We sit down with the partners and class members behind the Tennessee Agriculture and Forestry Leadership Program (TAFLIP), a new 18‑month, statewide initiative built to equip working producers and industry pros with the skills and networks to lead well beyond their operations.

A five‑week academy that changes careers—and cultures—doesn’t happen by accident. We sit down with Jeff Lindsay and Dereck Stewart from the Law Enforcement Innovation Center to unpack how the Southeastern Leadership Academy (SELA) helps mid‑level managers become clear communicators, thoughtful decision‑makers and credible leaders at every rank. From the program’s evolution beyond SECLA to its largest class yet, the story is about growth with purpose: stronger people, safer operations, and communities that feel the difference.

They're in your pocket, on your wrist, powering your car, and hiding in dozens of devices throughout your home and workplace. Lithium-ion batteries have silently revolutionized modern life, but their convenience masks significant danger that most people remain completely unaware of.

In this eye-opening discussion, safety experts from across the University of Tennessee system reveal why these energy-dense power sources demand our attention and respect.

The workplace is changing at breakneck speed, and Tennessee is actively responding to these shifts through innovative workforce development initiatives. This eye-opening conversation with workforce experts Tim Waldo and Autumn Derrick from the University of Tennessee's Center for Industrial Services reveals both encouraging progress and persistent challenges in our evolving labor market.

Contact Tim: [email protected]
Contact Autumn: [email protected]

For more information:

https://cis.tennessee.edu/economic-development

The Tennessee Language Center and Nashville Mayor's Office have pioneered an approach to civic communication that's transforming how local government connects with all residents. Through professional simultaneous interpretation, Mayor Freddie O'Connell's State of Metro addresses have reached over 6,000 Spanish-speaking Nashvillians who might otherwise miss critical information about property taxes, public safety initiatives, and the city's $3 billion transit improvement program.

The language barrier between law enforcement and the communities they serve presents unique challenges that impact both officer safety and public welfare. When 8.7% of Tennesseans speak a language other than English at home—with Spanish being the most common at 5.3%—police departments must adapt or risk serious communication failures during critical moments.

The University of Tennessee's Law Enforcement Innovation Center (LEIC) and Tennessee Language Center (TLC) have responded by developing an intensive Spanish training program specifically designed for officers.

Chief Freddie Montgomery of Clarksville Fire Rescue shares how watching his father battle blazes as a child shaped his future, including a poignant promise to "leave it better than you found it." MTAS consultants Donald Pinnell and Steve Cross reveal their unexpected paths into firefighting—one originally aiming for federal agency work, the other laid off from a chemical plant when a newspaper ad changed his life trajectory.

When public trust is at an all-time low and emergencies unfold at lightning speed, who prepares the people responsible for communicating critical information? The UT Law Enforcement Innovation Center offers a certification rapidly becoming the gold standard for public information officer training across the United States.

Join us as we discuss innovative programs initiated by the Law Enforcement Innovation Center and the Center for Human Identification, which aim to equip tribal law enforcement with the necessary tools and training to address MMIP cases more effectively. Hear firsthand accounts from experts in the field who share their insights on building stronger investigative methodologies, networking across agencies, and fostering community engagement.

Unlock the secrets of effective economic development with insights from Tennessee's experts! Join us on "In Touch with Tennessee" as we sit down with Tintin Czach from the Center for Industrial Services to explore the fascinating journey of the Tennessee Certified Economic Developer (TSEB) Program. From its humble beginnings with the Tennessee Basic Economic Development course in 2006 to its significant evolution in 2014, discover how this program has equipped leaders with the skills needed to drive economic growth.