This episode is dedicated to Pat Summitt and Joan Cronan.
What does it take to carry forward the legacy of a Tennessee icon? Morgan Vance never played basketball and never met Pat Summit, yet today she stands at the helm of the legendary coach's foundation, expanding its reach far beyond state lines.
Morgan's story defies conventional career narratives. At 33, this mother of five from a blended family has transformed the Pat Summit Foundation from a regional organization into a national force fighting Alzheimer's disease. Through what she calls "only God moments," Morgan's diverse background—spanning wedding planning, pediatric healthcare, and UT athletics—perfectly prepared her for this unexpected role.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Check us out to hear the latest on life in the
volunteer state.
Yvonca and her guests discusseverything from life, love and
business with a Tennessee flair.
It's a Tennessee thing, alwaysrelatable, always relevant and
always a good time.
This is Talkin' Tennessee, andnow your host, yvonca.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
This episode is brought to you by the Landis
team, your go-to real estatefamily in East Tennessee.
If you are looking to buy orsell, we are the ones you should
call.
Give us a call at 865-660-1186or check out our website at
YvoncaSellsRealEstatecom.
That's YonneCa Y-V-O-N-N-C-ASalesRealEstatecom.
Speaker 3 (00:48):
Welcome back to Talking Tennessee with Yvonne.
I am your host and I am herewith a dear friend, Morgan Vance
from the Pat Summit Foundation.
Welcome.
Speaker 4 (00:59):
Thank you for having me.
Speaker 3 (01:00):
Most definitely.
Well, before we get all intothis, I have to tell you who
this person is to me.
Most definitely, Well, beforewe get all into this, I have to
tell you who this person is tome.
She started out to be myclassmate and in Leadership
Knoxville.
We've been in the program forthe past 10 months, but from the
very first day that I metMorgan, we just clicked.
You know, our personalities area lot alike.
(01:22):
We have a lot of life in us andwe just like to give back to
our community.
So I think that's what makes usclick, do you think?
Speaker 4 (01:29):
Oh, absolutely.
Speaker 3 (01:30):
And we love our family.
So let's talk about who isMorgan Vance.
Speaker 4 (01:36):
So you just touched on it.
Morgan Vance is first andforemost a wife and mother.
Speaker 3 (01:40):
Yes.
Speaker 4 (01:41):
I'm a proud mom of five kids, five kids and I'm a
proud mom of five kids.
Speaker 3 (01:44):
Five kids.
Speaker 4 (01:44):
And I'm married to my wonderful, wonderful husband,
Jason, and so they are.
Shout out to Jason yes, he isincredible.
So those are priority for me.
And then you know, Morgan isalso a proud believer and
follower of Jesus Christ.
Speaker 3 (02:00):
I'm a daughter of the King.
Speaker 4 (02:02):
And so that is a huge part of who I am, the way that
I parent, the way that I buildrelationships, the way that I
live life, and then I am aprofessional.
I love to serve to your point.
I think, yes, that is whatabsolutely bonded us together is
the way that we look to make adifference in the community.
Speaker 3 (02:21):
Making a difference is very important and you know
it's not always easy.
But when you have the passionfor your community, I think it
all works out.
Speaker 4 (02:32):
It does.
It makes it fun to get out ofbed in the morning.
Speaker 3 (02:37):
It does.
Speaker 4 (02:37):
I was born and raised in Knoxville and what I always
wanted to make sure was that, atthe end of the day, did I leave
my community, my home, in abetter place?
Did I, did I do something tomake a difference?
Speaker 3 (02:50):
So, viewers, now that you see why I wanted Morgan to
come on, because y'all know thatI always say my grandfather
told me when I was a kid, morgan, what is your legacy going to
be when you die?
And at the time I was young, Ididn't know what he was talking
about.
I do now and the one thing Itell people, my viewers, I'm
like if I, when I die and go toheaven, I want people to
(03:13):
remember.
I don't want them to say, oh,she was a great realtor or she
was great, and now I'm inentertainment, she was great in
that.
Or entrepreneur.
I want them to say she reallyworked for a community and she
loved her family and everybodyknew that and she left something
for other people to build on.
Yeah, that's what I want, and Ijust sit and watch you and I'm
(03:34):
like she is doing so well andshe's very young.
Okay, do you mind me asking howold you are?
Speaker 4 (03:41):
Yeah, I'm 33.
Speaker 3 (03:43):
33.
So when we tell this storystory, I want you to think about
33.
Okay, morgan, here's your firstquestion okay how did you get
five kids?
Speaker 4 (03:58):
there's a lot of them .
Um, so we're a big blendedfamily.
So my husband and I were eachmarried once before, so I was
married, I had two boys, wentthrough a really difficult
divorce and then my husband,jason, married, had three kids,
one of which is adopted out offoster care.
Okay, and then we met and itwas just very clear from the
(04:22):
beginning of this is somethingspecial.
It was just very clear from thebeginning of this is something
special, and so we veryintentionally worked towards
okay, marriage and just again,being very intentional, and so
it was a conscious decision onour part of okay, we're going to
do this.
We're going to have five kids.
Speaker 3 (04:38):
Yes, and I know you probably was thinking okay, well
, five kids, I'm dating this guy, he's the guy for me, but this
is a lot of responsibility.
Speaker 2 (04:51):
It is.
Speaker 3 (04:53):
But I've never seen you.
It's like y'all are like amachine, because I okay.
So, viewers, let me tell you Ishared a room when we went to
the Capitol a couple months backand if you would have seen
Morgan sitting on the bedworking out her schedule with
her husband, her children,facetiming them.
(05:13):
I was so proud of you BecauseI'm like you know what she's
living out her dream.
She's got this job a big, likebig shoes to fill, but she still
makes time.
When I heard your you tellingyour husband okay, this one for
this lunch and this one for that, and make sure you have these
pads, and I mean I was just likethat's what a boss woman is.
(05:37):
You know, a person that canliterally multitask and do great
things.
But you wasn't always that way.
You talked about having a harddivorce.
Did you ever go through timesof questioning yourself at a
young age?
Speaker 4 (05:53):
Yeah, I think it took a while for me to kind of
figure out.
You know, who is it that Godhas called me to be?
You know, I got married reallyyoung.
I had always wanted a family,and it was my parents divorced
when I was really young.
And so for me and I said thisfrom the very beginning I want
one engagement, one marriage.
(06:14):
That is it.
But the problem was I basedwhat I thought a good marriage
was on Nicholas Sparks, not onwhat the Bible says, and that
led a lot of decisions.
So there, went.
Speaker 3 (06:26):
this time you wanted to make marriage instead of be
in a marriage.
Yes, yes.
Speaker 4 (06:31):
And so there went a time.
I mean I always wanted fourkids, at least four kids.
Speaker 1 (06:38):
Really.
Speaker 4 (06:39):
Yes, oh, I loved it, but there was this time where I
was like choose it.
This is all I'm going to youknow, and there's still moments,
you know yes we do have.
We're a blended family, weshare custody with our
ex-spouses, and so we have ourkids every other week, okay.
And so there are even momentsnow where I'm like am I the mom?
Am I being the mom that?
(07:00):
Yes that I was called to beLike?
Am I being the person?
Am I filling this role?
