2013-2014 Annual Report

NISWONGER FOUNDATION
2013-2014 Annual Report
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
A
Scott M. Niswonger
s a pilot, it is
hard for me to
understand why
passengers often confess
to a fear of flying through
clouds. To me, it is the
most exciting part of a
journey. There is nothing
more exhilarating than
leaving the runway on a
rainy, overcast morning
only to break through the
clouds to clear blue sky
and the brilliance of the
rising sun.
My speculation is that
most people would prefer to avoid the clouds and to fly straight
into a smooth, blue sky. In fact, pilots have a term for this - CAVU
– “Clear and Visibility Unlimited.”
for their future careers, more are attending graduate schools
with plans to be physicians, lawyers, school administrators and
business leaders. I see the future as CAVU with our Scholars “in
the cockpit.”
When a day of flying is CAVU a pilot finds it easy to be forward
thinking and focused on a smooth journey. This reminds me of
our 17 school system partners and their willingness to allow the
Niswonger Foundation team to be part of their work. We take
great pride in our school leaders and classroom teachers who
strive every day to set the bar higher for their students. This year,
the Niswonger Foundation set a goal to provide the best quality
professional development for our teachers. Examples of these
efforts included the Eighth Annual School Success Symposium,
Advanced Placement academics, blended learning and distance
instruction academies, mathematics workshops, a counselor
academy, and career-technical education academies.
A CAVU day means smooth flying – just what we hope for the
high school students in the 30 schools served by our i3 grant. This
year saw a dramatic increase in participation in dual enrollment,
As this Annual Report reflects, CAVU may be the best possible
Advanced Placement and the Niswonger Online program. The
term I can use to describe
Niswonger i3 counselors intensified
Aviation
is
proof
that
given
the
will,
the
Niswonger
Foundation.
their efforts to ensure that seniors
we have the capacity to achieve the impossible.
This has been a year of careful
were career focused, ACT/SAT tests
planning, diligent effort, and
were scheduled, financial aid forms
Edward V. Rickenbacher
near flawless implementation.
were submitted, college choices
(WWI Medal of Honor Recipient)
The smooth flying continues with
were made, and applications were
the completion of year-four of the Investing in Innovation (i3)
processed. This included a special summer program to lend a last
grant. With nearly $16,000,000 invested in 30 high schools in
push of support to students and their families prior to that first
Northeast Tennessee, we move into the last year of this grant with
post-secondary class.
a carefully designed plan to strategically place the last $5,000,000
into sustainable and impactful educational programs. The
My favorite part of a CAVU day is that it offers time for reflection
ultimate goal is to improve the likelihood that our students will
and to enjoy the magnificence of what surrounds you and the
graduate from high schools ready for post-secondary education
awesome wonder of life. That thought brings me back to the
and squarely focused on successful careers ahead.
Niswonger Foundation. We see our work as a journey - not a
destination. I take great pride in the commitment and dedication
CAVU also implies that there can be a positive outlook for what
of the staff and work that is being accomplished. Surely, we are in
lies ahead. We see this every day in our 20 Niswonger Scholars and
a season of CAVU days.
52 Alumni Scholars. Celebrating twelve years of success with this
leadership and scholarship program, we already have Scholars
Scott M. Niswonger
living their commitment to “Learn, Earn and Return.” Northeast
Tennessee is seeing the unlimited potential of the Scholars as they
pursue careers as public school and higher education teachers
and administrators, engineers, business professionals, nurses,
President and Founder
counselors, and non-profit administrators. While the current
Scholars attend the best colleges and universities to prepare them
SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
valuable for student success. Now identified, the focus becomes establishing
the framework for ensuring that these efforts will continue. The most noted
areas of success include: 1) personalized learning; 2) Advanced Placement
(AP) instruction/collaboration; 3) professional development; and 4) college
and career counseling.
Personalized Learning
Labeled as the greatest success of the Niswonger i3 grant, the Niswonger
Online program provides an opportunity for personalized learning. A
personal learning environment can be defined as a system that allows for
learners to have expanded flexibility in instruction, thus responding to
individualized needs and interests of students. The inventory of courses in
Niswonger Online allows teachers and students to better manage course
content and the process for learning.
