Foundation Student Life

Northeast State Foundation’s Josh Johnson wins first Chili Cookoff competition

by northeastnation

The votes are in from Tuesday’s first Chili Cookoff sponsored by the Northeast State Argumentation and Debate Team.

Hats off to our contest winner and well-known gastronome Josh Johnson of the Northeast State Foundation office. His smoky chipotle chili earned the most votes from those who sampled the entries.

Speech Professor Ruth Livingston and members of the Argumentation and Debate Team presented Johnson with the first Chili Cup trophy on Wednesday morning. Joseph Jenkins, a student in instructor Daniel Arnett’s Geometrical Dimension and Toler class, designed and processed the Chili Cup via 3-D printer in the Technical Education Complex.

Held in the Locke Humanities Building, the contest featured 18 delicious chili offerings made from across campus. The contest raised more than $800 for the award-winning Northeast State Debate Team. Johnson also donated $100 to the Debate Team. Thanks to all our chefs, the samplers who gave the chilis the taste test, and the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences team for their help.

Building Futures: Apprenticeships That Work - The Sound Bearier

What does an apprenticeship look like in 2026, and why are more students and employers turning to them as a pathway to success? On this episode of The Sound Bearier, co-hosts Thomas Wilson and Mackenzie Moore-Gent sit down with Northeast State Community College Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development Holly Free-Ollard and Director of Apprenticeships Dawn Carter to explore how apprenticeships are changing lives across the region. From hands-on training and paid work experience to partnerships with local industries, the conversation dives into how Northeast State is helping students gain real-world skills while meeting workforce needs throughout the Tri-Cities. Whether you're a student exploring career options or an employer looking to invest in the future workforce, this episode highlights the impact and opportunity behind apprenticeship programs at Northeast State. #NortheastState #TheSoundBearier #Apprenticeships #WorkforceDevelopment #HereToGetYouThere #WereJustGettingStarted Chapters (00:00:08) - Sound Bearier(00:00:57) - The Office of Apprenticeships at Northeast State Community College(00:05:55) - What is the Knoxville Regional Apprenticeship Program?(00:07:46) - Employment and Training: How do we help our workers?(00:09:28) - What kind of training does an apprentice get?(00:11:32) - What are employers telling you that they need in the future or what(00:15:56) - Are these credits transferable if they do want to eventually pursue an(00:19:53) - What is the Apprenticeship Program at Northeast State University?(00:22:29) - National Apprenticeship Week Celebration(00:24:58) - What types of gaps are employers seeking to fill with their apprenticeships(00:29:23) - What are the opportunities for apprenticeships in healthcare?(00:36:08) - Do Advanced Manufacturing Partners Need an Apprenticeship Program?