Member Spotlight

This month we shine a light on longtime Cookeville resident Jennette Volpe, whose life of service, faith, and leadership has made a lasting impact on both Tennessee Tech and the Upper Cumberland community. From her years as the university’s First Lady to her dedication to local mission work, Jennette’s story reflects warmth, energy, and a deep commitment to helping others.

Drs. Angelo and Jennette Volpe served as President and First Lady of Tennessee Technological University from 1987 to 2000.   The Volpes moved to Cookeville from Greenville, NC where he had a position at East Carolina University. Jennette liked to joke that she wouldn’t have to update her wardrobe after the move since Tennessee Tech’s colors were the same as those of East Carolina University.
Jennette was born in Washington, D.C., and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from George Washington University. She also attended Hackensack Hospital School of Nursing  in New Jersey, where she became a registered nurse. Later, she completed her Ph.D. in Theological and Religious Studies at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey.

In recognition of their many contributions and years of service at TTU, the Volpe Library, opened in 1989, was named in honor of Drs. Angelo and Jennette Volpe. Jennette was known as a tireless worker who didn’t hesitate to roll up her sleeves, whether helping at university events or scrubbing dishes at chili fundraisers. Much of her work was done quietly, behind the scenes, but it left a lasting impact on the campus and community.

After moving to Cookeville, Jennette joined First Presbyterian Church, while Angelo attended St. Thomas Aquinas Church. Each supported the other’s faith and often participated in events together. Jennette became an Elder at First Presbyterian and devoted herself to service through numerous church and community efforts.

 
More than twenty years ago, she and Katie Kumar co-founded One World Market, a mission-based shop that sold handcrafted items from around the world. Proceeds supported both local and international charities. Jennette could often be found at community events or women’s gatherings throughout Cookeville, sharing the story and purpose of One World Market. This ministry continued faithfully until the COVID years. She also served on the church’s search committee for an interim minister when Rev. G. David Campbell retired.

Jennette also served on the Board of Directors for Lazurus House, and Dismas House in Cookeville.

Jennette loved horses and volunteered at a horse farm when they were in North Carolina.  As a thank you gift, the farm gave her a horse that she named Josey.

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Jennette and Angelo shared a lifelong love of baseball, proudly cheering for the New York Yankees. Each spring, they took time off to travel to different spring training camps around the country. Jennette fondly recalls that together they made it to every stadium and were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Angelo and Jennette loved education and fully funded a nursing scholarship at Tusculum University.  They created an Agricultural Chair of Excellence at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN as well as providing funds for the Simulation Lab at the new Health Science Bldg. at Austin Peay.

 
After Angelo’s passing on May 8, 2022, Jennette moved to NHC Healthcare Cookeville at 815 Walnut Avenue. Her love for Angelo shines brightly whenever his name is mentioned, and she continues to enjoy visits from friends and loved ones.  In her free time in early years Jennette painted landscape pictures (three are hanging in her room in NHC) and crotchet (a blanket she did is in her room).
The Upper Cumberland community continues to be enriched by the legacy of Jennette and Angelo Volpe-a couple whose faith, dedication, and love for others have left an enduring mark on Tennessee Tech and beyond.