State-endorsed nonprofit university WGU Tennessee today announced it will award 10 Tennesseans $10,000 scholarships as part of its new “Tenn-K” Scholarship program. “WGU Tennessee was founded to set the gold standard for affordable, quality online education customized to the busy lives of working adults,” said Dr. Kimberly K. Estep, WGU Tennessee chancellor. “The ‘Tenn-K’ Scholarship—in both its size and its name—reflects our commitment to helping more working adults in our state ‘go the distance’ and complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree in 2015.” The scholarship, which covers more than 80 percent of WGU Tennessee’s already-low tuition of $3,000 per term …

MP&F client Nashville Technology Council has received an $850,000 grant from the governor’s office as part of the Labor Education Alignment Program, part three of Gov. Haslam’s Drive to 55 initiative. Read the full story, which ran in the Dec. 17 issue of the Nashville Business Journal, below. The Nashville Technology Council has landed an $850,000 grant from the governor’s office, money that council CEO Bryan Huddleston says will be used to foster collaboration between businesses and local colleges and to develop a home-grown pipeline of technical talent in Middle Tennessee. The grant is part of the Labor Education Alignment Program, the third component of Gov. …

For the eighth year in a row, nonprofit Western Governors University—parent university of WGU Tennessee—has been named a Top School by Military Advanced Education (MAE) in its upcoming 2015 Guide to Colleges & Universities. The annual guide highlights institutions that provide the best educational options and fit for military service members, veterans, and their families. WGU was selected as a military-friendly school because it meets the needs of service members in areas such as affordability, flexibility, and online support services. WGU’s online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs are approved for tuition assistance for active-duty, reserve, and National Guard personnel. Veterans …

The Hermitage, Home of President Andrew Jackson announced today that it will launch its first large-scale change to its space in 25 years with a new exhibit on Jan. 8, 2015 commemorating the bicentennial anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans, where Jackson led a small group of American soldiers to a decisive victory in the War of 1812. In addition, all military personnel, active and retired, will be allowed in free in 2015. Read more in the Nov. 24 edition of The Tennessean. Hermitage Celebrates Andrew Jackson With New Exhibit The Hermitage on Monday announced a new $1.1 million exhibit as …

This weekend was the 72nd running of The Santa Train, an Appalachian Christmas tradition which is co-hosted by MP&F client CSX. Celebrity guest Amy Grant passed out toys, food and goods to children at the various stops along the 110-mile route. Read more about Amy’s experience in the Nov. 23 edition of The Tennessean. Santa Train Keeps Christmas On Track KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Christmas came a month early for hundreds of country girls and boys Saturday as the Santa Train merrily moseyed through rural Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee. A 110-mile magical sleigh ride along the rails, this Appalachian holiday tradition …

Amazon’s Charleston fulfillment center Senior Operations Manager Scott Campbell was recently profiled in the Nov. 10 issue of the Cleveland Daily Banner. Campbell is one of many military veterans who have found careers at Amazon. The company is always looking to hire more veterans with the help of its dedicated military recruiting team made up of veterans from all branches of the armed forces. Scott Campbell using veteran’s talents Bronze Star recipient making difference at Amazon Recent statistics show the unemployment rate for veterans runs slightly higher than the country at large. That is happening despite the fact service members …

Through the Amazon Career Choice Program offered to eligible employees, the company will pre-pay 95 percent of tuition at accredited schools up to $12,000 over four years. Brent Lancaster, an associate at Amazon’s Lebanon fulfillment center, is one of many employees using this generous benefit. Read his story in the Nov. 14 issue of The Lebanon Democrat. Tuition program helps educate employees Indications show that the country’s future workforce has to be educated, and one company is providing its employees with a boost for their future. The Amazon Career Choice Program launched in July 2012, and at least one Lebanon Amazon …