But?
Speaker 3 (07:08):
if you're not questioning that, let me say I'm
older than you, and if you'renot questioning that, then I
would say something's wrong withyou, because I think, as a
woman, we always want to be thebest we can be in all facets.
Do you agree?
Oh, absolutely.
And so I think you know there'stimes in life that you can be
(07:30):
killing it at work, okay, butyou're like okay, my house is
not.
You know, I can feel the painthere.
You know, am I getting thelaundry done?
Am I getting the kids wherethey need to be?
Am I making enough meals for myhusband?
Am I literally taking out timefor me and my husband?
(07:51):
And am I taking out time for me?
And I think a lot of timeswomen lose sight of that.
You've got to have some timefor you.
And I think, going through thatdivorce, I went through a
divorce before David and I wasthe same way and I wanted to be
married.
I wanted children.
I knew I was not made to besingle.
(08:11):
I knew that early on, like 16,17 years old.
I knew this, but I wanted tobuild what I thought marriage
was.
So, literally, I got marriedand I should have known when I
never looked at future.
I only looked at present, whatwe were like presently.
(08:35):
You know that type thing, theweddings present, you know
everything, engagement, all thatkind of I never looked at.
You know, what are we gonna tobe like when we're 70, sitting
on the porch and me and David'sgo and our thing is called Front
Porch Love.
We do a seminar that is aboutfront porch love, and the front
porch love means is that when wegrow old, me and David want to
(08:57):
be corny.
Let me go on and tell you wewant to go buy two rocking
chairs from Cracker Barrel androck on whatever front porch we
have and we want to say laughabout the things that we did.
That was stupid and the thingswe learned about, and then just
how great God brought us.
And I think that I neverthought of that with my first
(09:19):
marriage, but I do with David.
Can you think of things thatyou can think of Jason and
you're like I, could you knowwhen the kids get out and all
that kind of stuff where we'regoing to be.
Speaker 4 (09:28):
Yeah, we have those conversations often.
Speaker 3 (09:32):
Yes.
Speaker 4 (09:32):
Um, I so people who are close to me know that I call
my husband budget man.
Speaker 3 (09:37):
Yes.
Speaker 4 (09:37):
Um, so he is our financial planner, he is our
future future planner, and so heand I have those conversations
of what do we want to do Now?
It's really funny because, forme again, the kids are a huge
part of that.
So we bought our what we hopeto be our long-term, you know,
30 year home almost two yearsago and we chose a home that in
(10:01):
our mind, it was where we, wheredo we want the grandkids to
come home to, and our diningroom.
We didn't have a dining roomnow, um, that could specifically
seat 12 people.
Speaker 1 (10:13):
So our kids and their partners like this is very much
a part of like our what do wewant this to be for us.
Speaker 4 (10:24):
Where do we want to go?
What do we want to do?
Speaker 3 (10:26):
And I think that's the difference of being married
in the world or being marriedgodly, a godly marriage.
Because you think about thosethings you think about when you
grow old.
What is it going to be likewhen my grandkids come home?
What is it going to be like?
Because I know if Adrian has adaughter, that's the day that
David will retire.
(10:47):
I promise you that she had aboy.
He'll rough and tough with theboy, but if she gives a daughter
because Jaden is more a mama'sboy, adrian's more of a daddy's
girl and I can see him relivingthat through that granddaughter
and just you know, wallowing init.
(11:09):
So I'm like you're gonna retire, then it'll be okay.
Yeah, but what's made youdecide the career path?
Speaker 4 (11:17):
let's go to career it's just so I I describe a lot
of my life as only god moments,and what I mean when I say that
is you'll.
I could not orchestrate thedoors that were open, facilitate
the relationships, like Icouldn't do it, like that was
truly only God.
Speaker 3 (11:35):
Yes.
Speaker 4 (11:36):
And so my career path is, I mean, honest to goodness
just been an only God moment.
You look at my background, youlook at the different roles that
I had and you're like, okay,that's kind of scattered and all
over the place.
But then you look at where I amnow and you see what I picked
up, what I learned from each ofthose roles and how it played
into what I'm doing now.
Speaker 3 (11:57):
So tell my viewers a couple of the jobs you did
before you did this.
Speaker 4 (12:01):
Yeah, so I started when I first graduated college,
again newly married.
I had a wedding planningbusiness because I loved events.
Speaker 3 (12:10):
Yes.
Speaker 4 (12:11):
But then that morphed into a role at East Tennessee
Children's Hospital.
Again giving back to thecommunity, I was working on
internal events, so retirementparties and just moments where
we would pour into the staff,you know little tea parties,
massages on the floor for ournight shift.
I mean just different thingsTrue, concierge.
Yes, and so it was just soincredible to give back.
(12:33):
And then I moved into more ofan event and kind of corporate
role with East TennesseeChildren's Hospital.
Speaker 3 (12:43):
Okay.
Speaker 4 (12:43):
That led me to Baltimore for a really short
period of time with JohnsHopkins Children's Hospital.
Okay, that led me to Baltimorefor a really short period of
time with Johns HopkinsChildren's Center.
Speaker 3 (12:49):
Um, and then I told y'all she's done a lot in 33
years.
And then I.
Speaker 4 (12:53):
And then I came back to Knoxville, landed in
athletics, which huge you know.
When I was in pediatrics thatwas, I was never going to spend
another day in anything otherthan pediatrics.
I felt like this is my home,landed in athletics.
Totally different world, butgot to learn.
Speaker 3 (13:10):
She's talking about UT athletics.
Speaker 4 (13:11):
Yes, the University of Tennessee learned so much in
that space.
I bet Fast paced, very fastpaced, but the relationships
that I really got to build oneven stronger there and honestly
, when I look at where I am now,a lot of it was from building
relationships and from mymentors I had the most
(13:31):
incredible I mean not justfemale.
I had some bosses and some menthat I mean just said to me,
morgan, if your kids are at aspelling bee, I better not see
you in this office, like but thewomen that were in my life,
that poured into me, that when Isaid, hey, I better not see you
in this office, like that'sgood.
But the women that were in mylife that poured into me that
when I said, hey, I really Iwant to get to this point one
(13:51):
day.
How do I get there?
They said let's sit down andtalk about that.
So I just had that's really bigbecause mentors to me.
Speaker 3 (13:58):
I've got a few mentors, and in different areas,
and I reached out to two ofthem last night and I said I
just want you to know that I'mso glad you're in my life and
I'm so glad that you hold meaccountable and they really and
truly drive me and they make mefocus on bettering myself.
(14:22):
And that's the biggest thingwith a mentor.
If you have a mentor thatthey're not pushing you and
they're not holding youaccountable and they're not
calling out where you could dobetter, you need a different
mentor because it could reallyhurt your growth in what you're
going to do.
Because, just think about, youare at the largest college in
(14:44):
Tennessee Okay, In thedepartment that everything
happens athletics, you know, andso at a young age you know it
could have changed the way youlook at things, but what it did
is made you go even higher.
So what made you want to workfor the foundation?
(15:08):
How did that work?
I'm at Pat Head Summit.
I am dedicating this episode tothe memory of Pat Head Summit.
She has been.
She was a big influence in myhusband's life, she was a big
influence in my life and she inso many people's lives, you know
(15:32):
.
