Dyersburg State Community College (DSCC) welcomed former DSCC athletes, alumni, supporters, community leaders, and friends to the Dyersburg Campus on September 22 for the inaugural DSCC Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner & Lighting the Future Campaign kickoff. The evening honored outstanding Eagle athletes, alumni, faculty, and supporters while raising funds for the college’s Lighting the Future Campaign baseball and softball fields.
Held at the Jeff Agee Baseball Field, the event celebrated individuals whose achievements, leadership, and dedication have made a lasting impact on Dyersburg State and the communities it serves. The evening also highlighted the importance of investing in the next generation of student-athletes by improving the college’s athletic facilities. “This event was a wonderful opportunity to honor the remarkable individuals who have helped shape the legacy of Dyersburg State while bringing our community together to invest in the future of our student-athletes,” said Dr. Scott Cook, president of Dyersburg State Community College. “The support shown for the Lighting the Future Campaign reflects the strong connection our alumni and friends continue to have with the college.”
The evening featured the induction of eight distinguished individuals into Dyersburg State’s inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame class and a special performance of the National Anthem by DSCC alumnus and guest entertainer Freeman Arthur. Guests enjoyed a catered dinner prepared by the DSCC Culinary Arts Program under the direction of Chef Bryson Yelverton and served by student-athletes from the Eagle baseball and softball programs, whose contributions helped make the celebration a success.
The 2026 Hall of Fame inductees were:
- Danny Walden, Class of 1971
- Jeff Agee, Class of 1981
- Sarah Alley, Class of 1993
- Heather Vaughn-Stanfill, Class of 2001
- Cole Shelton, Class of 2007
- William Woods, Class of 2018
- John “Jack” Overbey, longtime faculty member and coach
- Dr. Karen Bowyer, DSCC President Emerita
The College also recognized the generous sponsors whose support helped make the Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner possible. Gold Sponsors included Dr. Buck Tarpley; Jeff and Jolie Agee; the E.H. Lannom, Jr. and June F. Lannom Charitable Trust; and The Shelton Group, Baird Private Wealth Management. Bronze Sponsors included Dr. Karen Bowyer, ERMCO, Signature HealthCare, and TN State Representative Chris Hurt and Dawn Hurt. These sponsors’ partnership and commitment to Dyersburg State Community College play a vital role in advancing opportunities for student-athletes and supporting the Lighting the Future Campaign.
Throughout the evening, attendees reflected on the inductees’ accomplishments in athletics, education, leadership, and service. Their stories demonstrated the lasting influence of Dyersburg State and the opportunities the college provides for students across West Tennessee. The event also recognized donors and sponsors whose generosity is helping advance the Lighting the Future Campaign, which will provide enhanced lighting for the DSCC baseball and softball fields and improve the student-athlete experience for years to come. Dyersburg State extends its appreciation to all attendees, sponsors, donors, volunteers, and community partners who contributed to the success of the Hall of Fame Dinner & Community Celebration and supported the continued growth of Eagle Athletics.
When you invest in the Lighting the Future Campaign, you are doing more than supporting Dyersburg State’s baseball and softball programs. Your gift helps create a premier athletic facility that will serve our students, attract regional and travel tournaments, and strengthen the economic vitality of our region.
The improved complex will provide student-athletes with enhanced opportunities to compete and succeed while positioning Dyersburg State as a destination for high school regional championships and travel ball events. These tournaments bring hundreds of athletes, families, and fans to our community, generating revenue for local restaurants, hotels, and businesses while showcasing all that Northwest Tennessee has to offer.
Your support leaves a lasting impact on student success, community growth, and regional economic development. Together, we can build a facility that benefits our students today and creates opportunities for generations to come. To make your gift and help light the future, visit: https://www.dscc.edu/about/give-to-dscc/annualfund/
For more information on how you can support the Lighting the Future Campaign, contact Dr. Amanda Walker, Vice President of External Affairs at amanda@dscc.edu.