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Adams to address UTSI’s 22nd Annual African American History Celebration

The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) invites the public to see and hear Phyllis Adams present “The Crisis in Black Education,” in celebration of Women’s History Month on Wednesday, March 8 at 10:00 a.m. in the auditorium.

Adams has over thirty-eight years of experience as a professional communicator. Her expertise includes that of a professor, speaker, writer, researcher, voice coach, workshop facilitator and critical thinker. She possesses both a professional and personal record of dedication, electrifying style and delivery and solid accomplishments in the field of Speech Communication and Theatre. She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society and a Phi Kappa Phi Distinguished Alumni, American Association of University Professors, Tennessee Speech Communication Association, National Alliance of Black School Educators, Women in Higher Education, the 2008 recipient of the June Anderson Award for Outstanding Contributions in Promoting Equality for Women in Higher Education and the 2010 Motlow State Community College Faculty of the Year Nominee. The Greater Nashville Alliance of Black School Educators (GNABSE) honored her as the 2016 Higher Education Award recipient.

She holds the rank of full Professor of Speech and Theatre at Motlow State Community College and was recently named as the Curriculum Chair for Humanities. She received both the Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Speech Communications and Theatre from Tennessee State University. Her ties to Tennessee State University are deeply rooted in a rich family heritage and legacy of pride and commitment to the university’s mission of “think, work and serve.” She was awarded the Doctorate Degree in Education Administration from Vanderbilt University in 2001, with a specific emphasis in Educational Leadership.

For over thirty years Adams has been a part of the Communications Department at Motlow State Community College and has taught Public Speaking, Theatre, Oral Interpretations, Voice and Diction, Phi Theta Kappa Honor’s Topic Courses, Critical Thinking, as well as several classes in the Department of Education. She has served as an Advisor for The Motlow Monitor Newspaper and Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society, serves on various College committees, and is an Advisor for the Motlow College Honors Program. Adams works hard to give her students memorable educational opportunities, which often take them outside of the classroom to experience Communications and Cultural differences up close and personal.

For the past ten years, Adams has worked with The United Methodist Church General Board of Higher Education & Ministry’s Black College Fund as a Lina H. McCord Excellence in Communications Scholar in Residence. Her challenge has been to share effective communication tools that are necessary for the Interns and Ambassadors during their itineration. During these workshops and sessions, guidelines are shared for effective speech development and skills are presented for dealing with speech anxiety. Additionally, she provides training and workshops on etiquette, voice and diction, strategic thinking and promotion, internship roles and responsibilities, professional development, speech and sermonette critique, preparation and presentation to ensure positive and effective interactions, and participates in the selection of interns and ambassadors. Adams is a firm believer that people will do better when they know better.

Adams is a member of Main Street Church of Christ in Manchester, Tennessee. She is a servant leader and one who accepts this call with humility and gratitude. She truly embraces the notion that to whom much is given, much is expected.

The UTSI Women’s History celebration will be held in the auditorium at the Space Institute, and is free and open to the public. A reception will follow in the Institute’s lobby. Please contact UTSI Human Resources at 931.393.7226 for additional information.