Tammie Corder’s journey at VU highlights the undeniable impact of seizing opportunities. Her summer internship as a VU student with the Knox County Prosecutor’s Office gave her real-world experience. After graduating in 1994, her Legal Studies degree and that internship quickly opened the door to a position with her hometown’s Prosecutor’s Office. Tammie credits VU for setting the stage for her success and knows she’s not alone—many high-level professionals she knows began their journey at VU because it is the smartest way to start. Tammie is the Senior Director of Residential Sales and Operations for Metronet Fiber.

Her story is not just about personal achievement; it’s a powerful reminder of what can happen when we choose to embrace our potential and make the most of every opportunity.

In this Q&A Alumni Spotlight, Tammie discusses the opportunities that gave her a significant advantage after graduation and how she's cheering on her son as he follows in her VU footsteps.

Q: Why did you choose VU?

“VU was affordable and allowed me to obtain a degree in two years – this gave me the ability to decide if I wanted to go into the workforce after two years or continue my education. As it turns out, I was able to find a job that paid me well and helped pay for my continuing education.”

Q: Why did you choose VU’s Legal Studies program?

“I chose the Paralegal degree for the versatility it offered. All the traditional legal business courses were included, and I found them very interesting. What was most impressive to me was the ability to take this degree and apply it across multiple career paths. Some students went to work right away as a paralegal, and others went to law school. Some students (like me) went into various sectors of the business world. For most of my career, I’ve worked in the utility industry. This is an industry with governing agencies at both the state and federal levels and regulatory compliance is crucial. VU gave me the skills to fully research, interpret, and apply regulatory codes to remain compliant with the company’s policy and business procedures.”

Q: Describe your VU journey.

“The highlight for me was the ability to stay at VU during the summer and complete an internship with the Knox County Prosecutor’s Office. The real-time experience I received there complemented my coursework. Soon after I graduated, I was able to use that internship experience to get a job with the local Prosecutor’s Office in my hometown.”

Q: What at VU had the biggest impact on your career?

“I credit VU directly for preparing me for the workforce. Our instructors worked alongside us as we prepared resumes, applied for roles in the workforce, and prepared us for the interview process. As a graduating student, I was so grateful for this guidance. I would not have been successful if not for these instructors!”

Q: What advice would you give to prospective students?

“Don’t feel like you must attend a large, 4-year university. There are plenty of paths to career success, and VU is a great place to begin your education and get the attention and focus you need in your field of study. I know many men and women in high-level executive roles who began their education at VU, and each person would tell you it was the best path to get started towards their chosen profession.”

Q: Why is VU special to you?

“VU is incredibly special to me…more than ever because of my son. He has grown up hearing my stories of VU and how much I loved my time there. He has really embraced the campus activities, which – as his mom- I am thrilled about. He also loves exploring the town and the local shops and eateries. I’m excited to visit him and watch his performances as part of the Blues Ensemble!”

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