---

Six from the University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) attended the 36th annual Women in Higher Education in Tennessee (WHET) Conference: “Developing Excellence in Your Life” held at Columbia State Community College—Williamson Campus, in Franklin, Tennessee, October 6-7, 2016.

Thursday evening October 6th, a WHET Leadership Forum was held entitled, “Developing Excellence in Your Life” with the keynote speaker, Dr. Phyllis Qualls-Brooks. Qualls-Brooks has served as the Executive Director of the Tennessee Economic Council on Women since 2012. Qualls-Brooks has extensive experience in both state and federal government, education and communications and is a local leader on women’s issues and a wide range of policy areas. She recently received the Nashville Cable’s Athena award, which seeks to recognize exceptional women leaders. She has also worked with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and Tennessee State University.

The keynote address was delivered on the 7th by Dr. Mamie McCullough, a motivational speaker who brings the “I Can. You Can Too!” message to the masses. She’s the author of several popular books, including I Can. You Can, Too!, Get it Together — And Remember Where You Put It, and I’m Not Waving … I’m Drowning.

During the conference, the leadership gavel was passed to Patricia Burks-Jelks, UTSI Director for Human Resources and Equity and Diversity Officer, as she was named the 2016-2017 President of WHET.  Burks-Jelks has over 25 years of leadership experience at UTSI serving as Director for Human Resources and Equity and Diversity Officer. She has been a member of WHET during most of her UTSI career serving on the board as Membership Coordinator, 1st Vice President, and now elected as President while still making time to encourage other women to become a part of the organization. In 2012, WHET presented her with the June Anderson award for “Outstanding Contributions in providing equality for Women in Higher Education.”

Burks-Jelks said, “It is an honor to be selected to serve as President of such a prestigious organization that rallies around supporting women in the state of Tennessee.” She also mentioned how proud she is to have an opportunity to appoint Laura Horton, UTSI Media Specialist with over 27 years of service, to serve WHET as photographer.

“Patricia is a remarkable leader who will represent the Space Institute well,” said UTSI Executive Director Mark Whorton. “We are proud and fortunate to have Patricia as a key part of the Space Institute.”

The remainder of the conference agenda included a full slate of informative and innovative sessions designed to facilitate personal and professional growth, as well as the annual awards ceremony which recognizes and honors women who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of women in higher education.