Tommy Lynn Professional Readiness and Leadership Endowment established at Tennessee Technological University

Tennessee Technological University has received a transformational gift from alumnus Thomas Lynn, his wife and alumna Kay, his sister alumna Pam Coonce, and her husband, alumnus Dr. Danny Coonce. The gift will establish the Tommy Lynn Professional Readiness and Leadership Endowment within the College of Business, as well as establish the Tommy Lynn Professional Readiness and Leadership Room within the College’s Professional Readiness and Leadership (PRL) suite.

According to an article on Tennessee Tech’s website, Thomas Payne, who serves as the dean of Tennessee Tech’s College of Business, was quoted as saying of the gift from the family, “Thomas, Kay, Pam and Dr. Coonce are examples to our students of the kind of career success they can one day hope to achieve, but also the kind of community leaders and people they should aspire to be. They have been steadfast supporters of Tennessee Tech—and particularly the College of Business—for many years. We are deeply grateful for this latest investment in our students and programs.”

The family decided to establish the Tommy Lynn Professional Readiness and Leadership Room in honor of Thomas and Pam’s father, U.L. “Tommy” Lynn Jr., who was a banker and later the president and CEO of First American National Bank of Cookeville/Crossville. The Tommy Lynn Professional Readiness and Leadership Room will be located on the first floor of Johnson Hall as part of the College of Business Student Success Center. 

Thomas Lynn said, “First of all, as you know, they’re renovating Johnson Hall. Years ago, we had sponsored a room in the old Johnson Hall, and we felt like that was a good way to give back. So, when they said they were going to renovate the hall, we wanted to take a room. They said most of the students go through the PRL to learn how to do a resume, learn how to dress professionally … and just how to conduct themselves in order to try to get a job.”

The whole family has connections to the university. Thomas Lynn is a two-time Tennessee Tech graduate and is currently a member of the university’s Board of Trustees. Kay Lynn graduated from the university with a master’s degree. 

Kay Lynn said of her time at the university, “Tennessee Tech has been a major part of our lives. I met Thomas at Tennessee Tech after growing up in East Tennessee. Three of our four children graduated from there, and we feel like it’s such a vital part of our community, so we wanted to support it. The memories that I have are through Kappa Delta and the lifelong friendships. In a few weeks, several of my Kappa Delta sisters are coming to stay for the weekend, and I’m excited to bring them back to campus. Anytime Thomas is around the students, he is so impressed with the quality of the students and their interactions with everyone. We felt like this was a good way to help a lot of students in a very practical way.”

Pam Coonce attended the university’s nursery school when she was a child, and later returned to the university for her higher education. She graduated from the university in 1973.

She said, “I had a wonderful experience at the school. Tech was such a friendly school, and the teachers were so good, so helpful. We feel good that we're able to do this. We hope people realize how wonderful Tech is.”

Her husband, Dr. Danny Coonce, graduated from the university in 1973, as well. His degree is in chemistry and he went on to have a career as a radiologist following attending medical school.

Dr. Coonce said, “The way I paid my way through school was working as the night watchman in the college infirmary. When I got to medical school, Tech had prepared me very well. Students graduating from Tech can be proud of their campus and how the university prepares them for what’s coming up.”

Explaining how the gift from the Lynns and the Coonces will benefit students for years to come, Sherrie Cannon, who serves as the associate director for professional development in the College of Business, said, “When alumni and friends give to the PRL, they are directly supporting programs that help our students graduate career ready. The PRL is all about ensuring students have the skills, confidence and professionalism needed to succeed beyond the classroom. The Lynn and Coonce families are not only generous benefactors—they are role models for our students.”

For more information about Tennessee Technological University, visit the school’s website.