But the biggest thing is you'rethe director of her foundation
and I think if she was livingand I'm not saying this because
you're my friend I think shewould be proud.
You are a girly girl, you areabout your business, you're
about community and you'rehumble and that was Pat, totally
(15:56):
Very humble and would love tohelp people, that type thing.
I think she would be proud thatthey picked the right person.
Speaker 4 (16:03):
So tell me how that happened.
That just gave me a littlechills.
Speaker 3 (16:06):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (16:08):
So my short answer is when Joan Cronin calls you, say
yes, ma'am.
Speaker 3 (16:11):
Oh yes, that's the short answer.
Y'all done.
Heard Joan on here before.
When she says something, we sayyes, ma'am.
Speaker 4 (16:17):
But the long answer of that is you know, at the time
I had just gotten married, Ihad five kids, we had a new
administration in athletics, andso I just I was looking ahead
and I knew again, I know whatkind of mom I want to be and how
present I want to be.
And I was saying, you know,we're coming out of COVID, we're
going to be right back to wherewe were before, and I have even
(16:40):
more kids now and the demand isgreater.
I can't be on campus as oftenas they expect.
Because, it's really fast pacedand it's a lot of hours and
there's a lot of.
I mean, there's alwayssomething, there's always a game
or something going on or anevent?
Yes, and so we had got.
I had gotten to the point I waslooking for new jobs, but not
(17:00):
many people in my office knewthat at all.
Okay, but I worked with a womanwho had been I mean, her career
at UT has just been incredibleand Joan had actually called her
about the role.
And she had just unbeknownst toall of us, she had just accepted
(17:21):
a new role at UT, so staying atUT but leaving athletics, okay.
And so she told Joan, you know,no, I'm, I'm not your girl.
And she said but have youtalked to Morgan?
Because Morgan is coming from ahealthcare background.
That's, that's what herexperience was in, that's what
she likes, she's veryphilanthropically minded.
And so, at the same time thoseconversations were happening, I
(17:43):
found out that the Pat SimicFoundation was hiring, and a
friend of mine, who I've knownhim for the better part of a
decade- Okay.
He was one of the originalfounders of the foundation.
So I heard PSF is hiring and Icalled him and I said so tell me
about this Do you feel likeit'd be a role that I'd be a
(18:03):
good fit for?
And six weeks later I aboutthis Like do you feel like it'd
be a role?
Speaker 3 (18:07):
that I'd be a good fit for, and six weeks later,
you know I was there, oh wow.
Let's go back on one thing.
Yeah, another woman didn'taccept that position.
She didn't just stay closedmouth.
She basically said I'm not yourgirl because I'm going to stay
wherever I'm at, but I'm goingto help this person.
(18:28):
And the reason why I'm comingback on that?
Because that's one thing thatPat always believed in helping
the next woman to help.
She helped everybody, but shewas very passionate.
Joan Cronin is very passionateabout helping people.
Women succeed, no matter whatthe world says.
(18:52):
And so to hear you tell me thatsomebody basically said oh,
have you talked to Morgan?
You know her background, isthis?
That's amazing.
That should speak volume ofwhat you've shown her.
Yeah, and that person who didthat for me was a student
manager for Pat, so you know,she was in the Pat family Really
Okay good, because that's onething, and she knew what that
(19:13):
foundation and what that legacyneeded.
Speaker 4 (19:16):
Yes, and so let me say that is.
I think, when I look at my job,I am humbled.
I mean each and every day,because I didn't play basketball
, I didn't play for Pat, Ididn't know Pat personally.
Speaker 3 (19:29):
The people.
Speaker 4 (19:30):
you know my board, a lot of the members of my
advisory board, a lot of thepeople that I work with on a
daily basis had those personalrelationships with her.
So for them to look at me andsay we trust you to uphold these
values to further the missionthat Pat set out the mission
that Pat set out.
Speaker 3 (19:50):
She's answering my next question already, because
that's what I was going to ask.
Speaker 2 (20:00):
You is not knowing or meeting Pat Hitsum.
Speaker 3 (20:01):
I know you had to do a lot of research, read a lot
about her.
I mean, you probably knew a lotabout her, but you really
educated yourself to do the jobyou're doing.
Speaker 4 (20:14):
Talk about the pressure.
Yeah, there's a lot of it.
I have gotten to know Pat andwho Pat is and who she was,
through her players and thosethat she worked with her former
coaches I mean, Joan is a bigpart of that.
So I really feel like I havegotten to know her through those
relationships and thoseinteractions.
(20:34):
It is a lot of pressure.
Speaker 2 (20:36):
A lot.
Speaker 4 (20:37):
You know I have a quote on my board and it
actually was something thatTamika Catchings said in a
speech.
I think I was on the job maybea month when I had gone to
campus.
Tamika was speaking atsomething, so it was my first
chance getting to meet her andum, she said, um, pat, and she
was talking about her players.
She said Pat didn't expect usto be mediocre, pat expected us
(21:01):
to be great.
Speaker 3 (21:02):
Yes.
Speaker 4 (21:02):
And I remember sitting there and that's when
that hit me of.
I mean, it really just hit meof.
If that's what she expected ofher players who wore the Lady
Vol brand, how much more doesshe expect that for me and the
foundation, the nonprofit thatbears her name?
Speaker 3 (21:21):
Okay, I promise you that Morgan did not know.
You got confirmation that okay,god put me here, and this is
where I'm supposed to be.
You know, I am going torepresent a woman that I never
(21:44):
have met nor had a conversationwith, but this board believes in
me that I can represent her inthe best light.
What was that?
Your moment?
Speaker 4 (21:57):
So that was a different one.
I've had a lot of them as wehave, as we have grown, as we
have expanded and done newthings.
Um, you know, when I was firstbrought on, I was I started in a
development role, but therewere two of us, so my job was
was really to to start raisingmore funds so we could really
further our mission.
Um, and the first time that Ithought, wow, this, for really
(22:22):
this group really trusts me iswe had started laying the
groundwork of.
You know, in the advancementworld, I acquainted to sales.
You know what are you selling?
It's not necessarily a product,but but our job is to really
connect people with a program ora mission or a service area.
And so we were laying thegroundwork of, okay, what are
(22:44):
some of our, what are ourinitiatives, what are things
that we're really wanting tobreak into and do more so I can
have these conversations withour donors.
And out of that came this ideafor a caregiver training program
.
There's tons of great resourcesout there, but we were seeing
the impact on caregivers theirmental health, their physical
(23:05):
health, emotional health andthere weren't a lot of resources
that were, I mean, just trulyonly focused on the caregivers,
and so this idea came about, andso we started going, we started
putting the plan together, andit's a $1.35 million investment
from the Pat Sennett Foundation.
So we get the price tag andwe're like okay.
And that was the first big timewhere I was like this board
(23:28):
really trusts me and the visionthat I have, because they said,
if you yeah, let's do it, let'sdo it.
We put this in front of them.
Speaker 3 (23:35):
Were you in shock A little bit?
Did you go home and go?
Speaker 4 (23:39):
did they really say yes, yeah, there have been a
little bit, because, again, itwas something new for us, it was
different, but it was one ofthose they trust me and have.
