The Office of Community and Economic Development offers a “Speaker’s Bureau” with entertaining, expert speakers for your next event. So check out our programs. You’ll like what you see!

Joseph L. Combs

Joe Combs is the Dean of Community & Economic Development at Walters State Community College. He has over 25 years of corporate training & consulting experience with BellSouth, Intermedia Communications, and Peak Performer Resources, Inc. He has won numerous awards for public speaking, training & development, and public relations. Joe has trained over 10,000 employees from 500+ companies across the United States, Australia, Europe and Asia. His client list is a “who’s who” of fortune 500 and local businesses including: IBM, AT&T, MCI, Holiday Inn Corporate, Tennessee Personnel Management Association, Tennessee District Attorneys Association, State of Tennessee, Hillsborough County, Florida Government, Florida Association of Community Colleges, Optus Communications – Australia, International Telecommerce Research Center – Zilina, Czechoslovakia, International Leadership Conference – Amsterdam, MCI – Hong Kong & Tokyo… just to name a few.

Joe has two master degrees from Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN: MBA – International Business and a MS – Telecommunications & Information Systems Management. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN and is working on his doctorate from ETSU.

Joe is originally from Miami, Florida, but moved to Nashville, TN in 1976.  He currently resides in Dandridge, TN.

Anita P. Ricker

Anita Ricker is the Assistant Dean of Community and Economic Development at Walters State Community College.  She has worked for the non-credit continuing education department at WSCC for the last 14 years.  Prior to accepting the current position, Ms. Ricker served the college as an information technology adjunct faculty member for ten years.  During that time, Ms. Ricker owned and operated a retail computer sales and consulting service business in Greeneville, TN.  For the past three years, she has focused on corporate customized training programs offered both on campus and onsite at the employer's preferred location.  Ms. Ricker has worked with 25,000 plus students over the years and serviced over 500 companies with training services in multiple south eastern states.  She has received numerous teaching awards including instructor of the year multiple times as well as departmental leadership awards.  In addition, Ms Ricker has successfully written and published an information technology instructor's manual in conjunction Prentice Hall.  She holds numerous IT certifications including:  Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), MCP, MOS, IC3, Novell Engineer, Net+, A+, CIW and many more.

Anita has a BS in Computer Science (1986) and a Masters in Business Administration (2000) from ETSU.  In addition, she has completed over half of the requirements to receive a doctorate in Post-Secondary and Private Sector Leadership from ETSU.  She serves on her church leadership team and is very involved with the youth group and children's ministry activities.  She and her daughter currently reside in Greeneville, TN.

Please contact our office if we can be of further assistance.  Why not invest in yourself today!

Anita P. Ricker

Assistant Dean of Community and Economic Development

423-318-2740

Anita.Ricker@ws.edu