#15/16 Lady Vols Ride Hot Shooting To 99-61 Win Over Auburn
Courtesy / UT Athletics

#15/16 Lady Vols Ride Hot Shooting To 99-61 Win Over Auburn

Posted on February 14, 2025

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The No. 15/16 Tennessee women’s basketball team shot a season-high 55.7 percent from the field and scored its most points against an SEC foe in 14 years to roll past Auburn, 99-61, on Thursday night at Food City Center. 

The Lady Vols (18-6, 5-6 SEC), who carded their highest output since a 110-45 home win over Alabama on Jan. 6, 2011, were led offensively by fifth-year guard Jewel Spear, who knocked down five three-pointers and finished with a team-high 17 points. The Big Orange had four others in double figures, including junior guard Ruby Whitehorn with 15, junior forward Zee Spearman with 14, redshirt freshman guard Kaniya Boyd with 11 and redshirt sophomore guard Talaysia Cooper with 10. 

The Tigers (12-13, 3-9 SEC) were paced by DeYona Gaston, who recorded a double-double of 24 points and 12 rebounds. Yuting Deng chipped in 13 points, with 10 of those coming in the first quarter before the Lady Vols limited her to 1-of-4 shooting the rest of the way.

Auburn opened the game in good form, hitting 50 percent over the opening six-plus minutes to grab a 7-2 lead behind 3-of-7 marksmanship from Deng. A Jillian Hollingshead kiss off the glass and a Spear three-pointer, however, narrowed the deficit to three, 14-11, by the 3:44 media timeout. The Lady Vols warmed up after the break, grabbing their first lead, 15-14, with 2:35 remaining. After AU jumped up 18-15, UT finished the frame on a 7-2 burst, getting a Boyd backdoor layup, a spinning Whitehorn layup and then a trey from Whitehorn to close out the period with a 22-20 edge.

Tennessee continued its momentum into the second stanza, building a 28-20 gap by the 8:29 mark on a Spearman free throw, Cooper three and Whitehorn layup. The Lady Vols then got an Alyssa Latham bank shot and Sara Puckett inside bucket to push ahead, 37-26, by the 4:31 media timeout, shooting 66.7 percent from the field to begin the quarter.  UT continued to pad its lead, moving up 41-28 on a Tess Darby trey, 44-30 on a Spear three and 48-32 on a Puckett layup before a Spearman put-back sent her team into the locker room with a 50-34 cushion behind 73.3-percent marksmanship in the second stanza. UT carved out a 28-14 advantage in paint points during the opening half.

Auburn was the aggressor early in the third frame, tallying four straight points to open the period and outscoring Tennessee, 12-8, to cut the deficit to 12, 58-46, by the 4:54 media timeout. The Tigers crept to within 11, 61-50, with 2:48 left, but a three-pointer from Hollingshead as the shot clock was winding down and an old-fashioned three-point play from Cooper moved the gap to 17. Then, a turnaround jumper by Cooper and a layup from Boyd sent the home team into the final frame with a game-best 71-52 margin.

Tennessee built its lead to 20, 74-54, on a three by Darby with 8:32 left and then extended it to 80-59 on back-to-back treys from Samara Spencer and Darby, forcing Auburn to ask for time with 5:29 remaining. A Boyd driving layup pushed the margin to 31, 90-59, with 3:15 to go, and an Avery Strickland driving layup with 39 seconds on the clock pushed her team within one of the century mark and closed out the scoring.

UP NEXT: Next on the schedule for the Lady Vols is a noon ET home matchup with RV/RV Ole Miss on Sunday at Food City Center. The contest will be streamed by SECN+ and also will be broadcast on Lady Vol Network radio stations statewide and via audio stream on UTSports.com. The matchup will be UT’s Black History Month game.

A JEWEL SPEAR SPECIAL:Jewel Spear tallied 17 points against Auburn on Thursday night, connecting on five of eight three-point attempts for her fourth game of 5+ treys this season. The fifth-year guard also finished with four assists, three rebounds and a pair of steals. Spear has carded 14 games thus far with 10 or more points, running her total to 108 for her career. The Colony, Texas, native has logged three consecutive games of ten points or more, dating back to Feb. 6 against UConn.