They believe that if we'regoing to do this, we're going to
do it right, right, and thatthey're all in and they're
behind me.
Okay, so that was the firstlike big.
Speaker 3 (24:01):
Do you think that your mentors, what they have
taught you over the years, talkabout that?
Did the things that you havelearned from your mentors?
Did that influence you in yourposition and prepare you for
this position?
Speaker 4 (24:18):
Yes, okay.
So you know my mentors.
A lot of the conversations thatI'd had with you know the
mentor that I had at EastTennessee Children's Hospital.
Her name was Carlton Long.
She and I would haveconversations about like this is
what I'm wanting to do, whatare the steps?
Yes, and being able to say,okay, how do you get the
experience?
What are I mean?
(24:39):
Just making a plan and thenyou've got to follow through on
that plan?
Yes, and you've got to beaccountable.
Speaker 3 (24:44):
And I think a lot of people don't realize that we all
want to be successful.
Okay, but you really have tostop and lay down a plan.
Okay, I want to be here and Iwant these different
opportunities to come to me.
And so, if these opportunities,if I want them, what do I have
(25:05):
to have and how does everythinghave to look and sound to make
it all come together for my good?
Yeah, because if it comestogether for your good, you're
going to go out in yourcommunity and you're going to
make it good for your community.
And so that's why I was askingabout your mentors what they
(25:25):
taught you early on.
Was there any certain traitthat you say it came from my
mentors?
Yeah, I mean, I think it wastraits that they helped.
Speaker 4 (25:31):
It came from my mentors, yeah, I mean, I think
it was traits that they helpedme like just really fine tune.
So again, it was.
I was I've always been aplanner and an organizer and
this type a but being able tosay, okay, well, here's, here's
end goal, how are we going toget there?
Speaker 3 (25:47):
Yes, what, what are?
And you have to be a plannerand you have to be consistent
and you have to, you've got toshow up and you've got to take
responsibility.
Speaker 4 (25:56):
And I will say I also had a great group that I worked
with in Baltimore and Iremember from them they taught
me that it's okay, we're goingto try something, and if it
doesn't work, that is okay.
It is Admit that.
Say, hey, y'all, this didn'twork.
Here's where we fell short,here's the plan, here's where I
think we go from there.
Speaker 3 (26:16):
I told Adrienne the other day about that.
I said, you know people sit andsay well, you don't give
everything you touch turns to go.
I'm like, no, it doesn't.
I'm like I don't feel it's somestuff, trust me, I said, but
the difference is I didn't staythere, I dusted myself off.
(26:38):
Yeah, I was like okay, this isnot for me, dust myself off.
I didn't let it get all into myheart like, well, you know, am
I good enough?
All that?
I didn't.
I didn't allow it to laydormant in me.
Those moments don't define it,doesn't it't it just, really,
honestly, it bursts of strengthand that strongness about okay,
well, the next thing I do, I gotto make sure it's the right
(27:00):
choice, the right thing and Ithink, going in this position as
the first executive director,that's amazing.
Thank you.
So tell me what does it looklike?
What is your daily roles asbeing the director of the Pat
Summit Foundation?
Speaker 4 (27:21):
Yeah, so in nonprofits we like to joke that
you wear about 15 different hatsyes, when you work for a
nonprofit.
So at the Pat Summit Foundationwe wear about 67 different hats
, because we are a very smallstaff, so hopefully we will
begin to grow.
Speaker 3 (27:37):
You will, I have no doubt, with you being on top.
Speaker 4 (27:41):
Well, thank you.
So we're really looking at howdo we move the needle forward.
And this is one of those thingswhere my board and my advisory
board have just I'm so thankfulfor the trust that they have
placed in me and I mean, andthey have my back.
But when I first came on board,some members would say, well,
we want to be the Alzheimer'scharity of choice in Tennessee.
(28:03):
And I sat with that for alittle bit and was like, okay,
you know, just it's good to hearwhat everyone's goals are, okay
.
But then I started looking atour donor base and I started
looking at our support and Istarted seeing where do we have
these pockets?
Where are people reaching outfrom?
Where are we seeing thesethings?
And the Pat Summit name is notjust limited to Tennessee.
Alzheimer's disease is not justa Tennessee disease.
(28:25):
Right, correct Our donors, ourwork, our ability to reach those
and have an impact isnationwide, and so then I really
started kind of challenging ofwhy are we going to limit
ourselves to Tennessee?
Speaker 3 (28:36):
Right.
Speaker 4 (28:37):
I want us to be one of the top philanthropic choices
in this space in the country.
That's amazing, and so that iswhat fuels us and drives us
every day.
And what's been amazing ishearing the same people who said
that and again, that was thatwas their goal and that and it
was a good goal but you wantedto go farther.
It's been so neat to hear themnow talk to people and they'll
(28:58):
go.
Speaker 3 (28:59):
we're we're working to be the top in the country and
I'm like and you're like that'sit, because you have to have a
team and a board that knows themission.
Speaker 4 (29:09):
Yeah, understands the mission.
Our goal every day is how arewe moving our mission forward?
Speaker 3 (29:14):
I know it, pat had.
Years ago, when everythinghappened and it was announced
that she was ill, I saw myhusband just truly, I mean I
don't know if I ever told youDavid was on Pat's team, mel's
(29:35):
team, practice team, and so hegot to, you know, interact with
her daily, you know.
And then my father-in-law wason staff for 30 years at UT.
So David, he really, it reallyhit him like a ton of bricks.
I'll never forget the day wherewe were at everything when that
(29:56):
was announced.
Nothing was worse.
But one other day, the day shepassed, the day she passed away,
my husband wrote on hisFacebook what she meant to him.
It makes me emotional.
And to hear a man speak in thatway about a woman and just honor
(30:22):
her, morgan, when I say to you,you should really understand
that they're trusting you with abig, big shoes, big shoes, and
I think that they see that youcan do it.
And I think it's because you,your heart, is in it for the
(30:45):
right reason.
You've worked out in thecommunity and you have tried
your best to keep the mission onpat and not allow it to be on
you or someone else.
It's more of how can we keepthis legacy going.
So what is your job on thedaily basis of?
(31:07):
Okay, the legacy.
Speaker 4 (31:09):
Yeah, so we, you know we have a great fundraiser now
on staff so we brought him onboard to help kind of relieve
some of those duties.
So I do a lot in the estateplanning world, planning um,
people who you know, they it'sso special to sit down and work
with someone and they say wewant our legacy to be tied in
(31:32):
with Pat, so we're going toleave a gift in our estate, like
those are those are some of thesweetest moments and the just
the greatest things that I getto be a part of.
But we I do a lot in ourpartnerships.
So what are we doing?
Who are we tying our brand toand those sorts of things?
Oh, yeah, a lot in our grantmaking space.
(31:52):
So, every day, truly, when Isay every single day is
different, every single day isdifferent.
Speaker 3 (31:55):
oh, I believe that not in itself is is hectic and
big, and I've never donenon-profit and because but I do
a lot with non-profits and I seea lot and I'm like, oh, wow,
it's a lot of detail, yes,especially like with the grants
and all it's a lot.
Speaker 1 (32:15):
Grants, IRS and the stress of it.
Speaker 2 (32:16):
Yes, it's, a lot.