Scholar Alumni Join Counselors to Promote College and Career
A
s the Niswonger Foundation enters the final year of the Investing
in Innovation (i3) grant from the U. S. Department of Education,
the focus is firmly placed on: 1) capitalizing on the opportunities
for the greatest impact with the grant’s completion, and 2) building a
sustainable plan for maintaining the successes of this project.
The Investing in Innovation (i3) grant from the U.S. Department of
Education has provided an opportunity to more rapidly expand our work
with 15 school systems and 30 high schools, serving 27,000 students. The
focus is on preparing students for post-secondary education and careers,
working to ensure that high school students in Northeast Tennessee are
provided the opportunity to graduate from high school “college or career
ready.”
In addition to the grant from the U.S. Department of Education, private
matching monies have been contributed by the Bill and Melinda Gates
Foundation, the Rural School and Community Trust, the J.P. Morgan
Foundation, and Scott M. Niswonger. The five-year grant is providing over
$21 million dollars to these high schools and districts.
SUSTAINABILITY PLAN
This year, with the assistance of Bellwether Education Partners, and the
leadership and practitioners in the 15 consortium school systems, the
Niswonger Foundation developed a sustainability plan that identified the
greatest successes of this project and those activities that were seen as most
Enrollment has grown from 426 in the first year of the grant to a projected
2,896 in spring 2015. There was a 20% growth in participation from 201213 to 2013-14. The success of online learning can be greatly attributed to
the well-monitored, rigorous and engaging course selection; and excellent
instruction. Course Liaisons from the consortium school systems collaborate
to determine the most desirable course selection. Over 40 teachers are now
trained for successful online instruction.
Advanced Placement
Advanced Placement (AP) provides high school students with rigorous
college level courses of study, with the opportunity of gaining college credit.
The Niswonger i3 grant has supported the training of 297 teachers to be
prepared AP instructors. There are currently 25 different AP courses offered
in the high schools in Northeast Tennessee. Every student in the consortium
has an opportunity for AP instruction, either online or in the schools.
Grants through Niswonger i3 have provided for all aspects of AP course
implementation: 1) implementing new courses in schools; 2) purchasing
technology to support existing courses; and 3) general AP enhancements
including test preparation, special study sessions, tutorial assistance, etc.
Through support from the i3 grant, several high schools are offering AP for
the first time. Participation in AP instruction has grown from 3,308 in the
first year of the grant to 4,225 in year four.
Professional Development
Emerging as a top priority among school system leaders and teachers is
the continuing need for effective and relevant professional development
(PD) opportunities. This year, the Niswonger Foundation has provided
professional development through: 1) five AP Academies focused on biology,
Four-Year Program Enrollment Growth
7,000
7,000
Niwonger Online
Students Enrolled
6,000
6,000
5,000
5,000
4,000
4,000
2,896
3,000
2,413
2,000
1,000
426
797
0
7,000
AP Program
Students Enrolled
3,831
4,017
4,225
2011-2012
2012-2013
2013-2014
4,617
5,000
4,000
3,308
3,000
3,000
2,000
2,000
1,000
1,000
0
2010-2011
Dual Enrollment
Students Enrolled
6,000
3,514
2,768
1,990
0
2010-2011
2011-2012
2012-2013
2013-2014
2010-2011
2011-2012
2012-2013
2013-2014
calculus, chemistry, English, and human geography; 2) two mathematics
sessions focused on teacher knowledge and student performance; 3)
two career-technical education workshops to familiarize teachers with
opportunities available through the Tennessee Colleges of Applied
Technology (TCAT); 4) a distance learning academy to create awareness
of videoconferencing equipment and techniques, and to introduce new
distance learning strategies; 5) two blended learning academies exploring
opportunities for combining online and regular classroom instruction; 6)
a workshop for high school counselors to facilitate the Tennessee Promise
program and the efforts towards a more college and career focused
environment; 7) personalized instruction for Niswonger Online faculty to
prepare them for the unique environment of online teaching; and 8) the
School Success Symposium which hosts teachers and school system leaders
in a “best practices” exchange.
