An Idea On A Whiteboard Part 2

In An Idea on a Whiteboard Part 2, former Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale reflects on the humble beginnings of Knox Achieves and the bold vision that helped spark what would become Tennessee Promise. As a first-generation college student from Cleveland, Tennessee, Mayor Ragsdale shared how education, mentorship, and the simple willingness to ask for help shaped his journey — and ultimately inspired a program designed to ensure every student has access to opportunity beyond high school.

Mayor Ragsdale emphasized that Tennessee’s progress in education and workforce development has come from creating clear pathways to credentials of value, whether through community colleges, TCATs, or four-year institutions. What started as an idea on a whiteboard quickly became a statewide movement built on the belief that college and career training should be possible for every student, not just those with the most resources or support. The tnAchieves model has always been about opening doors and strengthening Tennessee’s future workforce through access and guidance.

Looking ahead, Mayor Ragsdale challenged Tennessee to take the next step: becoming the best in the nation not only at access, but at completion. From coaching and mentoring to small supports that remove barriers, he reminded listeners that student success is not about statistics — it is about individuals, families, and communities across the Volunteer State. An Idea on a Whiteboard Part 2 is a powerful reminder that bold ideas, paired with service and support, can change lives for generations.