Speaker 3 (32:18):
And let's go back.
Speaker 1 (32:20):
Joan Cronin.
Speaker 3 (32:23):
Joan Cronin was on my podcast last year interview
that Pat was the one that whenshe had went off to uh, she
traveled uh with her husband inhis job in the Carolinas and
when she got the call about theAD position, it was Pat that
(32:44):
called her and said you need totake this position.
So as another again anotherwoman saying, hey, I've got the
woman for you.
This is who needs to be in thisposition and what Joan Cronin
is getting to see her legacy.
Because let me just say thisabout Ms Joan I don't know how
(33:06):
she does as much as she does.
Speaker 4 (33:08):
I tell her weekly.
I feel like if I can do half ofwhat you are doing at your age,
I am going to feel like I haveaccomplished a lot.
I mean truly.
Right now I was leaving to comehere and my team was leaving to
go pick her up because they hadan appointment somewhere and
they were going to do somethingto drop her off, and then she's
(33:28):
had speaking engagement.
I mean she is all over theplace, All over and never
complains.
Speaker 1 (33:32):
I've never, heard that woman complain.
Speaker 3 (33:35):
She does, and people will walk up to her and hear me
when I tell you this person willspeak to anybody.
She will hold a conversation,she will hear them out, speak to
anybody she will hold aconversation.
Speaker 4 (33:50):
She will hear them out.
Joan Cronin is like the goatshe is, and that's where I mean.
You talk about incrediblepeople to work with and work for
.
Speaker 3 (33:55):
Yeah, joan, you can't get any better.
Speaker 4 (33:58):
Did my first interview and really, yes, and
let me tell you that was a.
I was like Whoa, okay, that wasan experience.
Her very first question that sheasked was are you ready to lead
?
And I was like, yes, ma'am,okay, yes, it was.
I mean we just jumped right inUm, but I get to work with and
for women like that.
(34:19):
And so my board chair was adirector of ops for Pat, for she
was a graduate student manager.
Then the director of ops forfor Pat for seven years went on
to start the Atlanta dream.
Um was a the women'scommissioner for the um ACC.
I mean, she's just her career.
That's my board chair.
Also, a single working mom,yeah, and so that's I.
(34:42):
You know, you asked earlierwhat's something that my mentors
have really instilled that havehelped make me successful, and
it's that they have shown mewhat it means to be a working
mother.
Right, and Shonda Rimes I don'tknow if you've ever seen this
clip.
I love Shonda well, she didthis a commencement address once
and she said when I am, youknow, just excelling at one, I
(35:07):
am almost always failing inanother area.
It is hard to balance work andfamily, but that is where I have
just truly felt so fortunate towork for these incredible and
with these incredible women whoshow me what it's like to have
boundaries and to be able to say, hey, I've got us.
We have a hard stop at thismeeting because I've got to get
(35:29):
the kids picked up for X.
Hey, I am around, but here.
Here's where my boundaries are.
Hey, to balance that and thenrespect it and I will never
forget the day Joan told me thatshe was going to make sure that
she did everything in her power.
When I took the job, she saidwe'll do everything in our power
to make sure that you still arethe successful, the mom that
(35:49):
you want to be, and I'll neverforget.
We were sitting in an advisoryboard meeting and I had
previously told her and we knewit was going to be a long
meeting we try to keep them atan hour but we knew it was going
to go over and I had told herwell, listen, I have a hard.
I personally have a hard stopbecause it's my son's final
spring program at his preschooland you didn't want to miss it.
(36:16):
I can't miss that and I willshe.
So we're starting to go overand she sees me looking down at
my clock and she said how?
many more minutes do you have,and I was like I mean just like
five.
I mean we're sitting theresidebar and she's like, okay,
and we're in the middlediscussing something and she
goes gang, we need to pause here.
Morgan has somewhere that sheneeds to be for her family, and
so I'm gonna wrap this up.
Morgan, go on see that rightthere.
Speaker 3 (36:36):
Pat would do that.
Yeah, joan did that, and Ithink that's what we need to
have more of of women comingtogether and understanding you
know what.
Like Morgan said, this is ahard stop right now, but hey,
I'll be back out and I've gotthe resources for you.
We can.
I can answer whatever, but Ihave to take care of my family
(37:00):
and success.
Yes, you're always busy, you'realways going to be doing, but
you have to have a balance on itand you have to realize what
you're representing has to be inline with your family.
Yes, and I think your job is inline it is.
Speaker 4 (37:17):
I mean, I grew up here in Knoxville and Tyler and
I were the same age, so like Igrew up with the getting to see
Pat at her son's basketballgames.
You know, I got to see thatside of her and so, truthfully,
having that support has meantthat, like I'm able to, I don't.
I feel like I can balance itbetter and I feel like I'm more
successful and I also feel likeit's just helped me say, okay,
(37:40):
I've got these people thatbelieve in me.
They trust me, I'm giving themall I've got.
Speaker 3 (37:47):
She's having given all that I've got and they've
got to deal with that.
They have to understand thatthat's where I'm at, meeting
people where they're at.
So what's next for the Pat'sSummit Foundation?
Speaker 4 (37:58):
Oh, goodness, um, but I'm even, I'm trying to think
of what day it is and what week,and we have, I mean, there's
just been a lot of big thingshappening for us, and so a lot
of things that will, you'll,roll out.
Yeah, yeah, so our our caregivertraining program that we have
online at launch nationwide lastyear.
We're continuing to expand that.
(38:19):
Okay, um, we've got.
How can people get involved?
Yeah, please tell the viewers.
Yes, so for that they can go topatsgameplanorg.
Visit the site.
There's so many great justresources.
You know where we were, wherewe sat, we knew we had
connections and had all thesegreat resources.
Speaker 3 (38:38):
Yes.
Speaker 4 (38:40):
Someone in rural Tennessee or in Oklahoma might
not have access to those sameresources, and so it was really
important for us to how do weconnect them, how do we make
sure that they feel supported inthis journey?
So patsgameplanorg.
Speaker 3 (38:55):
Patsgameplanorg.
And how do people get involvedIf they just want to be a
volunteer or if they say youknow what?
I want to donate towards this,because I want people to
understand that sometimes peopledon't get.
Volunteering is wonderful, butyou have to have funds as well
(39:16):
to make sure that the eventsthat you're putting on for the
community it does cost.
I mean, how do people get todonate?
Yeah, patsummitorg.
Speaker 4 (39:26):
All of yeah, patsummitorg.
Speaker 2 (39:27):
All of it's on patsummitorg.
Speaker 4 (39:29):
They can go and they can click there and donate.
Our contact information isthere.
So if they want to talk aboutbigger gifts, if they want to
talk about leaving a legacy,then they can get in touch with
us.
For us, a big part of what'snext that I'm really excited
about is a little bit more inthe research space, so we're
looking at some different thingsthere, but also we're we're
(39:51):
looking at doing more in theeducation space and youth
engagement, and so you knowwe're growing up, we have a
whole generation of young peoplethat don't understand and know
who pat is.
That's true, what she did, howshe opens the doors opened the
doors for them to walk through,and so we're starting to look at
doing even more there.
Speaker 3 (40:12):
Look at ladies basketball.
How much has changed Can youimagine?