BIG ORANGE PRESSURE: The Tennessee defense forced Auburn to turn the ball over a total of 21 times. Fifteen of the Lady Vols foes thus far have committed at least 20 miscues. The Tennessee press resulted in a 10-second violation, and the inbound play defense forced a five-second infraction. The Big Orange has harassed opponents into 22 10-second violations thus far. The 10-second call happened at the 7:46 mark in the third quarter. UT forced a season-most five violations against Western Carolina on Nov. 26. 

TENNESSEE TREYS: Tennessee carded its 15th performance in 2024-25 with ten or more three-pointers in a single contest, knocking down 14 against Auburn. The 14 threes tie for sixth place in program history. Previously, UT also was first with 30 vs. N.C. Central, tied for third with 15 makes vs. Middle Tennessee and tied for sixth with 14 vs. Liberty and Tulsa. The Lady Vols have surpassed the previous school best of six for most games with double-digit three-pointer production.

HIGHEST FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE OF THE SEASON: Tennessee tallied its highest field goal percentage of the season, shooting 55.7 percent versus Auburn. The previous best was 53.0 vs. Winthrop on Dec. 29. The Lady Vols made 39 of 70 field goal attempts and bottomed 14 three-pointers. The Big Orange fired off a 73.3-percent showing in the second quarter and a 64.7-percent result in the final stanza. Ruby Whitehorn led the crew in field goals, sinking seven of 11, while Zee Spearman was six of eight and Jewel Spear five of nine, including a 5-of-8 night from the arc.

Jury Renders Sentence on First-Degree Murder Charges in Megan Boswell Trial

Jury Renders Sentence on First-Degree Murder Charges in Megan Boswell Trial

Posted on February 13, 2025

Sullivan County, TN (WOKI) UPDATE: Megan Boswell, the Sullivan County mom found guilty of murdering her 15 month-old daughter, Evelyn, will now spend decades behind bars.

The jury in the case rendering a unanimous sentence on the first-degree murder charges against Boswell Thursday afternoon, sentencing her to life in prison for each of the three murder charges against her.

The jury also found Boswell guilty on various child abuse and neglect charges, tampering with evidence, 11 counts of false report and abuse of a corpse. The judge Thursday setting a formal sentencing hearing on the remaining charges for May 22 at 1:30 p.m.

ORIGINAL STORY: The verdict is in and Megan Boswell is found guilty of all 19 charges in the death of her 15 month old daughter Evelyn in 2019.

Boswell was found guilty of the following charges:

  • First-degree premeditated murder
  • First-degree murder in the perpetration of aggravated child abuse
  • First-degree murder in the perpetration of aggravated child neglect
  • Aggravated child abuse
  • Aggravated child neglect
  • Tampering with evidence
  • 11 counts of false report
  • Abuse of a corpse
  • Failure to report a death under suspicious, unusual or unnatural circumstances

The next step will be to determine Megan’s sentence as Prosecutors have said they would not seek the death penalty but possible life in prison without the possibilty of parole.

The trial began February 5th.

Historic Cocke County Bridge Destroyed by Helene Gets Federal Funding for Replacement

Historic Cocke County Bridge Destroyed by Helene Gets Federal Funding for Replacement

Posted on February 13, 2025

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) In the wake of devastation wrought months ago by Hurricane Helene comes some good news for Cocke County.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will cover 75% of the cost to rebuild Conway Bridge, a historic structure in Cocke County.

The bridge, previously spanning the Nolichucky River, was built around 1925 and was washed away by flood waters brought on by Hurricane Helene.

Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis says the bridge replacement will cost around $8 million, adding that the project was approved recently.

Historic Cocke County bridge destroyed by Helene gets federal funding for replacement. (Courtesy: WVLT)
Woman Ejected in Rollover Crash That Killed Dog, Several Other Dogs Taken to Humane Society in Morristown

Woman Ejected in Rollover Crash That Killed Dog, Several Other Dogs Taken to Humane Society in Morristown

Posted on February 13, 2025

Morristown, TN (WOKI) A woman is injured, one dog is dead, another missing and some others injured following a van crash in Morristown.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol says the crash happened on I-81 South near mile marker 17 when the van, driven by a 51-year-old woman from New Mexico, ran into the back of a car before going into the median and overturning on an embankment.

