Today’s Where Are They Now Wednesday feature highlights Pellissippi State Community College alumna Heather Overton, who has built a career in business operations and leadership while maintaining a long-standing commitment to service and engagement with Pellissippi State.
Heather serves as Director of Administration at Johnson Architecture, Inc. (JAI), a Knoxville-based architecture and interior design firm that helps shape communities across the region. Since joining the firm in 2009, she has grown into a leadership role as one of the firm’s newest partners, focusing on supporting people, processes, and operations. Her work centers on human resources, accounting, and administrative systems that allow the team to deliver exceptional service to clients.
Heather attended Pellissippi State from 1994 to 1997 as a first-generation college student. During her time as a student, she was actively involved in campus life as a member of Phi Theta Kappa, a Student Ambassador, and a Student Telecounselor. She was also a recipient of the Faculty Council Scholarship and earned the Outstanding Graduate of the Year Award in Social and Behavioral Sciences in 1997. These experiences helped build her confidence and laid a strong foundation for her academic and professional path.
One of Heather’s most memorable experiences from her time at Pellissippi State was the support and encouragement she received from a biology professor during a difficult period in the course. After struggling early on, she was at risk of failing and feeling discouraged. Instead of giving up, her professor met with her regularly, sometimes daily, to help her understand the material and rebuild her confidence. By the end of the semester, she had earned an A. That experience left a lasting impression and reinforced the importance of perseverance and mentorship.
Heather credits Pellissippi State with providing far more than an education. It gave her leadership opportunities, meaningful relationships, and a lifelong commitment to service. Her continued involvement with the College reflects that impact, including service with the PSCC Alumni Association as a member and campaign co-chair, participation on the PSCC President Search Committee in 2010, receipt of the Peggy Willson Alumni Volunteer Award in 2018, and service on the PSCC Board of Trustees from 2010 to 2022, including work on both the Membership and Executive Committees.
Her advice to current and future Pellissippi State students is to take full advantage of every opportunity available. She encourages students to get involved, build relationships with faculty and staff, ask questions, and seek support when needed. She emphasizes that some of the most meaningful growth happens outside the classroom through engagement, mentorship, and service. Heather reminds students that the confidence and foundation built at Pellissippi State can carry forward in powerful and lasting ways.
We are proud to highlight Heather Overton and her continued impact as a professional leader and dedicated advocate for Pellissippi State Community College. Her journey is a reminder that opportunity, encouragement, and involvement can shape a lifelong path of success and service. #Alumni #PSCC #WATNW #psccalumni
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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