CSCC Offers Flexibility for Mrs. Tennessee Winner Brittany Graves

Holly Vincent
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 12:00 AM
All, Academics, Students, TBR, Community

Mrs. Tennessee Winner Brittany Graves needed flexibility when choosing her college. Not only is she a student at Cleveland State Community College, she is also a wife, mother, and business owner, so the convenience of online classes is what attracted her to CSCC.

“I wanted a school that had a family friendly environment,” stated Graves. “I am not a traditional college student, so I knew I needed flexibility for my family. Having a business and a one year old limits me, but with online studies I can do it on my own time.”

The Business Management major said she found that at CSCC and enjoys being just a phone call or email away from her professors.

“I love speaking with all of my professors. Mrs. Patterson (Candace, Assistant Professor of Business) is so caring. I can tell you that from my personal stand point, she has kept me going even when I thought there was no light at the end of the tunnel! I love speaking with her. She has saved me from several meltdowns throughout my experience! Cleveland State’s business program has helped me to market my business in ways I wouldn’t have thought of! CSCC really strives to help you graduate. At CSCC, you will never feel alone.”

Patterson stated, “Brittany is a fabulous adult student! She takes responsibility, does all her work online, communicates with her instructors and makes success a priority. She is very dedicated to her education.”

Graves was crowned Mrs. Tennessee in April of this year and is currently preparing to compete in the Mrs. U.S. Amerifest being held next month in Sevierville. She has participated in over 100 pageants dating back as far as when she was three days old!

“When I was born, my mom thought I was the cutest thing alive, like all mothers with their child, so she entered me in Fairest Baby of the Fair at three days old. I won, and it just continued thereafter…I love the growth potential for women to succeed in public speaking, business orientations and confidence.”

Graves’ platforms she is involved in include the 4 Paws Pantry TN, PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) Awareness and Bullying 360. “These are all platforms I am passionate about. I believe all pets should have meals to eat, no matter the person’s circumstances. I’m an infertility sufferer, and I understand the struggles this puts on you and your family, both as a woman and as a wife. I have also been bullied, and I understand now that bullying affects not only one type of person, but all types.”

In addition to these community organizations, Graves is also involved in Phi Theta Kappa, CSCC’s international honor society.

The Foundation Scholarship recipient said she likes that CSCC has so many scholarship opportunities for all students—both traditional and non-traditional students such as herself. In addition to the Foundation scholarship Graves received, CSCC also recently implemented the Adult Promise Scholarship, a last-dollar scholarship allowing qualified adults to return to school to gain their certificate or degree tuition free.

“I would recommend that students always stay one step ahead to keep from falling behind. College is so different than high school. The more focus you put on school, the better your G.P.A. will remain, and the better the opportunities for you upon graduation!”
           
Graves and her husband, Benjamin, live in Cleveland with their son, Bryndley. She is the owner of 3 B’s Pet Care and Boutique specializing in in-home boarding and pet day care. She also has a custom pet treat line, boutique styled custom pet care items, and does bathing and nail trims. They opened to the public in January of 2017. In addition, she is a Younique Independent Distributor and makeup artist for her other business, CrownsAndLashes.com. She is the daughter of Krystal Brakebill and Shane Haupert of Athens.