The driver, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected in the crash and sustained a leg and head injury. Her condition has not been released.

The dogs were taken to the Morristown Hamblen Humane Society Sunday night and
Shelter officials say it was believed the van was going to Alabama and then Missouri at the time of the crash and some were from breeders.

The Morristown Hamblen Humane Society said it had to take in several dogs that were riding in the van when it crashed. (Courtesy: THP)
Maryville Teacher Placed on Suspension after Facing DUI, Drug Charges

Maryville Teacher Placed on Suspension after Facing DUI, Drug Charges

Posted on February 13, 2025

Alcoa, TN (WOKI) A Maryville City Schools teacher is facing drug and DUI charges following a traffic stop on February 8.

According to charging documents, Alex Rouse was stopped by an Alcoa Police Department officer around 2:30 p.m. for reckless driving.

The report also indicates that Rouse did not pass field tests for sobriety and that he had a folded piece of a paper with a brown, pink powder inside, which APD suspected to be fentanyl. According to the arrest record, a K-9 on the scene alerted to the powder.

Rouse was charged with driving under the influence and possession of drugs.

He was suspended from the school system following the incident.

Alex Rouse (Courtesy: Maryville City Schools)
Tennessee Athletics Unveils 2025 Hall of Fame Class
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Tennessee Athletics Unveils 2025 Hall of Fame Class

Posted on February 13, 2025

Eight distinguished UT standouts in six sports

GeneralFebruary 13, 2025

On Thursday, the University of Tennessee announced the 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame class, honoring eight former student-athletes for their significant contributions. The class will be honored in Knoxville on April 11-12, celebrating their lasting impact on UT Athletics.

The 2025 class includes five Vols and three Lady Vols.

  • Eric Berry (Football)
  • A.W. Davis (Men’s Basketball, Posthumously)
  • Jenny Connolly (Women’s Swimming & Diving)
  • Mike Masters (Men’s Swimming & Diving)
  • Lauryn McCalley (Women’s Swimming & Diving)
  • Lindsay Schutzler (Softball)
  • Mike Sposa (Men’s Golf)
  • Tony White (Men’s Basketball)

“Every year, it’s incredible to witness the extraordinary talent we have here on Rocky Top, and we are excited to honor this exceptional group,” stated Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Danny White. “Our success is firmly rooted in the achievements of our remarkable former student-athletes, and we take great pride in inducting this outstanding class into our Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame.”

The 2025 Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame weekend will be April 11-12. The induction ceremony is on Friday, April 11, inside the Food City Center. The following day, the group will be honored at Tennessee’s football spring Orange & White game at Neyland Stadium.

Eric Berry | Football | 2007-09
The only two-time unanimous All-American in Tennessee football history, Eric Berry cemented himself as one of the program’s all-time greats from 2007-09. Berry claimed the Jim Thorpe Award in 2009 as the nation’s top defensive back after being a finalist in 2008. A finalist for the 2009 Nagurski Trophy, Berry led Tennessee to two bowl berths, including a 21-17 win over Wisconsin in the 2008 Outback Bowl, which gave the Vols a final No. 12 ranking. A Freshman All-American, the dynamic safety helped the Vols bring home the SEC East title in 2007. A three-time All-SEC selection, Berry was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2008 after leading the conference with seven interceptions. Berry’s tenure on Rocky Top established him as the SEC’s all-time leader in career interception return yards (494) and single-season interception return yards (265 in 2008). He also holds the Vol record for career yards (35.3) per interception. Berry, who played nine NFL seasons, was inducted into the NFF College Football Hall of Fame and the state of Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 2023. The Fairburn, Georgia, native was also selected to the SEC Legends Class in 2024.

