi State’s first Student Ambassadors. Representing the college and connecting with other students helped build her confidence, leadership skills and appreciation for community service.
Today, Bingham says the attention to detail, discipline and practical planning she developed through accounting continue to serve her and her real estate clients.
Her advice to students is simple: Keep investing in yourself.
Bingham believes education creates opportunities, but she also emphasizes that success does not follow one prescribed route. A two-year or four-year degree, trade school, certification, military service or specialized training can all provide a path forward.
She encourages students to “take a leap of faith,” remain committed when circumstances become difficult and “continue showing up for the person they are becoming.”
Looking back, Bingham is grateful she had the courage to begin and the perseverance to continue — qualities she hopes today’s students will carry into their own futures.
Pellissippi State Community College serves Knox and Blount counties and operates campuses in Hardin Valley, Blount County, Strawberry Plains and Magnolia Avenue.
Pellissippi State Community College is a public community college based in Knox and Blount counties in Tennessee and operated by the Tennessee Board of Regents. The college operates four campuses: Hardin Valley, Blount County, Strawberry Plains, and Magnolia Avenue.
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