Tennessee Tech University Executive and Leadership Team

Lisa Zagumny, the President at Tennessee Tech University, architects the overarching strategic vision for the institution, focusing on academic expansion and research excellence. Zagumny directs the university's efforts to maintain high standards in STEM and liberal arts education while fostering partnerships with industry leaders. By overseeing the allocation of institutional resources, the President ensures that faculty and students possess the necessary support to achieve significant scholarly outcomes. This leadership role involves representing the university to external stakeholders, including government officials and donors, to secure funding for campus development. Lisa Zagumny drives initiatives that enhance the university's reputation as a premier public institution in the region. Through the implementation of long-term growth strategies, Zagumny strengthens the university's competitive position, ensuring that the institution continues to provide high-quality education and career preparation for students across all degree programs.

Kristen Pennycuff, the President at Tennessee Tech University, manages the operational execution of the university's mission, specifically focusing on community engagement and regional economic development. Pennycuff oversees the integration of academic programs with local industry needs, ensuring that graduates possess the skills required for the modern workforce. By directing the university's outreach efforts, the President cultivates relationships with regional businesses to create internship and employment opportunities for students. This role involves collaborating with the Board to refine institutional policies that promote student success and faculty retention. Kristen Pennycuff drives the development of campus facilities and infrastructure to accommodate growing enrollment numbers in nursing and business programs. Through the strategic management of university operations, Pennycuff ensures that the institution remains a vital contributor to the economic and social fabric of the region, consistently delivering value to students and the broader community.

David Hales, the Chief Technology Officer at Tennessee Tech University, directs the development and maintenance of advanced technical infrastructure across the campus. Hales manages the integration of high-performance computing resources to support complex engineering and science research initiatives. By overseeing the deployment of scalable network solutions, the Chief Technology Officer ensures seamless connectivity for faculty and students engaged in data-intensive projects. This leadership role involves collaborating with academic departments to implement cutting-edge software tools that enhance the learning environment. David Hales drives the digital transformation of campus facilities, ensuring that technological assets align with the university's mission of providing top-tier STEM education. Through the optimization of hardware procurement and system security protocols, Hales maintains a robust digital ecosystem that supports the diverse educational needs of the entire university community while facilitating long-term institutional growth.

Jennifer Chavez, the Chief Information Officer at Tennessee Tech University, manages the enterprise data architecture and information security frameworks essential for academic operations. Chavez oversees the implementation of administrative software systems that streamline student enrollment, financial aid processing, and faculty record management. By directing the university's cybersecurity strategy, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive institutional data against evolving digital threats. This role requires constant coordination with the Board and administrative leadership to ensure that information technology investments directly support the university's strategic goals. Jennifer Chavez drives the adoption of cloud-based platforms to improve operational efficiency across all departments. Through the rigorous management of data governance policies, Chavez ensures compliance with federal regulations while providing reliable access to information resources for the entire campus population, ultimately strengthening the university's capacity for data-driven decision-making and administrative excellence.

Amanda Mainord, the Chapter Advisor at Tennessee Tech University, guides student organizations in aligning extracurricular activities with the university's core values of leadership and professional development. Mainord oversees the governance of student chapters, ensuring that all activities adhere to institutional policies and promote a positive campus culture. By mentoring student leaders, the Chapter Advisor facilitates the growth of soft skills and organizational management capabilities among the student body. This role involves coordinating with faculty and administrative staff to provide resources for student-led initiatives that enhance the overall collegiate experience. Amanda Mainord drives the expansion of student engagement programs, fostering a sense of community and belonging across diverse academic disciplines. Through the consistent application of mentorship and oversight, Mainord ensures that student organizations remain productive, inclusive, and focused on achieving meaningful contributions to the university's vibrant campus life and broader educational mission.