College and Career Counseling
The influence of the Niswonger i3 College and Career Counselors has
been evident with more than 17,000 students receiving counseling this
year, reflecting a 36% increase over the 2012-13 school year. Counselors
encouraged students towards dual enrollment, online instruction, and AP
courses. They assisted students with college applications and financial aid
forms, guidance for parents, assistance with campus visits, and support for
the new Tennessee Promise initiative.
Recognizing that the summer between high school graduation and the
beginning of post-secondary instruction is particularly challenging for
first generation college students, the Counselors initiated a targeted effort
to remain in contact with students until the beginning of fall instruction.
“Summer Melt” involved direct contact with students through email and
phone, as well as Counselor participation in 34 orientation programs at
colleges and universities in the region.
Counselor Activities
Creating Materials - 4%
Communication - 5%
2% 4%
15%
fall semester 2014. Ninety-eight percent of students who attempted dual
enrollment courses successfully earned credit, and 86% earned either a
grade of A or B.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Threaded through the efforts of the past year is recognition that STEM
related opportunities hold great promise in preparing students for successful
careers. This summer, students were provided the opportunity to participate
in Code Camps as a joint effort between Niswonger i3, Tennessee Code
Academy and three of the region’s higher education institutions. Students
applied the basics of programming to games and web applications, while
learning from professional developers about the computer science industry.
Eighty-one students from 23 high schools participated in these camps.
STEM education was a focus for professional development throughout the
year. For example, over 50 of the region’s teachers participated in summer
mathematics workshops designed to sharpen their skills in teaching
mathematics.
Career Technical Education
The year’s work in CTE has focused on two areas: 1) providing equipment
and supplies to ensure quality instructional opportunities for the region’s
students; and 2) offering opportunities for CTE teachers to participate in
professional development opportunities within and outside the region.
Distance Education
This has been a strategy used for years by the Niswonger Foundation to
improve learning opportunities for students. During the i3 project, efforts
have taught that a class-to-class model has limitations, but advances in
technology have opened new opportunities for distance learning. This year’s
efforts focused on professional development to introduce teachers to these
technological applications for classroom teaching.
FOCUS ON THE FUTURE
5%
6%
Data Collection - 6%
7%
Planning - 7%
Group Counseling - 9%
9%
This year has seen the Niswonger Foundation with a foot in the past,
examining the successes of the Investing in Innovation (i3) grant; clearly
grounded in present, carefully implementing the work of the grant’s final
year; and eyes cast towards the future, strategically planning for sustainability
of the successes of this work.
Meeting/Conference - 15%
Individual Counseling - 37%
General Activities - 15%
37%
15%
College Visit - 2%
AREAS OF FOCUS
Dual Enrollment
By definition, this means that a student is taking a course that will provide
academic credit at both the high school and college level. Recognizing that
finances associated with tuition and textbooks are the greatest barrier to
student participation, Niswonger i3 provided funding to offset these costs
beginning with fall semester 2013. Forty-two students applied for assistance.
With significant effort on the part of the staff, this number grew to 640 for
Cherokee High School Robotics Program
SCHOLARSHIP AND LEADERSHIP
N
iswonger Scholars are the pride of our Foundation. Fundamental to
the Scholarship and Leadership program is bringing the best and
brightest young leaders back to Northeast Tennessee. By enabling
these students to pursue their academic passions and cultivate their leadership
abilities, the expectation is that they will return to the region to be leaders in
their professions and a catalyst for future change.
Scholar nominations are currently accepted from the following seventeen
school districts: Bristol, Elizabethton, Greeneville, Johnson City, Kingsport,
Carter County, Cocke County, Greene County, Hamblen County, Hancock
County, Hawkins County, Jefferson County, Johnson County, Sevier County,
Sullivan County, Unicoi County and Washington County. Niswonger
Scholars now represent each of these school systems. Scholars are provided
the opportunity to attend the college or university that will best prepare them
for their career. Nine universities are currently being attended.
