Weststar Leadership Graduates 2025 Class

MARTIN (June 17) — The thirty-fifth graduating class of WestStar was honored during their official graduation ceremony in Jackson.

Jake Bynum, UT Martin chief of staff and WestStar executive director, emceed the graduation, welcomed the class and guests, and introduced UT Martin Chancellor Yancy Freeman, who added his own welcome and congratulations for completing WestStar.

In addition to recognizing graduates, Bynum announced several awards, including the C.P. Boyd Leadership Award. The award is presented to a class member who demonstrates the compassion, leadership and love for West Tennessee exemplified by the late Haywood County educator for whom the award is named. Madison Endres of Henry County was voted by her classmates to receive the award.

Also, the 27th Jimmy Daniel Make-A-Difference WestStar Leadership Alumni Award was presented to Melinda Goode of Dresden, a 2009 WestStar graduate and executive director of the Northwest Tennessee Development District. Selected by the WestStar Board of Trustees, the award is named for the late Jimmy Daniel, a 1990 WestStar graduate, founding board of trustee member and a West Tennessee field representative for the late Gov. Don Sundquist. The award is presented to a person who has made a positive impact during the past five years and has a strong record of leadership in West Tennessee during that same period.

The Nick Dunagan Leadership Scholarship went to Betsy Mantooth, a UT Martin sophomore sociology major from Martin. Her parents are Dr. Jamie and Katie Mantooth, both UT Martin staff members. Jamie is a 2019-20 WestStar graduate. The scholarship is named for Dr. Nick Dunagan, UT Martin chancellor emeritus, former WestStar executive director and also a WestStar co-founder.

The Vaughn RisingStar Leadership Scholarship, named for Cary and Lalania Vaughn of Millington, longtime WestStar supporters, went to Alli Kate Frilling, a recent Union City High School graduate. Her mother, Lindsay Theobald, is a 2011 WestStar graduate. Cary Vaughn is a 2012 WestStar graduate

Before concluding the program, Bynum announced that WestStar assistant director Jennifer Smiley was approved as an honorary 2025 class member by the WestStar Board of Trustees. Smiley, who lives in Martin, served as program coordinator before being named in 2024 as assistant director.

Bynum concluded by urging the new graduates to use their WestStar experience to make a difference in their communities and the region.

“Great leaders don’t wait for momentum they want – they create it,” he said. “They understand that leadership is not a destination, but a daily choice to serve others with excellence. … West Tennessee is counting on you, not just as leaders, but to be difference makers who leave this region stronger than you found it. Go forth and lead with purpose.”

Information about WestStar is available by calling the WestStar Leadership Program at 731-881-7298. Members of the graduating class are:

Local tri-county graduates include: Erica Bell of Weakley County, executive director, UT Martin Office of Regional Centers and Online Programs; Dr. Keith Dooley of Weakley County, associate professor and department chair, UT Martin Department of Family and Consumer Sciences; Bethany Edwards, of Henry County, vice president for administration and finance, Paris Board of Public Utilities; Madison Endres of Henry County, marketing manager, West Tennessee Public Utility District; Dr. Mary Giles of Weakley County, assistant professor and Call Me Mister coordinator, UT Martin Department of Educational Studies; Rakaya Humphreys of Carroll County, program director, NWIEDC Head Start Program; Lindee McCurley of Weakley County, assistant director of campus event services, UT Martin Boling University Center; Terry McDade Weakley County sheriff; Alisha Melton of Weakley County, executive director, UT Martin Office of Research, Outreach, and Economic Development; Dr. Skye Prince of Henry County, clinic director and physical therapist, Dynamic Physical Therapy.