Dyersburg State Community College (DSCC) is proud to celebrate Athletic Director Steve Cornelison, who has been named to the 2026-27 Tennessee Community College Athletic Association (TCCAA) Hall of Fame Class.
The TCCAA announced the 2026-27 class on Nov. 4, recognizing Steve Cornelison alongside Johnny Littrell, who served as Columbia State’s head softball coach for 15 years and athletic director for six years; Jerry Nichols, who was a two-time NJCAA All-American basketball player at Walters State and is the current head coach for the Senators; and Dave Shelton, who is the current head coach for the Walters State baseball program and the winningest coach in the program’s history. Steve Cornelison has been associated with the TCCAA for more than 25 years and currently serves as athletic director at Dyersburg State.
“Steve Cornelison has built an extraordinary legacy in Tennessee community college athletics, and we are fortunate that he is continuing that work at Dyersburg State,” said Dr. Amanda Walker, Vice President of External Affairs and Steve Cornelison’s nominator for the Hall of Fame. “His leadership has brought greater opportunity, accountability, collaboration, and vision to our athletic programs. I was honored to nominate him for the TCCAA Hall of Fame, and I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition.”
Before joining DSCC, Steve Cornelison served as athletic director at Jackson State Community College from 2001 to 2024 and coached the baseball program until 2012. During his tenure, he led significant improvements to athletic facilities, expanded opportunities for student-athletes, and emphasized academic achievement, community service, and student development. As a baseball coach, he accumulated more than 400 career wins.
At Dyersburg State, Steve Cornelison continues that commitment to building athletic programs focused on opportunity, achievement, and the overall student-athlete experience.
“Steve Cornelison’s selection to the TCCAA Hall of Fame is a fitting recognition of a career that has helped shape community college athletics across Tennessee,” said Dyersburg State President Dr. Scott Cook. “His accomplishments as a coach and athletic administrator are impressive, and his greatest legacy is found in the lives he has influenced. Mr. Cornelison understands that community college athletics transcends competition, and at its heart, the student experience is about providing opportunity, shaping character, and changing lives. We are incredibly fortunate that he chose to bring his experience, leadership, and passion to Dyersburg State, and I am proud that his contributions are being recognized in this meaningful way.”
The TCCAA cited Steve Cornelison’s record of strengthening athletic programs while supporting the holistic development of student-athletes. During his leadership at Jackson State, student-athlete retention, graduation, and transfer rates consistently exceeded state and national averages, according to the association.
His selection to the Hall of Fame recognizes a career dedicated to advancing community college athletics and creating opportunities for student-athletes to succeed in competition, in the classroom, and beyond.
The full TCCAA Hall of Fame announcement is available on the TCCAA website at https://www.tjccaa.com/general/2026-27/releases/20261104ee9bew.