Niswonger Scholar Alumni Mean Business!
Impressive accomplishments abound in the lives of all the Alumni. We are now
seeing the results of the plan as the Scholars begin their return to fulfill their
commitment to serve Northeast Tennessee. While Scholars’ career paths are
extensive (please see chart), this year’s Annual Report focuses on the Alumni
Scholars who are already on the path to being future business leaders for
Northeast Tennessee.
Lauren Bible graduated from East Tennessee State University with a degree in
business administration. . Speaking of her decision to fulfill her commitment to
Northeast Tennessee, Lauren spoke on behalf of she and her husband Matthew,
who is also a Niswonger Scholars Alumni: “We couldn’t imagine living anywhere
else. Returning to our home and attempting to better it for future generations,
including our own children, was a priority for us as individuals and as a couple.
We are finally going to be able to pay forward what we were so lucky to receive.”
Lauren is an aspirant agent with Harold Dishner State Farm Financial Services
in Johnson City.
Lauren Bible
Brittany Jorgenson
Brittany Vogt Jorgenson is a
graduate of Bucknell University with
a degree in classics and comparative
humanities. She is the business
development
and
marketing
manager for Storybook Farms Bed
and Breakfast in Jonesborough.
Brittany shares: “I came back to help
direct and grow my family’s bed &
Law Loving
Adam Miller
Elizabeth Williams
breakfast and wedding venue business as well as to repay my time commitment to
the region. My being here has not only been instrumental in increasing our success
but it has also helped to bring exposure for other businesses in the wedding industry
and tourism for the area. I can see the ripple effect. My work is helping to bring
visitors here and that enriches our community.”
Law Loving (Class of 2012) graduated from Tulane University with a degree
in public health and economics. He is currently completing a Master’s in
Business Administration at East Tennessee State University. He is now a
market researcher for Smarty Pants, a research company in Jonesborough.
Regarding his return to the region, Law shares: “I get to help companies all
over the United States by performing research regarding their products that are
marketed worldwide. The amazing part of this is that I can do that from right
here in Northeast Tennessee, still being able to impact my home community. The
Foundation’s goal is for the Scholars to “Learn, Earn, and Return.” I’m proud to
be back in this area helping to fulfill this vision.”
Adam Miller (Class of 2008) comments: “My job at Johnson City Power
Board allows me to have a great career while providing an essential service to
the local community. JCPB’s rates impact the region’s economic growth, and a
big part of my job is dedicated to finding efficient ways to keep our costs down
and, therefore, keep our rates low. My connection to the Niswonger Foundation
helps me to even better understand the value of the service JCPB provides and
how resources need to align in support of regional growth. The Foundation has
taught me the values necessary to be a servant leader in the community.” Adam’s
words reflect the belief that has been instilled in the Scholars that they can
have a regional impact. He is a graduate of Tusculum College with a degree
in business administration. Adam has also completed a Master’s of Business
Administration at ETSU.
Elizabeth Batson Williams (Class of 2006) states: “Twelve years ago, I knew
the Niswonger Foundation was opportunity knocking, but I could have no idea
the extent to which it would shape me as a person. The education and leadership
lessons have been invaluable, but the connections I have made, the support system
in place, and the broad perspective I have learned, truly make the difference in
my life. I am excited to be working with the local non-profit, Dawn of Hope,
in public relations and to have the opportunity to be active in my community.
I know that the Foundation has helped me maximize the impact I am able to
make and has anchored within me values and lessons that continually aide in
my growth as an individual.” Elizabeth graduated from Emory University with
a degree in English.
Scholars are committed to return to the region within seven years of completing
their education. In addition to the five Alumni highlighted in this article, we
also recognize 17 Alumni who are business professionals across the country.
They are refining their skills in areas such as accounting, finance, marketing,
insurance, retail, technology, law and small business management. The future
looks even brighter as they plan their return to Northeast Tennessee.
There are 52 Alumni Scholars. Of these, 44 have begun their careers in their
chosen fields. Eight are currently in graduate school.
