News Summary
Knoxville is witnessing notable leadership changes, ongoing development projects, and educational achievements. Key appointments within The Muse and other organizations highlight a commitment to STEAM education. The City Summit project aims to enhance mixed-income housing while local educational institutions receive STEM designations. Community leaders emphasize collaboration and growth, reflecting Knoxville’s forward momentum.
Knoxville is highlighting new leadership transitions, ongoing development projects, and several educational achievements as July 2025 progresses. With significant advancements in various sectors, including housing, business, and education, the city’s growth continues to reflect a commitment to development and learning.
Leadership Changes in Knoxville
Allison Comer has announced the board of directors for The Muse for the upcoming 2025-26 period. The newly appointed board comprises individuals with extensive expertise that aligns with The Muse’s mission of fostering curiosity and expanding STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education.
In the business sector, Doug Lawyer has made a professional transition from the Knoxville Chamber to The Christman Company. At his new role, Lawyer showcased culinary skills by preparing meals for the construction team working on a new outpatient surgical center located in west Knoxville. Additionally, Cathy Olsen has stepped down from her position as operations director at Knox County Engineering and Public Works after a decade to assist her husband in expanding Summit Painting and Remodeling LLC, which is now rebranding as Summit Kitchens and Baths.
Haley Reiss has returned to Make-A-Wish East Tennessee, resuming her role as director of wish granting and highlighting her valuable contributions to various chapters. Furthermore, Patrick McGlothin has joined NewEdge Wealth LLC as a managing director. He aims to leverage his successful background following his time at The McGlothin Group at Morgan Stanley.
Development Projects Underway
Merit Construction Inc. has made notable strides on the City Summit project, a significant development featuring 89 residential units within a five-story structure situated in downtown Knoxville. This $25 million project is positioned adjacent to existing affordable housing units, demonstrating the city’s focus on mixed-income living solutions. A property tax break facilitated by the City of Knoxville will contribute to the establishment of nine affordable housing units within this development.
Educational Achievements and Recognitions
Highlighting Knoxville’s commitment to education, the Tombras School of Advertising & Public Relations at The University of Tennessee promoted Dr. Moonhee Cho to full professor and Dr. Minjie Li to associate professor with tenure effective August 1, 2025. This advancement is a testament to their dedication and contributions to the field of advertising and public relations.
Furthermore, Knoxville’s Green Magnet Academy and South-Doyle High School received STEM school designations at the Tennessee STEM Innovation Summit for their commitment to education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Green Magnet Academy celebrated its achievement with various events, including giving away treats, T-shirts, and making a special announcement during a STEAM Fling event.
The Annoor Academy of Knoxville also shone brightly by securing first place at the Future City Competition, which now permits them entry to the national competition set in Washington, D.C. Supporting these educational efforts, LDA Engineering has made a $500,000 commitment to enhancing STEM education and has involved itself in judging several regional STEM events.
Community Contributions and Perspectives
In a reflection on leadership, Cicely Simpson emphasized that real strength lies in leaders who seek help, acknowledging personal limitations and the significance of collaboration. In political news, U.S. Representative Troy Nehls (R-Texas) has publically backed Ken Paxton for the U.S. Senate despite the controversies surrounding Paxton’s personal life.
Lastly, Sandra Clark, a well-known figure in Knoxville’s political landscape, made her transition to writing for KnoxTNToday after a lengthy career in public service and media. This change marks an evolution in her contributions to the community, backing community storytelling and engagement.
As Knoxville progresses through July 2025, the combination of leadership changes, development, and educational accomplishments paints a picture of a city committed to growth and improvement for its residents.
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Additional Resources
- KnoxTNToday: Annoor Academy of Knoxville Wins First Place in Future City Competition
- WBIR: Green Magnet Academy Receives STEM School Designation
- WATE: New Nuclear Energy Class at LN STEM Academy
- EdSurge: Hundreds of STEM Grants Have Been Terminated
- WATE: Knoxville Engineering Company Commits $500,000 to STEM Education
- Wikipedia: STEM Education
- Google Search: STEM Education Funding
- Google Scholar: STEM Education Initiatives
- Encyclopedia Britannica: STEM Education
- Google News: STEM Education
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