Jenny Connolly | Women’s Swimming & Diving | 2009-12
One of the best backstrokers and butterfliers in school history, Jenny Connolly amassed 14 SEC medals, five NCAA medals and 22 All-America certificates during her decorated career on Rocky Top. The four-time All-SEC selection is the only swimmer in Lady Vol history to be SEC champion in the 100 back, a feat she achieved twice. Connolly won four individual conference titles, adding a pair in the 100 fly, and was a member of four SEC champion relays throughout her career. She also enjoyed success on the national stage, bringing home one silver medal and four bronze medals. She posted three top-8 finishes in the 100 back—highlighted by winning bronze in 2012—and two in the 100 fly. Connolly left Tennessee as the school record holder in the 100 back (51.34) and ranked second in the 100 fly (51.21). Today, she ranks fourth and fifth, respectively, in those events.

A.W. Davis | Men’s Basketball | 1962-65 (Posthumous)
The fifth First Team All-American in program history, A.W. Davis collected the distinction in 1964-65 from the Helms Athletic Foundation and the USBWA. A two-time First Team All-SEC designee, Davis ended his career as Tennessee’s career leader in free-throw percentage (80.5), while placing second in scoring (17.3), fourth in double-doubles (23) and fifth in rebounding average (8.1). Sixty years later, those figures remain seventh, No. 13, No. 14 and No. 12, respectively. Selected in the fifth round of the 1965 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, Davis served as UT’s assistant freshman coach (1969-70) and varsity assistant (1970-75), helping the Volunteers claim the 1971-72 SEC regular season title. After his coaching career, Davis worked as the Tennessee basketball analyst (1979-82).  He was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Greater Knoxville Hall of Fame in 1988. A 2000 SEC Legend honoree, Davis passed away on Sept. 23, 2014, in Knoxville. 

Mike Masters | Men’s Swimming & Diving | 1985-88
One of the most decorated swimmers in Tennessee history, Mike Masters concluded his time as a Vol as a program record holder, a 12-time All-American and a two-time SEC champion. A sprint freestyle specialist, Masters’ best season came in 1987, when he won the SEC title in the 100 and 200 freestyles. He followed that performance by winning bronze in the 100 free at the NCAA Championships and adding a fourth-place finish in the 50 free. Throughout his career, he tallied 10 medals at the conference meets. He was named the team captain of the 1988 squad. His top time in the 100 free of 43.21 from the 1988 NCAA Championships broke the school record and would stand until 1996. Masters is currently a member of the UT’s Shareholder Society.

Lauryn McCalley | Women’s Swimming & Diving | 2001-05
The 2005 NCAA Woman of the Year, Lauryn McCalley, was the epitome of student-athlete during her time on Rocky Top. Excelling both in the pool and the classroom, she was a five-time All-American diver for the Lady Vols and earned Academic All-America honors four times throughout her career. Receiving her degree in microbiology, McCalley won the prestigious H. Boyd McWhorter SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year award in 2005. She was named to GLAMOUR Magazine’s Top 10 College Women list in 2004, and in her first season at Tennessee, she garnered the 2002 SEC Freshman Diver of the Year honor. When her UT career ended, she ranked second all-time on the top-10 program leaderboard on 1-meter and was third on 3-meter. More than 20 years later, her top effort on 1-meter (313.20) still ranks eighth in program history. She was a member of the United States National Team from 1995-2004, and she’s a member of the Georgia Aquatic Hall of Fame (class of 2016).

Lindsay Schutzler | Softball | 2004-07
Lindsay Schutzler is one of the top hitters in Tennessee softball history and a three-time All-American, earning first-team honors as a junior. Many of Schutzler’s records still stand, including career marks for hits (362), triples (20), at-bats (946), and games played (296). She also led the Lady Vols to their first Women’s College World Series appearance in 2005, launching a streak of three consecutive trips to Oklahoma City. Equally accomplished in the classroom, Schutzler was a three-time Academic All-American and twice named Academic All-American of the Year—the first of four Lady Vols to receive the honor and the only two-time honoree in program history. In 2007, she was the first Lady Vol to earn SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year recognition. Schutzler’s induction into the University of Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame in 2025 marks her as the fifth softball player to be honored and joins former teammates Monica Abbott (2017) and Sarah Fekete (2024).

