Gay Henry Lyons

Gay Henry Lyons grew up in Loudon County. She received a BA in English from Pfeiffer College, an MA in English from the University of Tennessee, and a PhD in political science from the University of Tennessee. She was a professor of English and political science at Pellissippi State Community College for over 30 years. During that time and following her retirement, she was a caterer, columnist, magazine editor, and freelance writer. In addition to many years of fundraising and event planning as a volunteer for organizations such as Knoxville Botanical Garden, Knoxville Museum of Art, Leadership Knoxville, Dogwood Arts, and Knox Heritage, where she was chair of the Summer Suppers for seven years, she was capital campaign manager at Knox Heritage and development director at Positively Living/Choice Health Network. She brings a passion for history, an entrepreneurial spirit, a wide range of experience, and great enthusiasm to the ETHS.