Mike Gotcher, dean of Tennessee Tech University’s College of Emerging and Integrative Studies, will retire at the end of May after more than four decades in higher education, according to a May 11 announcement. Gotcher has spent nearly a decade at Tennessee Tech, where he says the sense of community among colleagues and friends helped him through both achievements and difficult times.
During his tenure beginning in 2017, Gotcher oversaw new academic programs, increased graduate enrollment, led a major rebranding effort for the college, expanded professional development opportunities funded by the college itself, and implemented initiatives that saved students an estimated $3 million on textbook costs. He also worked to support adult learners by revising course offerings and doubling faculty size. Additionally, he found ways to provide free broadband internet access for students who needed it.
Gotcher faced several external challenges during his time at Tennessee Tech. These included the tornado that struck Cookeville in 2020, the shift to virtual learning during the global pandemic, and personal loss with the passing of his wife Sara in 2023. “That was really hard, but I had a community here at Tech that helped me get through that,” Gotcher said.
He later married Gina Padgett from Tennessee Tech’s Office of Communications & Marketing in a backyard ceremony officiated by Steven Frye. Frye described Gotcher as an “amazing dean” who “works hard to provide us with the things we need to be successful.” Frye added: “Dr. Gotcher celebrates our victories and encourages us through the struggles… He approaches the college like a family.”
Dylcia Cowan, administrative assistant to Gotcher for nine years, said she witnessed firsthand how much he cared about staff: “In my 40-plus years of clerical and administrative service… I have never worked for a nicer human being than Dr. Mike Gotcher,” she said.
The College of Emerging and Integrative Studies grew its dual enrollment offerings under Gotcher’s leadership—quadrupling high school student participation—and introduced new programs such as an interdisciplinary computing bachelor’s degree developed with Computer Science as well as minors on caregiving and event planning topics. The college underwent rebranding in 2025 under his guidance; “The name ‘College of Emerging and Integrative Studies’ clarifies who we are and what we do,” Gotcher said.
He expressed pride over faculty accomplishments such as Samantha Allen recently being named Fulbright Scholar—a journey which began when she first visited St. Andrews University on a trip organized by him.
As retirement nears for both himself and Gina Padgett (who also retired from Tennessee Tech), they plan continued involvement locally—including volunteering roles—and spending time with their blended family which includes six grandchildren with another expected soon.
Gotcher’s last day is set for May 29; Hayden Mattingly will serve as interim dean while a national search takes place.
