Dyersburg State Community College (DSCC) is proud to announce that Catelyn Cochran, Ed.S., Dean of Distance Education & Instructional Development, has been selected as one of only 13 participants in the Tennessee Board of Regents’ (TBR) inaugural Emerging Leaders Fellowship Class of 2027.
The Emerging Leaders Fellowship was created to cultivate the leadership potential of rising professionals and administrators within Tennessee’s community colleges and colleges of applied technology. The inaugural cohort includes faculty and staff representing institutions across the state who have demonstrated exceptional leadership promise and a commitment to advancing student success.
“We are incredibly proud of Catelyn and this well-deserved recognition,” said Dr. Scott Cook, President of Dyersburg State Community College. “Her dedication to innovative teaching and learning, student success, and institutional excellence has made a significant impact on our college. We are excited to see her continue to grow as a leader through this prestigious fellowship.”
Since July 2022, Cochran has served as Director of Distance Education & Instructional Development at DSCC, where she leads initiatives related to online learning, curriculum design, instructional innovation, and faculty development. In her role, she oversees the college’s distance education programs and works closely with faculty to enhance teaching and learning experiences for students across all DSCC locations.
Prior to her current position, Cochran served as Assistant Director for Teaching and Learning and as an Instructional Designer at DSCC. Before entering higher education, she spent nearly nine years as a science teacher in the Gibson County Special School District and served as a Standards Training Facilitator for the Tennessee Department of Education.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee at Martin, Cochran earned a Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. She later completed an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Liberty University. She also holds multiple ACUE microcredentials focused on student-centered course design, inclusive learning environments, and active learning strategies.
The fellowship begins with an orientation session in December and continues through April with monthly meetings focused on leadership development, higher education operations and governance, innovative problem-solving, and professional networking. The program aims to prepare participants for future leadership roles while strengthening Tennessee’s public higher education system.
DSCC congratulates Cochran on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to her continued contributions to the college and the students it serves.