First impressions inspire 45-year career
Photos by Travis Tapley and Richard Hawkins
F irst impressions can be everlasting . Ask Jerry King .
As the sun prepares to set on his 45-year career at Trinity Valley Community College , King remembers his first day in the fall of 1975 and the influence it had on him .
“ To this day , I remember that day and people I first met ,” King said . “ I immediately sensed the family atmosphere , the positive work environment and commitment to students that still exists today .”
When King first joined the college ( then Henderson County Junior College ) as a business / economics professor , he was the youngest faculty member on campus . He will enter the retirement phase of his life at age 72 at the end of the day on May 31 , doing so having served as president the last seven years . But back to his first day . “ The people I met that day made an impression on me as I was just beginning my career ,” King said . “ People like Dr . T . M . Harvey ( president ), Bob Baccarini and CJ ( Connie Russell ) had a genuine love for the college and the students .”
King also said early on in his career he developed great working relationships and friendships with Terry Spurlock , Mike Hopson , W . P . ( Rip ) Drumgoole , Ray Williams and Mike Peek .
After three years , King left his full-time position at the college briefly for three years in 1978 . He became part-owner of The Sports Scene ( sporting goods store ) in Athens , though he continued as an adjunct professor at the college .
Greater Athens Magazine | May 2023 | 19
He returned to a full-time position in 1981 and knew it would be his forever place of employment .
“ When I came back , I knew then it was my forever job ,” King said . “ It was at that point it felt like a calling and I knew I wanted to have a role in making a difference in the lives of students .”
In 1985 , King was named Dean of Workforce Education , a position he would hold until 2009 , when he was promoted to Vice President of Instruction . He would occupy that position until being named President in the spring of 2016 . In the meantime , King , influenced and encouraged by longtime TVCC President Dr . Ron Baugh , became active in community affairs . Among his many acts of service to the community through the years was serving as mayor of Athens from 1995-2005 .
“ Ron encouraged us all to become active by giving back to our communities and service organizations ,” King said . “ I went to him with the idea I wanted to run for mayor , and he fully supported the decision .