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SJR 368

Memorials, Professional Achievement - Dr. Nicole Cardwell-Hampton, 2025 Tennessee Board of Regents Staff Member of the Year -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Steve Southerland

Ceremonial memorial honoring Dr. Nicole Cardwell-Hampton as the 2025 Tennessee Board of Regents Staff Member of the Year for leading youth programs that broaden education access.

Signed by Governor.
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Bill Summary · SJR 368

Summary of Senate Joint Resolution 368 (SJR 368)

Overview

  • Type: Senate Joint Resolution (ceremonial memorial)
  • Title: Memorials, Professional Achievement — Dr. Nicole Cardwell-Hampton, 2025 Tennessee Board of Regents Staff Member of the Year
  • Sponsor: Senator Southerland
  • Status: Signed by the Governor
  • Introduced: April 1, 2025
  • Final action: Signed and enacted (ceremonial recognition; not a change in law)
  • Purpose: To honor and commend Dr. Nicole Cardwell-Hampton for being named the 2025 Tennessee Board of Regents Staff Member of the Year and to recognize her contributions to Tennessee’s education system

Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution recognizes Dr. Cardwell-Hampton as an outstanding educator who has devoted her career to high-quality education and student success in Tennessee.
  • It highlights her leadership and positive impact on youth programs, professional development, and access to educational opportunities.

Key Provisions

  • Acknowledgment that Dr. Cardwell-Hampton serves as Director of Youth Programs in the Walters State Community College Division of Workforce Training.
  • Recognition of her educational background: B.S. and M.S. (University of Tennessee, Knoxville); Educational Specialist from Lincoln Memorial University; Doctor of Education from East Tennessee State University.
  • Summary of career milestones:
    • Joined Walters State Community College in 1997 as an associate professor of production horticulture
    • Moved to the Division of Workforce Training in 2009 to manage youth programs
    • Since 2022, expanded and enhanced summer camps across all four campuses and the Newport Center
  • Programmatic impact highlighted:
    • Camps such as underwater robotics, Mini Medic, and HAMtastic
    • Oversight of the Talented and Gifted Program (serving about 350 students annually)
    • Management of the Kids College summer program
    • Securing grants from national and regional organizations to offer camps at low or no cost to participants
  • Ceremonial language: The Senate and House concur that Dr. Cardwell-Hampton’s service and leadership deserve formal recognition, commendation, and best wishes for her future endeavors

Who Is Affected

  • Primary honoree: Dr. Nicole Cardwell-Hampton
  • Walters State Community College and its Division of Workforce Training
  • The students and families benefiting from the college’s youth programs, camps, and scholarships/grants
  • The broader Tennessee Board of Regents system as the awarding body being honored

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: April 1, 2025
  • Passed Senate actions: Engrossed (April 10), Passed on Second Consideration (April 7), placed on consent calendar (April 8), enrolled (April 17)
  • House actions: Concurred (April 15), transmitted to Governor (April 21), signed by Speaker, and subsequently signed by Governor (April 24)
  • Final status: The bill is a signed memorial recognizing Dr. Cardwell-Hampton; no fiscal or statutory changes are imposed

Notable Details

  • The resolution includes a formal clause allowing for a prepared copy to be presented, omitting certain procedural elements after presentation.

This memorial serves to publicly honor Dr. Cardwell-Hampton’s achievements and her impact on Tennessee students and communities served by Walters State Community College.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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