I don’t know Jim Catanzaro, personally. He doesn’t know me. He spoke to me once; at a distance he mistook me for Ward Crutchfield. (My apologies to my friend, Ward, for that event.)
I do know that Jim Catanzaro has done great things at Chattanooga State. He has brought that institution from the lower status of Chattanooga State Technical Community College, through the billboard era of “Chattanooga State, the College by the River,” to its official designation, Chattanooga State Community College, which now includes the Tennessee College of Applied Technology. This is an institution that all Chattanoogans may be proud of.
The smile on the faces of students is truly a pleasure to see. The camaraderie among students and an atmosphere of collegiality pervade the campus. The quality of teaching is of the highest.
For those who want to weigh Jim Catanzaro in the scales, may I suggest that you consider the positive accomplishments of his administration against any minor mis-steps that may have occurred along the way, as he brought greatness to the school.
For those inclined to criticize him, may I suggest that you “walk a mile in his moccasins” before you seek to cast your stones.
Jody Baker