Huffman Honored at Retirement Reception

McKENZIE (June 20) — Willie Huffman was honored for his 36 years of service at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology on the McKenzie campus on Thursday, June 20.

During an afternoon reception, he and wife, Gloria, were greeted by students, members of the staff and faculty, and many friends and acquaintances, who wished him well after 36 years of service at the technical school.

Huffman was appointed President of TCAT's Paris and McKenzie campuses on April 1, 2021. He is retiring on June 30. Dr. Jan Latimer is the vice-president of both.

The next President of TCAT's Henry and Carroll county campuses is Henry County Mayor John Penn Ridgeway, who will be assuming the position on July 1.

Huffman began his career as a counselor and financial aid director at the State Area Vocational School. That name changed to the Tennessee Technology Center and now TCAT. With three name changes, Huffman progressed through the ranks, serving at both McKenzie and Paris campuses, and was named president on April 1, 2021.

He said he is proud young adults and high school students are learning the value of vocational training. The local school has experienced a significant influx of dual enrollment high school students eager to learn a good-paying trade. Soon, the two campuses will undergo major construction projects, with the Paris campus moving to an entirely new location and McKenzie adding a new facility for administration and classrooms.