Local college presidents turn up the heat for collaborative event
JACKSON, Tenn. — A collaborative event returns for a second year to turn up the heat.
United Way of West Tennessee and the Greater Jackson Chamber asked four local college presidents various questions while feeding them spicy wings.
“My mouth is burning, my lips are burning, my tongue is like ‘What have you done to me?'” said Union University President Dr. Dub Oliver.
The viral ‘Hot Ones’ challenge returned to Madison County to see if local college presidents could take the heat.
“It provides young professionals in particular an opportunity to learn more about the things that are happening around Jackson and how they can be involved. But also to learn important leadership lessons from leaders in the community,” said Matt Marshall, president and CEO of United Way of West Tennessee.
Dr. Yancy Freeman with the University of Tennessee at Martin says he would do it again despite not liking spicy food himself.
“They didn’t tell me about doing these types of things when you sign on to do this job. It was fun, I love it and love UTM and happy to be here and happy to be a provider of quality premium education in West Tennessee,” said Dr. Freeman.
For some, the heat was hard to handle but for others it was a walk in the park. Dr. Carol Rothstein with Jackson State Community College came in with a game plan.
“My son was like, you know mom it’s just mind over matter. You can do it, it doesn’t cause any physical damage just get in there and do it. That’s what I did. My daughter and my other daughter, and sister in law were like ‘Don’t let us down!’ So, I had to eat them for them,” said Dr. Rothstein.
She even offered Vaseline to other participants to help create a barrier between the spiciness. Each college president was given 10 wings of 10 different levels of heat.
Dr. Jacquene Rainey with TCAT in Jackson shares which level was the hottest for her.
“Just coming out with my peers, my fellow presidents it was definitely a fun event. Number 10 which, was I think ‘The Bomb.’ I’m still burning, my tongue is still burning; that one was actually the hottest ones,” said Dr. Rainey.
Dr. Oliver says he likes his spice level at a 3 out of 10, however, this was a great opportunity.
“We’re always glad to be apart of community events. Emerging leaders with united way, great organization and great opportunity to interact with others great to be apart of the community even if my lips are on fire,” said Dr. Oliver.
The United Way Emerging Leaders Program is open to the public and the next event is in August.
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