This is Transfer Week.
This week, colleges and universities across the country are celebrating National Transfer Student Week. The National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students recognizes it each October to honor transfer students and the professionals who support them.
At tnAchieves, that support is personal. Many Tennessee Promise students begin at a community college with plans to earn a bachelor’s degree. COMPLETE coaches serve all 13 Tennessee community colleges and 24 TCATs. They work with students from their senior year of high school through graduation and on to their next step, whether that is transfer or a career.
Several members of our staff know the transfer path because they walked it. Below, four of them share what transferring meant for their college experience and why students should consider the route for themselves.
Abby Creekmore, Director of Transfer
Jellico High School → Roane State Community College (A.S., Accounting) → University of the Cumberlands (B.S., Hutton School of Business)
“If I had not transferred, I would not be at tnAchieves today serving students.”
Abby is a first-generation college student. She began at Roane State Community College, where she earned her associate degree in accounting. She then transferred to University of the Cumberlands and earned her bachelor’s degree from the Hutton School of Business.
At Cumberlands, she found supportive professors and advisors, took on leadership roles and became involved in the business forum and honor society. Those experiences gave her the confidence and support to step successfully into the workforce.
“Transferring gave me opportunities I never imagined,” she said. Today, Abby leads transfer work at tnAchieves, and serving students is what she enjoys most.
Madelyn Monday, Knox Access Coach
South Doyle High School → Pellissippi State Community College → East Tennessee State University (Biology)
“I had people in my corner who wanted to see me succeed.”
For Madelyn, starting at Pellissippi State Community College made continuing her education feel within reach. That first step led her to East Tennessee State University, her dream school, where she studied biology.
The transfer path also connected her with a coach and a mentor who made a lasting difference in her success. “They encouraged me when things felt overwhelming and gave me professional growth opportunities,” she said.
Her advice to students: “The transfer route can make college more affordable and give you room to explore your interests and build confidence. You do not have to have your entire future figured out right now. Take advantage of the resources available to you, ask questions and remember that your path to success does not have to look like everyone else’s.”
Emma Gerding, COMPLETE Coach, Walters State and Northeast State
Claiborne High School → Walters State Community College → Lincoln Memorial University (General Studies)
“When I graduated, I was prepared for my next steps because I had so much support.”
Transferring gave Emma time to figure out what she was passionate about as a career. At Walters State Community College, smaller classes helped her build personal connections with her professors, who later connected her with career exploration opportunities. She also served as a peer mentor for the College Education class, which let her see college from two sides: as a student and as a peer mentor learning what professors look for.
Emma transferred to Lincoln Memorial University and went on to graduate school at the University of Cincinnati. She credits the support she had throughout her transfer journey with preparing her for each next step.
Her advice to students: “Transferring gives you flexibility. Many community college classes transfer seamlessly to local universities, which gives you time to explore without spending a lot of money. It helps you build a college routine in a manageable way that encourages your growth as a person.”
Allie Ragsdale, COMPLETE Coach, Northeast State
Roane County High School → Roane State Community College → Johnson University (Psychology)
“It was rewarding to get my foot in the door working in the field I was studying.”
Allie completed her prerequisites at Roane State Community College before transferring to Johnson University. With more psychology courses on her schedule, she quickly confirmed her interest in the field.
A professor connected her with a part-time job working reception at a counseling center, which she held throughout her time as a student. It gave her real experience in the field she was studying before she ever graduated.
Her advice to students: “Higher education is a privilege that not everyone has access to, so I hope every student considers continuing their education for their own personal and professional growth. Having a bachelor’s degree opened doors for me that I would not have otherwise had, and entering a competitive job market with more credentials makes you a more competitive applicant.”
Planning to Transfer? Start Here.
tnAchieves Transfer Resources walk you through each stage of the process, from choosing a transfer school and meeting admissions requirements to finding transfer scholarships and financial aid. Download the Transfer Checklist, then talk with your COMPLETE coach about your plan.