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Dr. Gary Gravely
May 8, 2018
By Bob Fowler
Roane State staff writer
It’s the variety of what he teaches that appeals to Dr. Gary Gravely.
One day, the Assistant Professor of English may be lecturing about the Roman Empire. The next, he could be discussing the poet John Milton in one class and evaluating news sources and their reliability in another.
The day after that, Gravely might be teaching his students about early Christianity.
“My plan is to make my career here,” Gravely said of his job at Roane State Community College’s Cumberland County campus. “I enjoy the atmosphere and the diversity of classes.”
Gravely wrapped up his first year as an assistant professor at Roane State following two years as a full-time instructor. He teaches Introduction to the Humanities, Composition I and II, and American Literature I and II. He also instructs a class (Intro. to the Humanities) at the college’s Fentress County campus.
His Roane State career started after a two-year stint as a teacher at White County High School followed by graduate school. “I really like the students (at Roane State),” he said. “Everyone is committed to learning…I’ve found the (Roane State) students are engaged and ready to learn.”
Gravely also said he enjoys the different types of students at the college. Some are traditional pupils just out of high school while other students are older, nontraditional enrollees. Teaching older students who are military veterans “is always a joy because they’re so committed,” he said.
Gravely received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in History and English, respectively, from Tennessee Technological University and completed his Ph.D. in English at Middle Tennessee State University.
To learn more about Roane State’s Cumberland County campus, visit roanestate.edu/cumberland or call (931) 456-9880. Remember, eligible adults can now attend Roane State tuition-free with the new Reconnect grant. Learn more at roanestate.edu/reconnect.
Roane State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity or national origin, sex, disability, age, status as protected veteran or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulation and by Tennessee board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities. View full non-discrimination policy.