Current Scholars Prepare for the Future
Leadership training is the core of the Niswonger Scholar experience. Although
training experiences vary each year, one goal is always to introduce the Scholars
to the most impressive and useful books, speakers and hands-on training
opportunities possible.
Niswonger Scholars are highly encouraged and financially supported to pursue
study abroad opportunities. Experiences this year included: 1) Lillie Seal
(Lincoln Memorial University) Spain and France; 2) Ivory Shelton (Wake Forest
University) Jerusalem, Israel; 3) Sam Brashears (Wake Forest University) London,
England; and Trey Dodson (Vanderbilt University) Switzerland. Matthew Grimm
(University of Tennessee) completed a service abroad experience in Jamaica.
This year’s internship experiences were as follows: 1) Francisco Ochoa-Vargas
(Vanderbilt University) Mercer Consulting, Atlanta; 2) Katie Shields (University
of Tennessee) Varnell Farms, Georgia; 3) Ivory Shelton (Wake Forest University)
Unicoi County Memorial Hospital, Erwin; 4) Alex Smyth (East Tennessee State
University) Robert Noyce Internship, ETSU; 5) Jordan Frye (University of
Tennessee) Helen Ross McNabb Center, Knoxville; 6) Trey Dodson (Vanderbilt
University) Deloitte, Chicago; Richard Vradenburgh (Tennessee Tech) STEM
Center, TTU. Matthew Sheppard (Clemson University) is completing a year-long
co-op experience with General Electric in Hendersonville, NC.
A philosophy of the Niswonger Scholars program is that travel and new
adventures contribute to the personal and professional development of the
Scholars. This year, the Freshmen Scholars traveled to the Bahamas for an
opportunity to spend time with Mr. Niswonger. An Outdoor Adventure focused
the Sophomore Scholars on team building and overcoming personal challenges.
The Junior Scholars traveled to New York City as an orientation to everyday
life and cultural experiences in a major metropolitan area. The Senior Scholars
traveled to Normandy. With a focus on understanding the personal sacrifices of
previous generations and our role as citizens of the world, the senior Scholars
stood on the beaches of Normandy on the 70th Anniversary of D-Day. Visits to
London and Paris were also highlights of this experience.
Medicine
15%
Niswonger Scholar
Career Paths
Education
21%
Engineering
8%
Physical & Social
Science 8%
Business
33%
Law & Government
15%
“I have returned to give back to Northeast Tennessee
because it first gave to me. Although I call it a
commitment to return, inside I feel that it is actually
my duty. The Niswonger Foundation cleared the
way for me to be the best I could be, so I have gladly
returned to help fulfill Mr. Niswonger’s vision of
making our region the best it can be.”
Jason Light, Niswonger Scholar Alumnus
Niswonger Scholars are expected to maintain exemplary academic records
during their college experience. Additionally, Scholars are strongly encouraged
to become actively engaged in leadership experiences on their college campuses
through clubs, organizations and service related activities. The Scholars are
required to be involved in community service in their campus communities,
with over 1600 hours of community service completed this year.
The design of the Scholarship and Leadership program exemplifies the concept
of “Learn, Earn and Return.” Throughout the four-year experience, the Scholars
are taught the expectation that they will be the next generation to carry out the
philosophy of the Niswonger Foundation in Northeast Tennessee.
Current Niswonger Scholars
Freshmen
Hope Marie Adkins(Carson-Newman University)
McKenzie Breanna Reynolds (University of Tennessee – Knoxville)
Kristen Alora Ricker(University of Tennessee – Chattanooga)
Dillan Wayne Shults (Tennessee Technological University)
Madeline Danielle Standbridge (University of Tennessee – Knoxville)
Sophomores
Samuel Brashears (Wake Forest University)
Matthew Grimm (University of Tennessee - Knoxville)
Dustin Howser (Vanderbilt University)
Raini Rowenhorst (East Tennessee State University)
Katie Shields (University of Tennessee - Knoxville)
Juniors
Gage Armstrong (East Tennessee State University)
Nathaniel “Trey” Dodson (Vanderbilt University)
Ivory Shelton (Wake Forest University)
Matthew Sheppard (Clemson University)
Richard Vradenburgh (Tennessee Technological University)
Seniors
Jordan Frye (University of Tennessee - Knoxville)
Francisco Ochoa-Vargas (Vanderbilt University)
Lillie Seal (Lincoln Memorial University)
Alex Smyth (East Tennessee State University)
Christopher Steadman (University of Tennessee - Knoxville)
GRANT MAKING
T
he Niswonger Foundation has the primary mission of supporting
the School Partnership and Scholarship and Leadership programs.
