HUNTSVILLE | Phoenix Alexander is Tennessee College of Applied Technology Oneida/Huntsville’s nominee for Outstanding Student in the Tennessee Board of Regents’ Statewide Outstanding Achievement Awards (SOAR) recognition, President Tim Smith announced this week.
Additionally, Diesel-Powered Equipment Technology instructor Gabriel Kennedy is the college’s nominee for Outstanding Faculty Award, and Financial Aid Assistant Nancy Boles is the nominee for Outstanding Staff Award.
The SOAR process for Outstanding Student began with each instructor nominating an accomplished and deserving student from their program. TCAT invited a panel of community leaders, including representatives of local financial institutions and each local school system, as well as local government, to interview each program nominee and make a final selection. The panel unanimously selected Phoenix Alexander, of the Automotive Technology program, as its finalist. Meanwhile, President Smith nominated Gabriel Kennedy and Nancy Boles for the Outstanding Faculty and Outstanding Staff awards, respectively.
Other students who were nominated by their instructors for the SOAR recognition included Nathan Lund (Building Construction Technology), Ryan Householder (Computer Information Technology), Emily Adkins (Cosmetology), Erian Washam (Criminal Justice: Correctional Officer), Elijah Grant (Diesel-Powered Equipment Technology), Brian Duncan (Earthmoving Equipment Operator), Joshua Hicks (Machine Tool Technology), Zane Rutherford (Pharmacy Technology), Levi James (Power Line Construction and Maintenance), Skye Vaughn and Cynthia Stocks (Practical Nursing – Oneida), and Elizabeth Rogers (Practical Nursing – Jamestown).
Phoenix Alexander enrolled at TCAT Oneida/Huntsville in January 2026. A resident of Sunbright, she plans to complete the Automotive Technology program and then pursue a four-year degree in forensic science at a traditional university. She hopes to eventually be a forensic investigator. She is a representative of TCAT Student Government.
Gabriel Kennedy has been a diesel technician since 2004. He has been the Diesel-Powered Equipment Technology instructor at TCAT Oneida/Huntsville since 2023. He is quick to earn the respect of his students, and the positive first impression he makes is often enough to sell prospective students on the diesel program.
Nancy Boles has been TCAT Oneida/Huntsville’s Financial Aid Assistant for 29 years. During that time, she has helped thousands of students secure funding to continue or complete their education, with a reputation for being thorough, patient, and understanding. She is a vital part of the Student Services team at TCAT.
The nominees will participate in a series of virtual interviews at the regional level on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026. The SOAR awards will be announced in Nashville on March 31, 2027.
