GRAD Leader to Retire June 30

Knoxville, TN – Knox Education Foundation senior staff member Vrondelia “Ronni” Chandler, Project GRAD Executive Director will retire on June 30. Established in 2001, Project GRAD infuses hope and provides opportunities that expand college/career access and success, with a particular focus on students from less advantaged communities, addressing barriers in the process.

Chandler was a member of the study group that identified the national GRAD program as an innovative program to be implemented in Knoxville. She joined GRAD Knoxville at startup in 2001 after a 23-year career in higher education with Pellissippi State Community College. Since that time, she has served as program director and held several roles including curriculum manager, chief operations officer, and associate executive director. Chandler was named GRAD Executive Director and CEO in 2014. Chandler is a Knoxville native and graduate of Austin-East High School, Pellissippi State, Tusculum University, and Johnson University.