UT Federal Credit Union (UTFCU) and Pellissippi State Community College celebrated the launch of a new five-year partnership agreement Monday with a Signing Day celebration at Pellissippi State’s Hardin Valley Campus.
The agreement was signed during Panther Game Day, bringing together leaders from both organizations to recognize student-athletes and celebrate the beginning of a new season.
As the official partner of Panther Athletics, UT Federal Credit Union’s investment supports athletics programs, travel, uniforms, facility upgrades, and opportunities that extend beyond the playing field. The partnership also supports the Pellissippi State Foundation by providing scholarships and advancing fundraising efforts that benefit Pellissippi State students.
Pellissippi President L. Anthony Wise Jr. addressed the students, faculty, staff, and community members attending the event, saying, “As you move forward in your lives, it’s important to have partners, colleagues, and friends who are aligned with you in terms of mission, and I think that’s absolutely true with UT Federal Credit Union.” He continued, “Their commitment is to serving the community just like our commitment is to serving in the community.”
Built on a strong relationship developed over years of collaboration, the official partnership is the first of its kind among community colleges within Tennessee’s public higher education system.
“This partnership reaches far beyond just athletics,” said Kenyon Warren, President & CEO of UT Federal Credit Union, “We’re excited to serve and build relationships with students, faculty, staff, alumni, families, and truly the entire Pellissippi State community. We’ll bring that commitment to life through financial education, scholarships, campus engagement, internship opportunities, athletics, financial services, and even more.”
Warren went on to name men’s soccer team player Yahir Pacheco as the inaugural UT Federal Credit Union Student Athlete of the Month, which recognizes excellence among student-athletes in competition and in the classroom.
As part of the partnership, the Panthers will soon compete on a new premier soccer field named UT Federal Credit Union Field.
While September 14 marks the official beginning of the five-year partnership, both organizations view Signing Day as a milestone in their longstanding relationship and are committed to creating meaningful opportunities for the Pellissippi State community and supporting the region’s continued growth and prosperity.