While the majority of the Foundation’s funding is used in
support of these two programs, the influence of the Foundation is
expanded through a smaller portion of the budget dedicated to grant
making. These awards are provided to not-for-profit agencies or groups
with programmatic goals in keeping with the educational mission
of the Foundation. By tapping into the strengths and talents of other
successful community organizations, and leveraging school and school
system resources, the mission of the Niswonger Foundation “to create
opportunities for individual and community growth through education
and other sustainable projects” is given a longer reach. In the Foundation’s
thirteen year history, $1.7 million dollars has been invested in serving
schools and communities through grant making.
Camp NPAC
Grant Making / 2013-2014
Cultural Enrichment ($38,800)
6%
Youth Leadership ($4,000)
Classroom Instruction ($19,291)
Professional Development ($6,500)
19%
20%
2%
Classroom Technology ($24,263)
10%
Arts in Education ($12,829)
Health & Environmental Ed ($35,868)
Awards/Recognition ($6,648)
4%
4%
17%
Disadvantaged Youth ($39,600)
11%
7%
State & Regional Education ($12,000)
Although the grants vary in design and scope, annual themes emerge.
The chart provided shares a glimpse into the projects that were funded
this year. To date, over 400 grants have been funded. This year, 50
projects were provided support. Major support was given to cultural
and environmentally focused projects. The largest portion of this year’s
funding supported efforts to assist disadvantaged youth. With concern
for the best quality environment for learning, a significant level of
support was provided for classroom instruction and technology. The
ultimate goal of the grant program is to support and sustain the best
environment for learning, personal growth, and the future success of
students in Northeast Tennessee.
NATIONAL AND STATE INITIATIVES
The Niswonger Foundation is primarily
focused on leading the way to educational
excellence in Northeast Tennessee.
We also desire to use what we learn to
improve educational opportunities at the
state and national levels. The following
are examples of how we are expanding
our influence beyond the region.
The Niswonger Foundation is a charter
member of SCORE, a coalition of
business leaders and educational
professionals from across Tennessee
Vivian Franklin
and the nation who are committed to
improving public education in rural communities. SCORE was established
by Dr. Bill Frist. In its third year of effort, SCORE is aggressively pursuing
a five-year plan for drastic improvements to our State’s educational system.
This comprehensive plan is directed to legislators, school board members,
system leadership, teachers, parents and community leaders. Niswonger
Foundation is represented on the SCORE Board of Directors and the
SCORE Steering Committee.
The Niswonger Foundation has a representative on the Board of the
Tennessee College Access and Success Network (TCASN), and the
Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association (TICUA).
State, Regional and National Presentations
Tennessee College Access and Success Network
Tennessee Counseling Association
Tennessee LEAD Conference
Tennessee State Board of Education
Tennessee Leadership Institute of Counselors and Administrators
Smokey Mountain Counseling Association
Southern Regional Education Board GO Alliance
Investing in Innovation (i3) National Project Director’s Meeting
U.S. Department of Education National Webinars (2)
White House Convening on College and Career Counseling
FINANCIALS
Statement of Financial Position
June 30, 2014
Niswonger Foundation Funding History
(Includes Federal i3 Grant Funds)
$7,000,000.00
ASSETS
$ 217,943
Restricted Cash
379,670
Federal Grant Funds Receivable
16,498,345
i-3 Grant Receivable
9,798,282
Investments
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets
600
64,051
Student Loans Receivable
101,861
Collections
Total Assets
$27,060,752
LIABILITIES
Bank Overdraft
$ 80,871
Accounts Payable
379,670
and other Accrued Liabilities 266,338
Line of Credit
16,498,345
i-3 Grant Payable
Demand Notes Payable to Primary
Benefactor
1,136,826
Total Liabilities
$18,362,050
NET ASSETS
Unrestricted
$ 8,480,759
217,943
Temporarily Restricted
Total Net Assets
$ 8,698,702
TOTAL LIABILITIES
AND NET ASSETS
$27,060,752*
*The Niswonger Foundation distributed $6,670,318.34 to educational
programs and scholarship awards in fiscal year 2014.
