Dr. Charmayne Mulligan
Leanders “Andy” Burns
Mollee Shannon
Chattanooga State Community College announced the appointment of three distinguished higher education leaders, each poised to significantly enhance the college’s commitment to student success.
Dr. Charmayne Mulligan joins as the Dean of Humanities & Fine Arts, Leanders “Andy” Burns has been named the new Director of the CARE Center, and Mollee Shannon will lead the reimagined Academic Success Center (ASC).
Dr. Mulligan brings over 20 years of experience in higher education, nonprofit management, and journalism to her new role as Dean of Humanities & Fine Arts. Her tenure at Davenport University, where she earned Professor Emeritus status, highlights her dedication to mentorship and leadership.
Dr. Mulligan said she is passionate about supporting faculty in developing Open Educational Resources and fostering diverse learning opportunities for students.
“I really enjoy the mentoring process: working with students, helping them discover their passions and joys, and guiding them on their career paths,” she said. “The best ideas often come from the faculty. My role will be to support those ideas, helping them get approved, and finding the resources necessary for achieving those strategies and goals.”
Mr. Burns, who has worked at ChattState for 18 years and held several titles, assumed his new role as Director of the CARE Center on July 1. The CARE Center supports faculty through professional development and resources.
Mr. Burns’ extensive spans financial aid, student affairs, and academic affairs. His commitment to supporting students and his leadership in the testing center underscore his dedication to student success.
“It is really interesting to see so many different backgrounds come together for a common cause, and that common cause is students,” he said. “Our campus culture allows us to be honest about both the possibilities here and the changes that are yet to be made. That openness has rejuvenated me, especially as I consider the best ways to give our educators what they give to our students.”
Ms. Shannon, the former director of ChattState’s writing center, will lead the newly reimagined Academic Success Center set to open in January 2025. The ASC will serve as a comprehensive academic support hub, providing tutoring, supplemental instruction, workshops, and testing for both on-campus and online students.
Ms. Shannon said her vision includes destigmatizing tutoring and ensuring accessibility for students of all academic levels. She emphasizes the importance of academic coaches in supporting students, particularly first-generation college attendees.
“The Academic Success Center will be a resource for everyone,” she said. “Whether you need help with a specific topic or just want to improve your skills, tutoring can provide that extra support to help you succeed. We want to make it a warm, inviting space for students to come and hang out and study.”
ChattState President Dr. Rebecca Ashford said she looks forward to seeing the positive and lasting impact these leaders will have in their new roles.
“The appointment of these forward-thinking leaders reflects our dedication to growth, innovation, and student achievement,” Dr. Ashford said. “Dr. Charmayne Mulligan, Andy Burns, and Mollee Shannon each bring unique strengths that will help us navigate the evolving educational landscape and better serve our students.”