Memorials, Professional Achievement - Dr. Caroline Rogers, TBR 2025 SOAR Community College Faculty Member of the Year -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Greg Vital

Ceremonial Tennessee resolution honoring Dr. Caroline Rogers as 2025 SOAR Community College Faculty Member of the Year; a symbolic statewide recognition with no new laws or funds.

Signed by Governor.

#memorials #professionalachievement

What this bill is

A joint resolution memorializing and congratulating Dr. Caroline Rogers on being named the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) 2025 SOAR Community College Faculty Member of the Year.

Ceremonial in nature (no new law or appropriations). Recognizes achievements, service, and impact in the field of physical therapy education and the broader community.

Status: Signed by the Governor and thus effective as a ceremonial resolution.

Purpose and intent

To honor Dr. Caroline Rogers for her professional excellence, dedication, and positive influence on students, colleagues, and the community.

To acknowledge the Tennessee Board of Regents’ SOAR Awards program, which recognizes outstanding individuals and achievements across Tennessee’s colleges since 2019.

To express best wishes for her continued success and to provide an official State of Tennessee recognition for her accomplishments.

Key provisions and content

Official recognition: The resolution states that Dr. Rogers was named the 2025 SOAR Community College Faculty Member of the Year.

Biographical and professional achievements: The resolution outlines Dr. Rogers’ background, including:

Program Director for the Physical Therapy Assistant Program at Chattanooga State Community College since 2014.
Prior roles as a faculty member/adjunct at Chattanooga State University and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Educational credentials: BS in Physical Therapy (1981) and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (2008).
Extensive clinical experience with notable employers in physical therapy settings.
Numerous awards and recognitions (e.g., Woman of Distinction, Gean Baron Award, Outstanding PTA Educator Award, Adjunct Faculty of the Year).
Service on boards and involvement with community organizations (ABIDE Respite Program, Family Voices of Tennessee, Patricia Neal Rehab Center) and volunteer work with organizations such as Special Olympics and the Interfaith Hospitality Network.
Commitment to teaching excellence, mentoring, active research in geriatric care, and collaboration with the University of Tennessee Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Formal closing: The resolution commands that an appropriate copy be prepared and presented, with a standard ceremonial clause that omits certain boilerplate language.

Who is affected

Dr. Caroline Rogers is the primary honoree.

Indirectly, the statements highlight the work of Chattanooga State Community College, the broader Tennessee higher education community, and the organization(s) mentioned in her biography (e.g., ABIDE Respite Program, Family Voices of Tennessee, Special Olympics).

Procedural and timeline highlights

Introduced: March 13, 2025 (House).

Key floor actions: Adopted in the House (March 17); sponsor added March 17-24; concurrence and passage passed in both chambers (late March 2025).

Transmission to Governor: March 27, 2025.

Governor action: Signed on April 1, 2025 (status: Signed by Governor).

Effective status: The resolution becomes an enacted ceremonial memorial recognizing Dr. Rogers.

Potential impact

Provides formal statewide recognition of Dr. Rogers’ achievements and service.

Highlights exemplary practices in teacher/clinical education and community contribution, potentially inspiring students and educators.

No fiscal impact or policy change; primarily a symbolic gesture of appreciation and acknowledgment by the General Assembly.

Bill