I think she'd be so proud.
Speaker 4 (40:18):
I think she would too .
I think she'd have some thingsto say about some different
things that are going on rightnow I agree.
Speaker 3 (40:27):
Oh, I can see one of them.
Good old screaming matches onoh yeah, yes, yes.
Speaker 4 (40:31):
But I think she would be so proud of the attention
that is on women's basketballright now and that you know, I'm
so glad that Ms Joan gets tosee it.
Speaker 3 (40:39):
Yes, if Pat couldn't see it, I'm so glad that Ms Joan
, because she paved the way forso many people.
Speaker 4 (40:48):
Joan just received a Lifetime Achievement Award at
the Final Four and see this iswhen was that Two weeks ago and
that was voted on by her peers.
And see, that's a huge honor,Well-deserved.
I'm just so thankful that sheis getting the recognition.
I mean Joan was a trailblazer.
Speaker 3 (41:06):
I want you to know that we are going to dedicate
this to Pet Summit and JoanCronin, because those two women
me and Morgan wouldn't besitting here without them.
So what's next on the Morganside of family?
Oh goodness.
Speaker 4 (41:23):
Last night, you know, my husband and I did the fun
business meeting I I'll call itfor.
Okay, what are summer camps?
Who's going where, who has toget who to what thing?
And they're all excited rightnow.
They're in teacups right now.
Speaker 3 (41:34):
Okay.
Speaker 4 (41:34):
End of year testing and my goodness, that's just a
difficult Teacup yes, so theyhave Friday off of school and so
they have all asked for all thefriends to come over.
And I don't know if you everfelt like this, like we just
live.
It's organized chaos.
We have four boys and one girl,so the house is always loud.
There's always, I mean, there'salways something.
(41:56):
So we have just gotten to thepoint.
If one asks for a friend tocome, over.
Speaker 3 (41:58):
We're like sure, and who do you want and who do you
want?
And I mean, just go ahead andhave them all over.
So Adrian was the kid that myhouse stayed packed.
Yeah, okay, jaden's not likeJaden.
Like certain times he wants itthat way.
Yeah, but like birthday he's,jaden is more, not he.
I don't want that many people.
So you're a house that it's awhole bunch of kids, no matter
(42:19):
five or 10, you could be thereany any other week I've had
someone.
Speaker 4 (42:25):
We've had several kids spend the night before and
the mom will come and they'relike oh my gosh, how did you?
You know cooking breakfast?
I'm like this is our normalamount of breakfast, like I'm
always feeding an army anyway.
Speaker 3 (42:38):
Yes.
Speaker 4 (42:38):
Like just bring them.
Speaker 3 (42:42):
And we're going to feed them and we're going to
make sure they have a great timeand we just our feed them and
we're going to make sure theyhave a great time.
Speaker 4 (42:46):
And we, we just our our hope, and Jason and I talk
about this often is we want tobe a home.
That I mean our kids know wherewe stand and they know where I
mean the Bible is where we getour truth our values.
Speaker 1 (42:59):
And we want.
Speaker 4 (43:01):
We want them to bring their friends and to know that
they are welcome, that they will, they will be loved.
We want them to know that.
I mean just.
Speaker 3 (43:08):
I think having a godly home, um, it's different.
You know what I'm saying?
Uh, in every facet of your life, and I think that you're doing
it well, thank you Well and it'sso funny.
Speaker 4 (43:19):
It's a godly home is different and we discipline, but
like it's even thoseconversations are just fun with
our kids, because our kids knowlike, do you remember growing up
, your parents would likecorrect you on something and you
would be like did they justpull that out of it?
Speaker 3 (43:35):
They just don't want to do that.
Speaker 1 (43:36):
Yes, yes.
Speaker 4 (43:38):
Our kids know that, like listen, we know that we are
called to discipline biblically, like I mean, there are lots of
scriptures on correcting andjust really disciplining.
God sets that example andputting those guardrails up and
(44:01):
our job is we are called todiscipline but we don't just
pull things out.
It's just amazing theconversations that we have with
our kids.
Speaker 3 (44:04):
I think the biggest thing that parents need to
realize is you can disciplineyour kids at the same time.
Let them have an opinion, yes,let them be able to speak, yeah,
and you know, and y'all cometogether.
You know, yes, you know how farthey can go, and they should
know how, how far that they cango.
But I think, giving them avoice and letting them have an
(44:27):
opinion, in the long run theyturn out.
They turn out great, exactlyhow God is, and that's what I
it's like for Jason.
Speaker 4 (44:34):
Our kids know that, like where we get the parameters
for decision making and whatguides us and what's our light
like.
It's what biblically based, yes, but then to be able to have
these different conversationswith our kids and have them ask
questions, I mean like my 12year old was asking Jason about,
like compound interest one day.
I still don't even think I canexplain that to you.
Speaker 3 (44:58):
Like, but they just Morgan's like what it's this but
Jane will ask questions Me andAdrian was talking about it the
other day.
Our educations are differentbecause each kid, every
generation, gets a bettereducation, I think Because I
know that Adrian got a bettereducation than I got in high
school and back.
You know that type of thingBecause there's new things that
(45:19):
come out and all that.
But, like, jane will bring upsomething more and I'm like, how
does he know that?
Speaker 4 (45:25):
Yes, well, and the question to our daughter is like
so philosophical and herfavorite time is bedtime and
she'll pull out these questionsand I'm like that's what you
have been thinking about.
Wow, yes, I don't think I knewto ask that until I was 16, 17
years old.
Speaker 3 (45:40):
Me and Adrienne talk about it all the time.
With Jane, it's such a fun.
Speaker 4 (45:43):
It is age and the fact that our kids know that
we're not, that it's notunpredictable.
They know where we stand, theyknow where our truth is, we have
.
We are trying to instill thatin them, but it has given this
sense of just, security and joyand a godly home, and that's
what I think a godly home is it?
Speaker 3 (46:01):
just you have your and you know your principles.
If you don't know, if you don'tknow how to handle something
you know, go to the good bookand your kids.
I think teaching kids how topray, teaching kids how to seek
God on their own and with you, Ithink it's key.
So, morgan, we love it.
(46:23):
I want you to know I am so proudof you and I am so glad you're
in my life.
I truly I love you and the dooris always open.
If there's ever a time that youwant to get something out to
the community and you need a micto do it, I'm telling you
Talking Tennessee is your placebecause the door is always open
(46:45):
to you.
Most definitely Tune in Fridayto Talking Tennessee with Yvonca
, and I will have Morgan Vancefrom Pat's Summit Foundation
talking to you.
Bye, guys.
Speaker 1 (47:00):
Thanks for listening to Talking Tennessee with Yvonca
.
Watch out for our weeklyepisodes from the First Family
of Real Estate and check us outon the web
wwwyvoncasalesrealestatecom.
See our videos on Yvonca'sYouTube channel or find us on
Facebook under Yvonca Landis andTwitter at Yvonca Landis, and
(47:22):
don't forget to tell a friendabout us.
Until next time.
Yvonca signing off.
Check us out to hear the latest on life in the
volunteer state.
Yvonca and her guests discusseverything from life, love and
business with a Tennessee flair.
It's a Tennessee thing, alwaysrelatable, always relevant and
always a good time.
