Donna Brogdon, Associate Professor and Director of the Business Department, has been teaching students at Cleveland State Community College for 33 years. With a career in human resources, she was an adjunct instructor for 19 years, working during the day and teaching classes at night. In 2012, she joined the business faculty full-time.
“I love what I do, and I love the people that I work with; Cleveland State is a family to me,” Brogdon said. “I have a real passion for helping students be successful. I try to do everything that I can to help them. One of the blessings of having worked in industry is being able to use my experiences to help students.”
Brogdon spent 18 years in the nonprofit sector, gaining experience as a proofreader, copy editor and finance administrator. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration as well as a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in organizational management from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga.
Her degrees opened the door to a career in human resources. In 1988, Brogdon became the office manager for a manufacturing company and soon became the Human Resources (HR) Director. After five years, she joined the Electric Power Board (EPB) in Chattanooga where she served as an HR Specialist for seven years before transitioning to full-time teaching at Cleveland State.
Along with teaching business classes on campus, she works with Cleveland State’s dual credit program at local high schools, supporting courses in Introduction to Business, Business Communications, Personal Finance and Entrepreneurship. Through a partnership with Junior Achievement of the Ocoee Region, students complete course modules and final projects for the courses. Brogdon meets with the students throughout the term to give support and be sure they are on the right path.
“When I started, there were 30 students in five counties in the dual credit program,” Brogdon said. “Last year, 204 students were successful in the program. We estimated that these students saved over $150,000 in college tuition.”
In July, Brogdon served as the keynote speaker at the Junior Achievement Annual Meeting to highlight this growing program.
“Donna Brogdon’s invitation to serve as keynote speaker reflects her dedication to expanding educational opportunities for students and strengthening partnerships that benefit our communities,” said Dr. Sandra Godsey, Dean of Career and Industry Programs. “Through our collaboration with Junior Achievement and local school systems, we are creating more pathways for students to earn dual credit, explore career options, and gain a head start on their college education. Donna’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing these efforts, and we are proud to see her represent our institution while highlighting the value of partnerships that prepare students for lifelong success.”
Brogdon was honored with the Service Learning Award at Cleveland State as well as the Distinguished Faculty Member award in 2020.
She lives on her family farm in a four-generation home that includes her daughter, grandson and his wife, and her 8-year-old great-granddaughter, along with three cats and a dog.
Brogdon’s father instilled in her a strong sense of commitment to the places where she works. He taught his children that they should take ownership and care about the organization as if it were their own.
“My daddy always taught me that when I got a job, it would not be just a job. I should work for the company as if it was my company,” Brogdon said. “I have felt that way since my first job at 18 to where I am today.”
After decades in business, human resources and education, this is a lesson she has carried through her career and one she continues to model for her students and colleagues.