Women of Vision to showcase press box renovation during Homecoming week

Click for info. on Homecoming 2021

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman University’s Women of Vision (WOV) will showcase their work to upgrade the football press box at Burke-Tarr Stadium Saturday, Oct. 30.

Before and after photos of the 2020 project will be on display at the WOV homecoming tent on the East side of Henderson Lawn, central to Carson-Newman’s campus.

“We all love Carson-Newman and we want a great place to be even better,” said WOV chair Susan Davis. “If we can make different areas nicer for the students who come in while they’re here—if we can make a difference for them we think it’s great. We’re so happy.”

The foundational Women of Vision mission is to support the Carson-Newman experience by nurturing truth, enhancing beauty and enriching goodness.

The $5,500 project included new countertops, cabinetry with space for food and supplies, a sink, and permanent workstations. These improvements benefit Carson-Newman staff and student workers, as well as visiting schools’ staff and media members.

WOV completed the renovation in time for the ill-fated fall 2020 season, but it sat unused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, it is finally serving its purpose.

“We’re so thankful that the Women of Vision selected this space to upgrade,” Carson-Newman Associate AD for Athletic Communications and External Operations Adam Cavalier said. “I’ve often said that the game day experience of covering Carson-Newman football is one that is unparalleled. This accentuates our facilities and keeps us at the forefront of being able to offer top tier hospitality and game day events coverage.”

On game days, Carson-Newman’s press box accommodates the Eagles Sports Network, Carson-Newman’s coaching staff, visiting schools’ coaching and media staff, reporters and photographers, officiating crews and more. A pre-game meal is served with a press box attendant ensuring the various staffs’ needs are met throughout the game.

Project coordinator Allison Pelham drew up a design and worked with Standard Kitchen and Bath, Skipper and Debbie Bean, and the “C-N Boys” to bring it to life. Carson-Newman and SAC Hall of Fame quarterback Danny Sanders and wife Suzanne graciously provided the installation of the project in the off-season.

“We can’t do this without the donors,” Davis said. “So it was a great collaborative effort between the donors, the workers and our project chair. It was great seeing everyone work together to make this project happen.”

Bean, who is the immediate former co-chair of WOV, said the previous setup of folding tables did not meet the standards of an otherwise impressive athletic facility. 

“We love our school and we want to be able to do anything we can to make it better. In this case, when we took a look we were embarrassed,” Bean said. “It was an obvious need, and I think anyone who sees the before and after pictures would agree that that need has been met.” 

Each fall, WOV sends out project proposal forms for faculty and staff to submit requests for projects they believe will enhance the truth, beauty and goodness of Carson-Newman University. The press box renovation was one of several completed during 2020, despite the challenge presented by the pandemic.

Carson-Newman will celebrate Homecoming 2021 on Saturday, Oct. 30. Events are planned throughout the week. Click here for more information or to register for events.