Orval Pirtle
| Sport(s): | Special Contributor |
| Years at HCJC/TVCC: | 1946-71 |
Pirtle was more than the college’s first president. In fact, it’s unlikely there would have been a Henderson County Junior College had it not been for him.
Recruited by Athens businessmen to lead an effort for creation of a junior college for Henderson County, Pirtle answered the challenge and worked tirelessly to make it a reality. As a result, he was the obvious choice to become president and responsible for establishing the athletic program which, in the early years, consisted of football, men’s basketball, baseball and track. He served as president for 25 years.
Senator A.M. Aiken said Pirtle’s success in making the college a reality was because his word could always be trusted.
The administration building at the college is named in his honor and for 67 years the college has awarded scholarships to area high school seniors in his honor.
Senator A.M. Aiken said Pirtle’s success in making the college a reality was because his word could always be trusted.
The administration building at the college is named in his honor and for 67 years the college has awarded scholarships to area high school seniors in his honor.