$6,000,000.00
$5,000,000.00
$4,000,000.00
$3,000,000.00
$2,000,000.00
$1,000,000.00
$0.00
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Niswonger Foundation
(Excludes Federal i-3 Grant Funds)
Mini Grants
9%
Scholarship
Program
55%
Partnership
Program
30%
Operating
Expense
6%
AN OPERATING FOUNDATION
The Niswonger Foundation was founded by businessman and philanthropist Scott M. Niswonger. Unlike most private foundations, the Niswonger
Foundation is not a traditional grant-making foundation. It is an operating foundation with its own programs and projects. Although a percentage
of its operating funds go towards grant making, the majority of funds go into the Foundation’s two primary programs – a scholarship and leadership
program for selected college students and a partnership program for schools.
BOARD & STAFF
NISWONGER FOUNDATION
Officers and Staff
SCOTT M. NISWONGER
President and Founder
DR. NANCY DISHNER
Executive Vice President
NIKKI L. NISWONGER
Secretary
BARBARA BATES
Executive Assistant
KATHY O’DELL
Office Manager
NISWONGER FOUNDATION INVESTING IN INNOVATION (i3) GRANT
VIVIAN FRANKLIN
Executive Director
AMY FRENCH
Director of College and Career Counseling
DR. BLAIR HENLEY
Director of Technology
ROBBIE MITCHELL
Director of Professional Development
LARRY NEAS
Compliance Officer
KATHY O’DELL
Bookkeeper
Advisory Board
DR. GORDON ANDERSON
East Tennessee State University
MICHAEL ANTRICAN
Hancock County Schools
DR. RICHARD BALES
Johnson City Schools
SCOTT BENSON
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
DR. DENISE BROWN
Unicoi County Schools
DR. DALE LYNCH
Hamblen County Schools
DR. NANCY MOODY
Tusculum College
MANNEY MOORE
Cocke County Schools
DR. JEFF MOORHOUSE
Hamblen County Schools
SCOTT M. NISWONGER
Niswonger Foundation
BRENT PALMER
Sullivan County Schools
Learning Resources
DR. LORI CAMPBELL
Walters State Community College
DENISE ARNOLD
Director of Learning Resources
DORY CREECH
Kingsport City Schools
DR. RICHARD KITZMILLER
STEM Coordinator
MATT DELOZIER
Northeast State Community College
ROSEMARY KITZMILLER
Distance Learning Coordinator
DR. NANCY DISHNER
Niswonger Foundation
MARSHA OTTEM
Advanced Placement Coordinator
RON DYKES
Washington County Schools
DALE SCHNEITMAN
Dual Enrollment Coordinator
VIVIAN FRANKLIN
Northeast Tennessee Consortium
College and Career
Counselors
JUDY FLETCHER
Elizabethton City Schools
JAMIE WOODSON
State Collaborative on Reforming Education
(SCORE)
DR. VICKI KIRK
Greene County Schools
DR. JUBAL YENNIE
Sullivan County Schools
DARRIN BURCHETTE
BRANDY SHAFFER
DONNELL GOODE
KRISTI JOHNSON
MELISSA OVERBAY
JULINA PYANOE
SHAWN STEWART
ANITA KILBOURNE-GREER
DR. GARY LILLY
Bristol City Schools
STEVE STARNES
Hawkins County Schools
DR. LINDA STROUD
Greeneville City Schools
MISCHELLE SIMCOX
Johnson County Schools
BRETT TURNER
Tennessee Department of Education
DR. KEVIN WARD
Carter County Schools