Dyersburg State Community College held its third annual Boots and Bow Ties fundraiser on Saturday, October 10, at the E.H. Lannom, Jr. Gymnasium. Dyersburg State Community College celebrated another successful Boots and Bow Ties fundraiser on Saturday, October 10, bringing together community members, alumni, and supporters, and raising $23,715 to support students and College priorities.

Sponsors and attendees enjoyed a barbecue dinner and an energetic performance by the 24Seven Band. Guests also participated in live and silent auctions, line dancing, and cornhole games, helping create an atmosphere of fun, fellowship, and generosity.

Each year, DSCC presents the Outstanding Alumni Award to individuals who have excelled in their careers, given back to their communities, and served as positive role models. During the event, Ms. Edith Carlton, DSCC Alumni Standing Committee member, recognized Mr. Cole Shelton as the Fall 2026 Outstanding Alumnus.

Shelton, a 2007 graduate of Dyersburg State Community College, is one of the most accomplished baseball players in the program’s history. A DSCC All-American and recipient of the Rawlings Big Stick Award, he set multiple school records and earned First Team All-TJCCAA and All-Region VII honors before continuing his baseball career at the University of Alabama and the University of Memphis. Today, Shelton is a respected wealth management and financial planning professional recognized as one of Tennessee’s top financial advisors. He and his wife, Ellen, live in Dyersburg with their two daughters and remain active in their community through church, coaching, mentoring, and volunteer service.

Thanks to the generosity of guests, donors, sponsors, and volunteers, Dyersburg State raised approximately $23,715 through scholarships, donations, ticket sales, and event activities. Of that total, $3,645 was raised specifically for the Alumni Scholarship Fund, with net proceeds from the remaining funds supporting the Area of Greatest Need at Dyersburg State.

DSCC President Dr. Scott Cook reflected on the event’s impact, saying, “Boots and Bow Ties is much more than a fundraiser. It is a celebration of what can happen when a community comes together to invest in students and their futures. The generosity of our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and attendees will create opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals and succeed. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this event possible.”

DSCC sincerely appreciates every donor and sponsor who contributed to the event’s success. Event sponsors included:

Platinum Sponsor ($2,000 level)
• The YMCA of Memphis and the Mid-South

Gold Sponsors ($1,500 level)
• Ford Tennessee Truck Plant
• Kirk Farms
• Mojo’s Sports Bar & Grill
• RapidCare
• Rough Country

Silver Sponsors ($1,000 level)
• Dot Foods
• TCAT Northwest
• Linkous
• Mars Snacking
• The President’s Table (Dr. Scott and Meghan Cook, Dr. Karen Bowyer, and Dr. Carl and Monica Andersen)
• Cary and Lilania Vaughn
• Dr. Amanda Walker

Bronze Sponsors ($500 level)
• Clark Distributing Company
• Ford Construction Company
• Park National Bank
• West Tennessee Healthcare

Friend of DSCC Sponsors ($100)
• John and Beth Feith
• Syd and Larenda Fultz
• Security Bank
• Danny and Susan Walden

The support and involvement of all participants reflect Dyersburg State’s ongoing commitment to student success and community engagement. The College looks forward to building on this momentum and welcoming supporters back for another memorable Boots and Bow Ties event next year. For more information on how you can help support Dyersburg State and its students, please contact Dr. Amanda Walker, Vice President of External Affairs, at amanda@dscc.edu.