Students from Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Morristown demonstrated exceptional skill, professionalism, and technical expertise at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC), held June 1–5 in Atlanta, Georgia. Competing against the nation’s best career and technical education students, TCAT Morristown representatives earned two national gold medals and three silver medals.

A delegation of eight Tennessee state gold medalists represented TCAT Morristown in six industryspecific competitions, showcasing their talents in aviation maintenance, computer-aided design technology, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR), information technology, and sheet metal.

SkillsUSA competitions are developed and administered in partnership with industry leaders, trade associations, and labor organizations to evaluate competencies aligned with current workforce standards.

Five of TCAT Morristown’s eight competitors placed among the nation’s top three finalists, bringing home an impressive collection of national medals.

National Champions

• Noah Lindsey, a student in the Aviation Maintenance Technology program, earned a Gold Medal in Sheet Metal, claiming the title of best in the nation.

• William Loftis, a student in the Computer Information Technology program, earned a Gold Medal in Internetworking, also securing a national championship.

National Silver Medalists

The Engineering Design Team from TCAT Morristown’s Computer Aided Design Technology program earned second place nationally, receiving silver medals for their outstanding performance:

• Craig Cook

• Joshua Murphy

• Samuel Nichols “These students dedicated countless hours to preparing for competition and represented TCAT Morristown with excellence on the national stage,” said TCAT Morristown President Susanne Cox. She further noted, “This group of students demonstrated professionalism, character, and the spirit of SkillsUSA champions. While competing at the highest level, they also had the opportunity to explore the possibilities and opportunities available within their chosen professions.”

President Cox also recognized the faculty members whose commitment helps make student success possible. “Our SkillsUSA chapter would not be successful without the unwavering dedication of our faculty,” Cox said. “They positively influence students by teaching essential technical skills while continually motivating and encouraging them to strive for excellence each day.”

David Gulley, TCAT Morristown Testing Coordinator and Lead SkillsUSA Advisor, praised both the students and instructors for their efforts.

“These contestants competed in six different competitions throughout the week, showcasing the skills and knowledge they have gained in their respective programs,” Gulley said. “Many thanks to everyone who helped make this a successful and memorable experience, especially our students and instructors for their hard work, commitment, and dedication.”

Tennessee Sets National Record

TCAT Morristown’s success contributed to a historic year for Tennessee. Tennessee earned more college/postsecondary national medals than any other state at the 2026 SkillsUSA Championships.

The Tennessee college/postsecondary delegation, the largest in state history, included approximately 300 students, advisors, administrators, and industry partners. Tennessee students earned 63 national medals—including 23 gold, 23 silver, and 17 bronze medals— while achieving 102 Top 10 finishes nationwide.

In addition to competition success, Tennessee students demonstrated leadership and service through the SkillsUSA Champions of Service initiative. More than 60 members volunteered to build beds for children in need through the nonprofit organization Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

The conference reinforced SkillsUSA’s mission of developing skilled professionals, workplace leaders, and responsible citizens while strengthening Tennessee’s workforce pipeline through leadership development, industry engagement, and national-level competition. About SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is a nonprofit partnership of education and industry founded in 1965 to strengthen the nation’s skilled workforce. Driven by employer demand, SkillsUSA helps students develop personal, workplace, and technical skills grounded in academics.

The organization is recognized by the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor as an essential component of career and technical education and has served nearly