Tennessee Workforce Development Academy
As industries evolve and communities adapt to shifting labor market demands, the need for aligned, forward-thinking workforce solutions has never been greater.
Join us in Cookeville, March 3-5, 2026 for two-and-a-half days of expert instruction, peer learning, and strategic dialogue. Designed for professionals at all experience levels, the TNWFD Academy equips participants with the tools, knowledge and network to deliver effective workforce strategies.
Event Highlights:
- Expert Speakers: Learn from leading voices in economic and workforce development.
- Panel Discussions: Dive into critical workforce topics with experts and peers.
- Meaningful Connections: Build relationships with partners and potential collaborators.
- Real-World Solutions: Explore strategies to tackle workforce challenges.
Who Should Attend?
- Workforce development professionals
- Business and HR leaders
- Community stakeholders
- Economic development practitioners
Date and Location:
March 3-5, 2026
Holiday Inn Cookeville | 1091 South Willow Avenue, Cookeville, TN 38501 (See booking link under hotel accommodations below)
Course Agenda:
2026 Agenda Coming Soon!
Course Fee:
Registration $595 | Early Registration $545 (By: February 9, 2026)
The registration fee covers course instruction. Course materials, Lunch (days 1-3), Breakfast (days 2-3), one networking reception (day 1), and refreshment breaks are complimentary. Registration does not cover hotel and other travel expenses. Registration is limited to 50 participants and is filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please remit payment for the course no later than 10-days prior to the course start date. If payment is not received, you risk having your registration cancelled to make room for those on the wait list.
Course Times:
Onsite check-in: 9:00 AM
Day 1: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM*
Day 2: 8:15 AM - 5:15 PM
Day 3: 8:15 AM - 2:00 PM
*Networking reception Day 1: 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Registration:
If you need assistance accessing your account, please contact us at 615-253-6371 or email us here. You may also register by submitting a Course Registration Form by email.
Cancellation and Refund Policy:
Cancellations made 7 days or more prior to the course start date will be eligible for a full refund or credit. Cancellations made less than 7 days will be eligible for credit only for a future course.
Hotel Accommodations:
Holiday Inn Cookeville | 1091 South Willow Avenue, Cookeville, TN 38501 - A limited number of rooms will be reserved at a discounted rate of $110. Make your reservations by February 3, 2026 to receive the groups rate. Click here to reserve your room and be sure to select the dates you need to stay for our group rate. Please book early as the block could fill up!
This link and rate code are only available for registered course attendees. If the special rate is used by individuals not listed on the course roster, the reservation will be cancelled, and applicable fees will be applied to the credit card used to book the reservation.
Scholarships:
TNWFD Academy scholarships aim to support rural leadership development and workforce collaboration by providing opportunities to participate in the Tennessee Workforce Development (TNWFD) Academy.
Preference will be given to applicants who:
- Serve at-risk or distressed counties in Tennessee
- Have limited access to professional development funding and would be unable to attend without scholarship support
- Are new to the workforce development field or have fewer than five years of experience
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to workforce development and advancing rural development by applying the skills and knowledge gained through the TNWFD Academy
TNWFD Academy Scholarship Application
Applications Due: January 20, 2026
A limited number of scholarships are available for participants from Tennessee. To be considered, applications must be submitted by January 20, 2026.
Please note:
- Scholarships do not cover hotel, travel, or evening meals.
- Scholarships are non-transferable.
What to Expect:
- A limited number of seats are reserved for scholarship recipients.
- Selected applicants will be notified, and staff will coordinate registration directly.
- Scholarship recipients will pay a discounted, non-refundable course fee of $100.
- Applicants not selected may:
- Register for any remaining open seats at the full course fee.
- Request to be added to the waitlist if the course is full.
- Decline participation without penalty.
Download the scholarship application here: Scholarship Application
Instructor: Rue Ramsey
Rue Ramsey is the Vice President of Workforce and Talent Strategies at the Tulsa Regional Chamber, where she leads initiatives to strengthen workforce development across industries. A Tulsa native, she founded the award-winning NextGen Talent initiative and has held leadership roles in education and career readiness.
She serves on multiple boards, teaches with IEDC, and has earned recognition for her leadership, including City Year Tulsa’s Student Champion of Success. Rue holds a Business Administration degree from Oklahoma State University and enjoys supporting her four children alongside her husband Sterling.
Dress Code:
The attire for the course is business casual.
Contact Autumn Derrick, Workforce Development Consultant, for more information at Autumn.Derrick@tennessee.edu. Follow UT CIS on Facebook, X and LinkedIn to get the latest news about this opportunity!
See our past TNWFD Academy Graduates: