Taylor Rayfield: The Best Decision I’ve Ever Made

March 16, 2021

Overwhelming excitement and anxiety filled me when I embarked on my post-secondary educational journey at Motlow.

I realized I had the potential to put in the effort and time, but I also knew I had several challenges and obstacles to overcome academically. As I began my journey to become a college graduate at Motlow, the odds of finishing were against me. So much so, that my high school counselor made it clear I would never make it in a college setting. 

From day one at Motlow, I was immersed among top-notch faculty and staff, like Alice Huskey, Sheri Mason, Mike Russell, and the late and well-respected Dr, Ward Harder, who were all fully focused on meeting students where they are and ensuring all necessary supports were in place. A committed institution that believes in its students; I knew I could turn the odds around in my favor. 

Motlow, its faculty and staff, and its student-focused philosophy positioned me to become a successful college graduate and laid the foundation for beginning my career. Ultimately, it is the best decision I could have ever made when faced with choosing to pursue post-secondary education or immediately enter the workforce. 

I am the Coordinator of Family Resource for Coffee County Schools, a position that allows me to do what I love - serve others.

During my tenure at Coffee County Schools, I have helped lead the school district in establishing innovative and effective tiered systems of support through key initiatives that focus on eliminating barriers that hinder the social, personal, physical, and academic well-being of every student.

I am a strong advocate for ensuring that access and equity are provided for all, and believe in the importance of healthy relationships, not only with students, families, and schools but also the community. I am a graduate of Coffee County Leadership, and serve as President of the Manchester Rotary Club; Ambassador for the Manchester Chamber of Commerce; Advisory member for Coffee County Schools’ Career and Technical Education business programs; a member of the Guiding Team for the South Central Tennessee Reconnect; Director- Board of Directors for Dusty Elam Foundation, Sportsmen and Businessmen’s Charitable Organization, and One Day of Hope.

Thanks to my successful experience at Motlow, I am now fulfilling a career dream by serving the children and community of my alma mater. I am an Educational Specialist (Ed.S) Candidate in Professional School Counseling at Middle Tennessee State University, having earned my Associate of Science in Business Education from Motlow and my Bachelor of Arts in Management and Human Relations from Trevecca Nazarene University. 

To this day, I continue to represent Motlow as a proud alumnus and share my success when working with students, families, or community members by encouraging them to achieve their goal or dream when faced with the choice of beginning their educational journey.

Motlow is like no other post-secondary institution. It stands poised as an innovative, diverse college committed to providing educational equity, access, and opportunity for all