This is Talkin' Tennessee, andnow your host, yvonca.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
This episode is brought to you by the Landis
team, your go-to real estatefamily in East Tennessee.
If you are looking to buy orsell, we are the ones you should
call.
Give us a call at 865-660-1186or check out our website at
YvoncaSellsRealEstatecom.
That's YonneCa Y-V-O-N-N-C-ASalesRealEstatecom.
Speaker 3 (00:48):
Welcome back to Talking Tennessee with Yvonne.
I am your host and I am herewith a dear friend, Morgan Vance
from the Pat Summit Foundation.
Welcome.
Speaker 4 (00:59):
Thank you for having me.
Speaker 3 (01:00):
Most definitely.
Well, before we get all intothis, I have to tell you who
this person is to me.
Most definitely, Well, beforewe get all into this, I have to
tell you who this person is tome.
She started out to be myclassmate and in Leadership
Knoxville.
We've been in the program forthe past 10 months, but from the
very first day that I metMorgan, we just clicked.
You know, our personalities area lot alike.
(01:22):
We have a lot of life in us andwe just like to give back to
our community.
So I think that's what makes usclick, do you think?
Speaker 4 (01:29):
Oh, absolutely.
Speaker 3 (01:30):
And we love our family.
So let's talk about who isMorgan Vance.
Speaker 4 (01:36):
So you just touched on it.
Morgan Vance is first andforemost a wife and mother.
Speaker 3 (01:40):
Yes.
Speaker 4 (01:41):
I'm a proud mom of five kids, five kids and I'm a
proud mom of five kids.
Speaker 3 (01:44):
Five kids.
Speaker 4 (01:44):
And I'm married to my wonderful, wonderful husband,
Jason, and so they are.
Shout out to Jason yes, he isincredible.
So those are priority for me.
And then you know, Morgan isalso a proud believer and
follower of Jesus Christ.
Speaker 3 (02:00):
I'm a daughter of the King.
Speaker 4 (02:02):
And so that is a huge part of who I am, the way that
I parent, the way that I buildrelationships, the way that I
live life, and then I am aprofessional.
I love to serve to your point.
I think, yes, that is whatabsolutely bonded us together is
the way that we look to make adifference in the community.
Speaker 3 (02:21):
Making a difference is very important and you know
it's not always easy.
But when you have the passionfor your community, I think it
all works out.
Speaker 4 (02:32):
It does.
It makes it fun to get out ofbed in the morning.
Speaker 3 (02:37):
It does.
Speaker 4 (02:37):
I was born and raised in Knoxville and what I always
wanted to make sure was that, atthe end of the day, did I leave
my community, my home, in abetter place?
Did I, did I do something tomake a difference?
Speaker 3 (02:50):
So, viewers, now that you see why I wanted Morgan to
come on, because y'all know thatI always say my grandfather
told me when I was a kid, morgan, what is your legacy going to
be when you die?
And at the time I was young, Ididn't know what he was talking
about.
I do now and the one thing Itell people, my viewers, I'm
like if I, when I die and go toheaven, I want people to
(03:13):
remember.
I don't want them to say, oh,she was a great realtor or she
was great, and now I'm inentertainment, she was great in
that.
Or entrepreneur.
I want them to say she reallyworked for a community and she
loved her family and everybodyknew that and she left something
for other people to build on.
Yeah, that's what I want, and Ijust sit and watch you and I'm
(03:34):
like she is doing so well andshe's very young.
Okay, do you mind me asking howold you are?
Speaker 4 (03:41):
Yeah, I'm 33.
Speaker 3 (03:43):
33.
So when we tell this storystory, I want you to think about
33.
Okay, morgan, here's your firstquestion okay how did you get
five kids?
Speaker 4 (03:58):
there's a lot of them .
Um, so we're a big blendedfamily.
So my husband and I were eachmarried once before, so I was
married, I had two boys, wentthrough a really difficult
divorce and then my husband,jason, married, had three kids,
one of which is adopted out offoster care.
Okay, and then we met and itwas just very clear from the
(04:22):
beginning of this is somethingspecial.
It was just very clear from thebeginning of this is something
special, and so we veryintentionally worked towards
okay, marriage and just again,being very intentional, and so
it was a conscious decision onour part of okay, we're going to
do this.
We're going to have five kids.
Speaker 3 (04:38):
Yes, and I know you probably was thinking okay, well
, five kids, I'm dating this guy, he's the guy for me, but this
is a lot of responsibility.
Speaker 2 (04:51):
It is.
Speaker 3 (04:53):
But I've never seen you.
It's like y'all are like amachine, because I okay.
So, viewers, let me tell you Ishared a room when we went to
the Capitol a couple months backand if you would have seen
Morgan sitting on the bedworking out her schedule with
her husband, her children,facetiming them.
(05:13):
I was so proud of you BecauseI'm like you know what she's
living out her dream.
She's got this job a big, likebig shoes to fill, but she still
makes time.
When I heard your you tellingyour husband okay, this one for
this lunch and this one for that, and make sure you have these
pads, and I mean I was just likethat's what a boss woman is.
(05:37):
You know, a person that canliterally multitask and do great
things.
But you wasn't always that way.
You talked about having a harddivorce.
Did you ever go through timesof questioning yourself at a
young age?
Speaker 4 (05:53):
Yeah, I think it took a while for me to kind of
figure out.
You know, who is it that Godhas called me to be?
You know, I got married reallyyoung.
I had always wanted a family,and it was my parents divorced
when I was really young.
And so for me and I said thisfrom the very beginning I want
one engagement, one marriage.
(06:14):
That is it.
But the problem was I basedwhat I thought a good marriage
was on Nicholas Sparks, not onwhat the Bible says, and that
led a lot of decisions.
So there, went.
Speaker 3 (06:26):
this time you wanted to make marriage instead of be
in a marriage.
Yes, yes.
Speaker 4 (06:31):
And so there went a time.
I mean I always wanted fourkids, at least four kids.
Speaker 1 (06:38):
Really.
Speaker 4 (06:39):
Yes, oh, I loved it, but there was this time where I
was like choose it.
This is all I'm going to youknow, and there's still moments,
you know yes we do have.
We're a blended family, weshare custody with our
ex-spouses, and so we have ourkids every other week, okay.
And so there are even momentsnow where I'm like am I the mom?
Am I being the mom that?
(07:00):
Yes that I was called to beLike?
Am I being the person?
Am I filling this role?
But?
Speaker 3 (07:08):
if you're not questioning that, let me say I'm
older than you, and if you'renot questioning that, then I
would say something's wrong withyou, because I think, as a
woman, we always want to be thebest we can be in all facets.
Do you agree?
Oh, absolutely.
And so I think you know there'stimes in life that you can be
(07:30):
killing it at work, okay, butyou're like okay, my house is
not.
You know, I can feel the painthere.
You know, am I getting thelaundry done?
Am I getting the kids wherethey need to be?
Am I making enough meals for myhusband?
Am I literally taking out timefor me and my husband?
(07:51):
And am I taking out time for me?
And I think a lot of timeswomen lose sight of that.
You've got to have some timefor you.
And I think, going through thatdivorce, I went through a
divorce before David and I wasthe same way and I wanted to be
married.
