Pellissippi State Community College President L. Anthony Wise Jr. plans to retire at the end of the 2026-27 academic year, concluding 30 years of service to Tennessee and 16 years as president of the college.
Wise anticipates his final day on campus will be May 21, 2027, according to Pellissippi State.
“It is with a grateful heart that I share my intent to retire from Pellissippi State at the conclusion of the current academic year,” Wise said. “I have had the good fortune to spend nearly my entire career at this institution and with the Tennessee Board of Regents.”
Wise’s career at Pellissippi State began with a one-semester contract to teach history. He subsequently served in a number of faculty and administrative positions before being named president in 2011.
“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve at a special college with an excellent faculty and staff in a wonderful community,” Wise said. “I will work diligently to make certain this year is another outstanding one for Pellissippi State and will assist with the search for and transition to the next leader of the institution in every appropriate way.”
Wise has led the college through significant growth and change. During his presidency, Pellissippi State opened its Strawberry Plains Campus, welcomed the Career Magnet Academy and hosted a visit from former President Barack Obama.
The college also constructed the Bill Haslam Center for Math and Science on the Hardin Valley Campus and the Ruth and Steve West Workforce Development Center on the Blount County Campus.
More recently, Pellissippi State launched intercollegiate athletics. Its eight teams have already achieved success at the state and national levels.
Pellissippi State said additional information about opportunities to recognize Wise’s service will be announced throughout the academic year. The Tennessee Board of Regents will provide information about the search for the college’s next president as that process moves forward.
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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