Mike Sposa | Men’s Golf | 1988-91
Mike Sposa is one of the most distinguished golfers in Tennessee history. The Teaneck, New Jersey, native was a two-time All-SEC selection and is just one of six Vols to earn multiple All-America honors. In 1990, Sposa etched his name in SEC history after claiming the individual SEC Championship title to become the third player in school history to accomplish the feat. In that same year, Sposa guided UT to a team SEC Championship. Throughout his collegiate career, Sposa won two individual titles and teed it up in 133 18-hole rounds while posting a 72.06 career scoring average. After he concluded his time on Rocky Top, Sposa played professionally and was a member of the PGA TOUR and Nationwide Tour (currently known as the Korn Ferry Tour) from 1994-2007. 

Tony White | Men’s Basketball | 1983-87
The only player in Tennessee history to lead the SEC in scoring in back-to-back seasons, Tony White holds the highest (51) and third-highest (49) single-game point totals ever by a Volunteer. He is one of three UT players to score 550-plus points in three separate seasons, and his 16 30-point performances rank third all-time. Nine of those, co-second on the program’s single-season leaderboard, came in 1986-87, when White was the UPI Co-SEC Player of the Year, as well as an AP and UPI Third Team All-American. A three-time All-SEC selection, including a two-time first-team choice, and a two-time SEC All-Tournament pick, White ranks sixth in SEC history with 2,219 points and No. 10 with 846 made field goals. Among Volunteers, he is third in scoring, fourth in made field goals, fifth in made free throws (499), fifth in free-throw attempts (594), fifth in minutes (4,034), sixth in free-throw percentage (84.0), seventh in field-goal attempts (493), No. 10 in scoring average (17.5) and No. 10 in minutes average (31.8). The Charlotte, N.C., native has nine top-10 single-season placements at UT, including third in free-throw percentage (90.2), fourth in minutes average (37.6), fifth in points (711) and fifth in scoring average (24.5), all in 1986-87. Selected No. 33 in the 1987 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls, White earned SEC Legend status in 2002 and Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame induction in 2022.

Snead & Behnke Tabbed to NCBWA Stopper of the Year Preseason Watch List
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Snead & Behnke Tabbed to NCBWA Stopper of the Year Preseason Watch List

Posted on February 13, 2025

DALLAS – A pair of Tennessee pitchers were named to the 2025 NCBWA Stopper of the Year Preseason Watch List which was announced on Wednesday afternoon.

Juniors Nate Snead and Andrew Behnke both earned spots on the preseason watch list for the award, which is presented annually to the nation’s top relief pitcher.

Snead adds to an impressive list of preseason honors after earning All-America recognition from the NCBWA (first team), Baseball America (first team) and Perfect Game (second team). The hard-throwing right hander was also tabbed a first-team preseason All-SEC selection as a reliever.

An ABCA All-Southeast Region first team selection as a sophomore, Snead emerged as UT’s go-to arm out of the bullpen in 2024, ranking second on the team with 29 appearances while leading all non-starting pitchers with 75.1 innings pitched. The Milwaukee, Wisconsin native posted a 10-2 record and a 3.11 ERA while also finishing tied for the team lead with six saves on the year. Snead appeared in five of the Vols’ six games in Omaha, helping lead the Big Orange to their first Men’s College World Series title before playing for the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team over the summer.

Behnke emerged as one of UT’s more reliable relievers as a sophomore last season, finishing with a 3-1 record and 3.54 ERA over 23 appearances. The crafty lefty posted 39 strikeouts and issued only nine walks over 28.0 innings pitched while holding opposing hitters to a .213 batting average. Behnke is expected to take on an even larger role for the Vols this season as one of their most experienced returning pitchers.

The full NCBWA Stopper of the Year Award Watch List can be found by clicking HERE.

The reigning national champion Volunteers opens their 2025 campaign on Friday afternoon against Hofstra at Lindsey Nelson Stadium, kicking off an eight-game homestand to start the year.

2025 Tennessee Baseball Preseason Honors

LHP Andrew Behnke
NCBWA Stopper of the Year Preseason Watch List

INF Dean Curley
Golden Spikes Award Preseason Watch List
Preseason All-America First Team – Baseball America
Preseason All-America Second Team – Perfect Game
Preseason All-SEC First Team – SS  

LHP Liam Doyle
Preseason All-America Third Team – Baseball America
Preseason All-SEC First Team – SP

OF Hunter Ensley
Preseason All-SEC Second Team – OF

INF Andrew Fischer
Preseason All-America Third Team – Baseball America
Preseason All-SEC Second Team – 3B  

INF Gavin Kilen
Preseason All-America Second Team – Baseball America
Preseason All-SEC Second Team – 2B  

RHP AJ Russell
Preseason All-America First Team – Baseball America

RHP Nate Snead
NCBWA Stopper of the Year Preseason Watch List
Preseason All-America First Team – Baseball America, NCWA
Preseason All-America Second Team – Perfect Game
Preseason All-SEC First Team – RP

FORBES NAMES DOLLYWOOD AMONG AMERICA’S BEST EMPLOYERS

FORBES NAMES DOLLYWOOD AMONG AMERICA’S BEST EMPLOYERS

Posted on February 13, 2025

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (Wednesday, February 12, 2025) — With hiring events in full swing for Dollywood’s 40th anniversary season, another national publication has recognized Dollywood as one of America’s best. Announced today, Forbes has placed Dollywood on its 10th annual list of America’s Best Midsize Employers. The Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, park is the only theme park to rank on Forbes’ midsize company list. 

With a caring culture, generous benefits, unparalleled company growth and numerous employment opportunities on the horizon, Dollywood employees—also known as hosts—understand firsthand why the company has received so much positive attention as an employer. 

“We say it often, but the culture we enjoy at Dollywood Parks & Resorts truly sets us apart from many other employers,” said Susan Loveday, Dollywood Vice President of Human Resources. “It can sound cliché, but when we talk about our host family and our hosts supporting each other like family, that really is the atmosphere you find here. The genuine care our hosts show for one another is inspiring and manifests itself in the way our hosts are able to take care of our guests. It is the reason why the Dollywood guest experience is consistently ranked among the best in the world.

“We offer great benefits, as well as wonderful growth and advancement opportunities, but the welcoming environment created by our hosts for our guests—and each other—is what makes Dollywood some place special.”

Dollywood was represented well among the 498 companies on Forbes’ list of the best midsize employers. The list includes companies across 25 industry sectors, with only 15 companies in the “Travel & Leisure” sector of which Dollywood was included. Among those companies, Dollywood ranked second. Dollywood’s overall ranking on the list is 142. To view the entire list, click HERE. 

Among the companies in the Travel & Leisure sector are Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort (#54), Dollywood Parks & Resorts (#142), Aristocrat (#161), and Virgin Group (#197). Also on the Travel & Leisure list are Royal Caribbean (#360), Kalahari Resorts (#379) and Tripadvisor. Among the Top 5 companies across all industry sectors on the list are Shriners Hospitals (#1), Federal Communications Commission (#2), Western Carolina University (#3), Toll Brothers (#4) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Commission (#5). Others on the list include Patagonia (#50), Wake Forest (#55), and Blue Bell Ice Cream (#61).

According to Statista, the firm that administers the best employers survey on behalf of Forbes, an independent survey was taken by more than 217,000 U.S. employees working at companies with a national workforce of more than 1,000 workers. In total, 1,199 employers were recognized across the 25 sectors on the midsize and large industry lists. The companies are divided into 701 large (more than 5,000 U.S. employees) and 498 midsize (1,000 to 5,000 employees) employers. The only theme park company on the large employers list was Hershey Entertainment and Resorts (#588).

The evaluation was based on direct and indirect feedback from respondents in an anonymous survey who were asked to rate their willingness to recommend their own employer to friends and family. Their evaluations also included other employers in their respective industries that stood out either positively or negatively. As with all Forbes lists, companies pay no fee to be considered.

Pointing to Dollywood host job satisfaction, the Pigeon Forge park has long been voted as the friendliest theme park in the world. The park also is the only park to win the Golden Ticket Award for Best Guest Experience, which factors friendliness of employees—along with cleanliness and value—into its selection consideration. The prestigious Golden Ticket Awards are given annually by industry publication Amusement Today. In late October, Dollywood was named the #1 theme park in the country on Newsweek’s 2025 ranking of America’s Best Customer Service organizations.  

