KOC partnerships inspire next generation of surgical technologists

Knoxville Orthopaedic Clinic (KOC) has established partnerships with two local colleges to offer interactive instruction in orthopaedic surgery and demonstrate an exciting profession that continues to grow in-demand.

Nichole Franco, KOC’s orthopaedic operating room manager at UT Medical Center, said her clinical team sought collaborations with South College and Roane State Community College to introduce surgical technology students to the dynamic field of orthopaedics.

“We went into classrooms with sawbones, drills and other surgical gear to provide students hands-on experience repairing simulated bones with tools, screws and cement,” Franco said. “Some people can be intimidated, so it was incredibly rewarding to see the students’ smiles and excitement practicing skills and learning from clinical staff experts and surgeon presenters.”

The Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) has noted a growing shortage of certified surgical technologists (CSTs), a situation KOC seeks to address through collaborations with accredited programs.

Celeste Bunch works with Franco’s team as an operating room attendant while also attending classes at Roane State to become a CST. She shared with her classmates what it’s like to be part of a surgical team.

“Working in the OR is exciting,” Bunch said. “I enjoyed engaging with the instruments and demonstrating how to don the protective suit used in total joint replacements.”

KOC regularly recruits operating room professionals, for both UT Medical Center and orthopaedic-only facilities like Knoxville Orthopaedic Surgery Center (KOSC) and University Orthopaedic Surgery Center (UOSC). Along with surgical technologist roles, there are opportunities for students, recent graduates and experienced professionals. These positions vary from those that offer on-the-job training to careers like radiologic technologist, registered nurse, surgical first assistant and sterile processing technician.

Learn more about KOC’s culture and explore open positions at KOCortho.com/careers.

KOC provided information and quotes for this report.

Artimal History, a series of anthropomorphized versions of classic figurative art A.B.A Turner is creating for a children’s picture book project, will be on display at The Emporium downtown, launching on First Friday, April 3, 2026. The paintings are a way to explore and share art history, with a touch of humor. A.B.A. Turner is a retired reference librarian, who formerly worked at the School of Visual Arts, where he studied drawing, painting and animation in his off-hours.

United Methodists make summer grants for youth

Update: Cedar Bluff UMC (Cedar Bluff, VA) did receive a grant but is in Virginia, not Knoxville. It has been removed from our recap)

The Holston Conference United Methodist Church Children’s Ministry Team has awarded $29,650 from “Change for Children” gifts to 14 churches serving youngsters in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Knox area church receiving grants include:

  • Central UMC (Lenoir City, TN): Camp in the Community/ Back to school event
  • Lennon-Seney UMC (Knoxville, TN): Camp in the Community
  • New Century UMC (Harriman, TN): VBS Backpacks with food
  • Norwood UMC (Knoxville, TN): 3-Day VBS

Grant amounts ranged from $900 to $2,500 for ministries offering summer camp, weekend food, diapers, musical fellowship and other programs for children ages 0 to 12.

The Change for Children grant cycle is biannual with application deadlines of August 15 and February 15. Info: Change for Children page/.

Annette Spence, a faith writer based in Knoxville, Tennessee, contributed information for this report.

In Memoriam

We’ve identified four area educators who have passed away recently. Another, Juanita Cannon, was profiled in Knox TN Today here. Please email suggestions to news@knoxtntoday.com/. Thanks.

Gay Clapp

Gay Barry Clapp died on March 24, 2026, at age 88, She and husband Larry Clapp made their home in Corryton, Tennessee. Married for 67 years, Larry survives her. Ms. Clapp earned a degree in music from Carson-Newman College and a master’s degree in library science. She began her teaching career in Broward County, Florida. It takes a special person to teach middle school, and Gay Clapp did it for 35 years at Gibbs, Vestal and Halls. Her obituary is here.

Geoff Duggan

Geoffrey Neal Duggan died in Knoxville on March 25, 2026, at age 69. Geoff dedicated 34 years to teaching, at Knoxville Alternative School, South and Bearden middle schools. He was known for his humor, his steady encouragement, and the genuine care he showed his students and co-workers. A proud graduate of the University of Tennessee, Geoff loved UT athletics. He also loved tennis, both as a player and coach. He was a lifelong member of Second Presbyterian Church. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Kathy Duggan, a retired educator. His obituary is here.

Sandra Hicks

Sandra K. Hicks died on February 25, 2026, at age 76. She grew up in Knoxville, attending public schools and graduating from East High School in 1967. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Knoxville College in 1975 and taught elementary school in the former Knoxville City Schools. She earned her master’s from Carson-Newman and her doctorate from Kennedy-Western University. She retired as a guidance counselor in 2015. Her obituary is here.

Donald Perkey

Donald R. Perkey, 88, of Lenoir City, Tennessee, passed away on March 25, 2026. He was a retired educator with 43 years of service. He began his teaching career at the age of 19 at Eaton Crossroads Elementary School. He attended University of Tennessee night classes where he received his degrees. Donald later went to the Lenoir City school system where he taught and was later principal at Nichols School and at West Hills School and superintendent of Lenoir City schools, retiring as a supervisor. He is survived by his wife, Caroline K. Perkey. His obituary is here.

Notes & Quotes

No school on Friday, April 3, for Knox County Schools. The Knox school board will meet on Thursday, April 9, at 5 p.m. in the Summer Place board room.

West Valley Middle School plans Valleywood, the eighth-grade celebration, for Wednesday, May 13, from 6-8:30 p.m. at The Lighthouse, 6804 Baum Drive, Knoxville. It is co-sponsored by the West Valley PTSO and the West Valley Education Foundation.

Bobcat Bash, Central High School, Thursday, April 2, 5-7 p.m. Car show, vendors, food trucks and more. Info: Cassidy Taylor at 865-689-1400 ext. 71915 or email cassidy.taylor@knoxschools.org.

Quote: It is a good world to live in / To lend, or to spend, or to give in / But to beg or to borrow, or to get a man’s own / It is the very worst world that ever was known. ~ John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester ~

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