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HUNTSVILLE — Barbara “Ashley” Byrge is Tennessee College of Applied Technology Oneida/Huntsville’s nominee for the 2026 SOAR Student Excellence Award, President Dwight Murphy announced at a college luncheon Wednesday.
SOAR — Statewide Outstanding Achievement Awards — is a program used by the Tennessee Board of Regents to recognize excellence in post-secondary education across Tennessee. Byrge will be competing against nominees from other TCATs throughout the state for the Student Excellence Award.
After each TCAT Oneida/Huntsville instructor nominated a student from their program, the students were interviewed by a panel consisting of both representatives of the college and members of the community at large. With multiple qualified candidates to choose from, the panel agreed that Byrge embodies the qualities TBR is seeking with the Student Excellence Award.
Byrge is a student in the Automotive Technology program who is set to graduate in February 2026. She has a 4.0 GPA and is the first female student in the college’s history to complete all 10 of the available certifications available to student automotive technicians by the Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
Originally from Norma, Byrge is a mother of two who balances raising her children with her time at school. She plans to eventually own her own business.
“Choosing the automotive industry wasn’t just a career decision. It was personal,” said Byrge. “As a woman in a male-dominated field, I know the challenges are real, but I also know the rewards are worth the climb.”
Byrge hopes to use the knowledge she’s gaining at TCAT to make a difference in the community.
“As someone who has personally struggled financially, I know the importance your vehicle has to you,” she said. “A car isn’t just transportation, it’s a lifeline.”
TCAT Oneida/Huntsville President Dwight Murphy said that Byrge has been a model student.
“As a non-traditional student in her program, Ashley quickly earned the trust and admiration of her classmates, who now view her as a mentor,” he said. “She brings a positive attitude to every challenge and is quick to encourage her fellow students.”
Byrge will first compete at the regional level against other TCAT students in November. From there, one student will be chosen to represent East Tennessee at the 2026 SOAR Awards at Grand Hyatt Nashville in March 2026.
Other TCAT Oneida/Huntsville students who were nominated by their instructors at the program level included Morgan Seabolt (Diesel-Powered Equipment Technology), Donovan Seabolt (Machine Tool Technology), Stephen Smith (Welding Technology), Haize Mayse (Cosmetology), Seth Posey (Computer Information Technology), Jerry Dean (Industrial Maintenance/Mechatronics), Savannah Watson (Pharmacy), Devon Wilson (Power Line Construction and Maintenance), Richard Haley (Building Construction Technology), Jenna Austin (Practical Nursing), William King (Allied Health and Medical Assisting), Dakota Webb (Earthmoving Equipment Operator), Isaiah Day (Criminal Justice: Correctional Officer), and Cody Boots (Practical Nursing: Jamestown).
In addition, Patricia Stiles will represent TCAT Oneida/Huntsville in the competition as the nominee for Outstanding Faculty, and Patricia Davis will represent the college as the nominee for Outstanding Staff Member.
Stiles is in her third year as a Practical Nursing instructor at TCAT. She joined the college in January 2023 after a lengthy career in the health care industry. She currently teaches the evening Practical Nursing class on the Huntsville campus.
Davis is a 16-year veteran of TCAT and manages the business office. She is herself a past student of the college.
All of the college’s SOAR nominees were formally honored at a luncheon on the Huntsville campus on Wednesday. The regional level of competition will take place on Nov. 9.