From part-time positions for students to full-time careers with advancement opportunities, working at Dollywood may very well become a lifetime home for those looking for a position that means “a little more.” The company is gearing up for a busy 2025 season with available positions currently posted at dollywoodjobs.com. Two hiring events remain on the calendar: this Saturday (Feb. 15) at Sevierville Civic Center and Feb. 22 at Morristown Landing. Both events take place from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

Positions are available for the entire length of the 2025 operating season as well as for shorter peak season openings, which are perfect for applicants looking for a fun summer position or those looking to earn a little extra money during the Christmas holidays. Applicants must be 14 years of age or older.

Positions are available on several teams including Dollywood’s award-winning culinary and merchandise teams, park operations positions including ride operators, ticketing, transportation, house and grounds, and more. Among the openings at Dollywood’s Splash Country water park are house and grounds, lifeguards and culinary services positions. Dollywood’s lodging properties also have a number of openings available including food and beverage, front desk, bell/valet and housekeeping positions.

Interested applicants may view opportunities, as well as job descriptions and basic requirements for each position, at dollywoodjobs.com. Applicants can signify their interest in a position by following the online instructions to complete the application process. Technical support will be available at the hiring events to assist applicants in the process if needed.

Dollywood Parks & Resorts employees receive a variety of unique benefits including 100% free tuition through Herschend’s GROW U. program, access to the Dollywood Family Healthcare Center, along with complimentary Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country admission for family and friends. Hosts are provided a free lunch every working shift and take part in Dollywood’s Park Perks program, which provides free or reduced admission to many regional attractions, theaters and experiences. A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision, is available for qualified full-time employees. Dollywood also pays a portion of childcare costs for hosts whose children are cared for at an Upwards-affiliated provider. Numerous opportunities also are available to help employees develop leadership skills, including an apprenticeship program in conjunction with Walters State Community College.

Dolly Parton with the 40th Anniversary art package as part of Dollywood’s 40th Anniversary in 2025. Photo taken in Nashville, TN, at CTK Enterprises, on 9/20/24. Photo by Curtis Hilbun/Dollywood
Governor Bill Lee Signs Education Freedom Act and a New Website is Launched to Share Resources
Robin Joffe

Governor Bill Lee Signs Education Freedom Act and a New Website is Launched to Share Resources

Posted on February 13, 2025

Governor Bill Lee has signed the Education Freedom Act, which passed during last month’s specially called legislative session, into law solidifying its place in Tennessee’s education system.

Lee signed his landmark school choice program yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon.

The $500 million plan gives 20,000 Tennessee students around $7,000 in public funds to pay for private school tuition.

The revamped Education Freedom Act contains new language allowing for each public school to be compensated should a student choose to relocate to a private institution.

TennesseeCAN is launching a new website to share resources for students and their families interested in the Education Freedom Act.

TennesseeCAN is for a new education era with $580 million in new investments proposed by Governor Bill Lee for students, TennesseeCAN aims to expand student access to high-quality schools and child literacy and continue the fight for student-first policies.

The organization expects to accomplish holding high expectations for students and teachers by ensuring they are well-supported, empower families and performance incentives, and accountability in place for schools and systems to ensure the academic success of all students.

EFA provides 20,000 Tennessee students with around $7,000 in public funds to pay for private school tuition.

Sen. Hagerty of TN Announces Run for Re-Election

Sen. Hagerty of TN Announces Run for Re-Election

Posted on February 12, 2025

(Story courtesy of WVLT / WSMV)

Nashville, TN (WSMV) U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty has announced his run for re-election.

The former Ambassador to Japan was elected to his position in the U.S. Senate back in 2020.

“I am pleased to announce my candidacy for re-election to the United States Senate. It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve the men and women of Tennessee, and I am committed to the fight for our shared values, our freedoms, and the future of our great state and nation,” Hagerty said.

Hagerty’s office reports that the senator has raised $9 million for his campaign during this cycle.

“Notably, Hagerty’s campaign has been completely debt-free since prior to the November 2024 election. Hagerty’s small dollar fundraising prowess has resulted in nearly $2.5 million in contributions less than $200. These donations were generated from 183,872 individual donations averaging $13.48 per donation,” his office touted.

Hagerty is set to travel through the Volunteer State to campaign and host finance events.

Sen. Hagerty of TN announces run for re-election. (WVLT / WSMV)

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