Cannon is a proud alumna with more than 30 years of business and leadership experience
When Sherrie Cannon stepped into action on what began as an ordinary workday this summer, her quick thinking and calm under pressure made all the difference.
Cannon, associate director for professional development and an adjunct instructor in Tennessee Tech University’s College of Business, was recently recognized by the Putnam County Commission with the “Lifesaver Award” after helping revive a colleague who went into sudden cardiac arrest.
“I can’t stress the importance of a team more than this,” Cannon said, recalling that day on a recent episode of Tech’s “College Town Talk” podcast. “The Tennessee Tech Police Department, the Putnam County Ambulance Service and I were truly a team that day.”
Cannon, a former first responder with nearly seven years of experience working for the Putnam County Emergency Medical Service, assisted Tech Chief of Police Fred Nichols in performing CPR on the colleague, who had become unresponsive, while Sergeant Jeff “Bull” Bulakowski quickly retrieved an AED.
Cannon counts it a miracle that, later that evening, she was able to visit her colleague in the hospital and find him conscious, sitting upright and making conversation.
“It was mind-boggling,” Cannon recalled. “Until you have that experience, it’s something you can’t fully explain. It reminds us not to take for granted what we have every day.”
That sense of gratitude and purpose carries over to every part of Cannon’s work at Tech. A proud alumna with more than 30 years of business and leadership experience in the Upper Cumberland, Cannon has long been a fixture in both the local business community and on Tech’s campus. She helps lead the Professional Readiness and Leadership (PRL) program, which prepares students to enter the workforce with confidence and professionalism.
“Today’s students need mentors — not just people who give advice, but people they can relate to, build relationships with and grow with,” Cannon said. “For me, coming back to my alma mater was an easy fit.”
The PRL program helps students develop essential career skills through resume workshops, interview preparation, dining etiquette training and leadership development. One of its most popular initiatives, the Scarlett & Murphy Business Professional Closet, provides free professional attire to any Tech student in need.
“The closet is completely donor-generated,” Cannon said. “Students can come in, get professional clothing and feel confident going into an interview or presentation. It’s a wonderful opportunity to serve students — and it’s run by students for students.”
That student-centered spirit defines much of Cannon’s work. She’s known for her focus on experiential learning, helping students take business concepts beyond the classroom through partnerships with companies such as Jamie’s Eats and Sweets, Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg, and even through courses like “Leadership the Disney Way,” which included a visit to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando – an innovative approach to learning that help land Cannon the university’s 2023-2024 Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award, among other honors.
“It’s so important for students to learn in the classroom. But there’s this added value of being able to go out and take the knowledge that you’ve learned and apply it,” Cannon explained. “And I think that’s one of the most unique things that we are doing right now in the College of Business.”
Her impact extends beyond academics, too. Cannon has been a perennial crowd favorite at “Heating Up the Quad,” Tech’s chili, soup and dessert cook-off benefiting the Michelle Huddleston Memorial Food Pantry. Her award-winning desserts — including her grandmother’s famous “Meemaw’s fudge” and a tropical Key lime cake — are a hit among students and staff alike.
“Heating Up the Quad was always a great opportunity for staff and faculty to just get out and communicate with the students,” said Cannon. “And they get to see a different side of us … They get to see, we’re human too, and we like to do fun things.”
Despite her many titles — instructor, mentor, entrepreneur, lifesaver — Cannon remains humble about the recognition she’s received.
“It’s rewarding in so many ways,” she said. “It means I’ve helped create an environment where students feel supported, valued and confident enough to grow. College isn’t just about academics; it’s about relationships and life beyond the classroom.”
For Cannon, Tech has been a lifelong part of her story — from meeting her husband in freshman English class to returning years later to help lead the next generation of business professionals.
“It’s amazing the things that Tennessee Tech has done for me,” said Cannon. “But I think more than anything, it’s opened more doors than I ever imagined possible.”
Listen to Cannon’s full “College Town Talk” interview on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, YouTube and other platforms.
Learn more at www.tntech.edu/collegetowntalk.
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