Chattanooga State Community College is proud to announce one of its faculty members received a statewide recognition last week for her dedication to teaching, scholarship, and service.
Dr. Caroline Rogers, Program Director for
ChattState’s Physical Therapist Assistant program, earned the top honor from the Tennessee Board of Regents when she was named SOAR Faculty Member of the Year for 2025.
Dr. Rogers was chosen to receive the award because of her commitment to educational excellence, dedication to creating accessibility and opportunity for all students, and service to her community.
Dr. Martina Harris, Dean of Nursing and Allied Health at ChattState, nominated Dr. Rogers for the award, highlighting her commitment to teaching, mentorship, scholarship, research, and community service.
“Dr. Rogers is a distinguished educator, researcher, and community advocate whose contributions have had a profound impact on the lives of her students, colleagues, and patients,” Dr. Harris wrote. “I am confident that her exceptional work will continue to inspire and benefit others for many years to come.”
Dr. June Hanks, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and Dr. Jonathan Brigner, Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education for the college’s Physical Therapist Assistant program, both supported Dr. Harris’ nomination with their own letters of recommendation.
Dr. Brigner said Dr. Rogers’ impact in the classroom goes beyond instruction. She also offers students feedback and guidance through meaningful personal interactions with her students.
“The enthusiasm and passion she brings to the classroom are contagious, creating an environment where learning is both enjoyable and deeply enriching,” he said. “Her open-door policy and willingness to invest time in one-on-one mentoring have had a transformative impact on many students, inspiring them to achieve their fullest potential.”
Dr. Hanks lauded Dr. Rogers’ commitment to her students, stating her efforts to help design joint learning projects and a simulation lab with the university demonstrate her commitment to teaching excellence.
“She embodies the qualities of an exceptional educator and mentor, and I am confident that she will continue to inspire and lead the next generation of physical therapist assistant professionals,” Dr. Hanks wrote. “The PTA Program is highly regarded within the physical therapy community due to the exceptional preparation of program students.”
The SOAR Faculty Member of the Year award recognizes not only Dr. Rogers' own work and its tremendous impact, but also the efforts ChattState takes as a whole to provide a supportive learning environment for all its students.
"Education changes lives, and I’m privileged to play a role in that journey,” Dr. Rogers said. “This recognition reaffirms my commitment to helping students reach their goals, and I share this honor with my colleagues who make Chattanooga State a life-changing place."
In video appearance, Gov. Bill Lee said, “It is an honor to celebrate each of Tennessee’s outstanding students, staff, and faculty at the community colleges and Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology across our state. Our community colleges and TCATS offer a variety of life-changing opportunities for Tennesseans, and these finalists have stood out as leaders who have excelled within their communities. Congratulations on this honor. Thank you all for your hard work and dedication.”
SOAR Award winners receive cash prizes through the College System’s Foundation and the Dr. Allana Hamilton Memorial Scholarship Fund, named in honor of the late TBR vice chancellor for academic affairs.