I wanted children.
I knew I was not made to besingle.
(08:11):
I knew that early on, like 16,17 years old.
I knew this, but I wanted tobuild what I thought marriage
was.
So, literally, I got marriedand I should have known when I
never looked at future.
I only looked at present, whatwe were like presently.
(08:35):
You know that type thing, theweddings present, you know
everything, engagement, all thatkind of I never looked at.
You know, what are we gonna tobe like when we're 70, sitting
on the porch and me and David'sgo and our thing is called Front
Porch Love.
We do a seminar that is aboutfront porch love, and the front
porch love means is that when wegrow old, me and David want to
(08:57):
be corny.
Let me go on and tell you wewant to go buy two rocking
chairs from Cracker Barrel androck on whatever front porch we
have and we want to say laughabout the things that we did.
That was stupid and the thingswe learned about, and then just
how great God brought us.
And I think that I neverthought of that with my first
(09:19):
marriage, but I do with David.
Can you think of things thatyou can think of Jason and
you're like I, could you knowwhen the kids get out and all
that kind of stuff where we'regoing to be.
Speaker 4 (09:28):
Yeah, we have those conversations often.
Speaker 3 (09:32):
Yes.
Speaker 4 (09:32):
Um, I so people who are close to me know that I call
my husband budget man.
Speaker 3 (09:37):
Yes.
Speaker 4 (09:37):
Um, so he is our financial planner, he is our
future future planner, and so heand I have those conversations
of what do we want to do Now?
It's really funny because, forme again, the kids are a huge
part of that.
So we bought our what we hopeto be our long-term, you know,
30 year home almost two yearsago and we chose a home that in
(10:01):
our mind, it was where we, wheredo we want the grandkids to
come home to, and our diningroom.
We didn't have a dining roomnow, um, that could specifically
seat 12 people.
Speaker 1 (10:13):
So our kids and their partners like this is very much
a part of like our what do wewant this to be for us.
Speaker 4 (10:24):
Where do we want to go?
What do we want to do?
Speaker 3 (10:26):
And I think that's the difference of being married
in the world or being marriedgodly, a godly marriage.
Because you think about thosethings you think about when you
grow old.
What is it going to be likewhen my grandkids come home?
What is it going to be like?
Because I know if Adrian has adaughter, that's the day that
David will retire.
(10:47):
I promise you that she had aboy.
He'll rough and tough with theboy, but if she gives a daughter
because Jaden is more a mama'sboy, adrian's more of a daddy's
girl and I can see him relivingthat through that granddaughter
and just you know, wallowing init.
(11:09):
So I'm like you're gonna retire, then it'll be okay.
Yeah, but what's made youdecide the career path?
Speaker 4 (11:17):
let's go to career it's just so I I describe a lot
of my life as only god moments,and what I mean when I say that
is you'll.
I could not orchestrate thedoors that were open, facilitate
the relationships, like Icouldn't do it, like that was
truly only God.
Speaker 3 (11:35):
Yes.
Speaker 4 (11:36):
And so my career path is, I mean, honest to goodness
just been an only God moment.
You look at my background, youlook at the different roles that
I had and you're like, okay,that's kind of scattered and all
over the place.
But then you look at where I amnow and you see what I picked
up, what I learned from each ofthose roles and how it played
into what I'm doing now.
Speaker 3 (11:57):
So tell my viewers a couple of the jobs you did
before you did this.
Speaker 4 (12:01):
Yeah, so I started when I first graduated college,
again newly married.
I had a wedding planningbusiness because I loved events.
Speaker 3 (12:10):
Yes.
Speaker 4 (12:11):
But then that morphed into a role at East Tennessee
Children's Hospital.
Again giving back to thecommunity, I was working on
internal events, so retirementparties and just moments where
we would pour into the staff,you know little tea parties,
massages on the floor for ournight shift.
I mean just different thingsTrue, concierge.
Yes, and so it was just soincredible to give back.
(12:33):
And then I moved into more ofan event and kind of corporate
role with East TennesseeChildren's Hospital.
Speaker 3 (12:43):
Okay.
Speaker 4 (12:43):
That led me to Baltimore for a really short
period of time with JohnsHopkins Children's Hospital.
Okay, that led me to Baltimorefor a really short period of
time with Johns HopkinsChildren's Center.
Speaker 3 (12:49):
Um, and then I told y'all she's done a lot in 33
years.
And then I.
Speaker 4 (12:53):
And then I came back to Knoxville, landed in
athletics, which huge you know.
When I was in pediatrics thatwas, I was never going to spend
another day in anything otherthan pediatrics.
I felt like this is my home,landed in athletics.
Totally different world, butgot to learn.
Speaker 3 (13:10):
She's talking about UT athletics.
Speaker 4 (13:11):
Yes, the University of Tennessee learned so much in
that space.
I bet Fast paced, very fastpaced, but the relationships
that I really got to build oneven stronger there and honestly
, when I look at where I am now,a lot of it was from building
relationships and from mymentors I had the most
(13:31):
incredible I mean not justfemale.
I had some bosses and some menthat I mean just said to me,
morgan, if your kids are at aspelling bee, I better not see
you in this office, like but thewomen that were in my life,
that poured into me, that when Isaid, hey, I better not see you
in this office, like that'sgood.
But the women that were in mylife that poured into me that
when I said, hey, I really Iwant to get to this point one
(13:51):
day.
How do I get there?
They said let's sit down andtalk about that.
So I just had that's really bigbecause mentors to me.
Speaker 3 (13:58):
I've got a few mentors, and in different areas,
and I reached out to two ofthem last night and I said I
just want you to know that I'mso glad you're in my life and
I'm so glad that you hold meaccountable and they really and
truly drive me and they make mefocus on bettering myself.
(14:22):
And that's the biggest thingwith a mentor.
If you have a mentor thatthey're not pushing you and
they're not holding youaccountable and they're not
calling out where you could dobetter, you need a different
mentor because it could reallyhurt your growth in what you're
going to do.
Because, just think about, youare at the largest college in
(14:44):
Tennessee Okay, In thedepartment that everything
happens athletics, you know, andso at a young age you know it
could have changed the way youlook at things, but what it did
is made you go even higher.
So what made you want to workfor the foundation?
(15:08):
How did that work?
I'm at Pat Head Summit.
I am dedicating this episode tothe memory of Pat Head Summit.
She has been.
She was a big influence in myhusband's life, she was a big
influence in my life and she inso many people's lives, you know
(15:32):
.
But the biggest thing is you'rethe director of her foundation
and I think if she was livingand I'm not saying this because
you're my friend I think shewould be proud.
You are a girly girl, you areabout your business, you're
about community and you'rehumble and that was Pat, totally
(15:56):
Very humble and would love tohelp people, that type thing.
I think she would be proud thatthey picked the right person.
Speaker 4 (16:03):
So tell me how that happened.
That just gave me a littlechills.
Speaker 3 (16:06):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (16:08):
So my short answer is when Joan Cronin calls you, say
yes, ma'am.
Speaker 3 (16:11):
Oh yes, that's the short answer.
Y'all done.
Heard Joan on here before.
When she says something, we sayyes, ma'am.
Speaker 4 (16:17):
But the long answer of that is you know, at the time
I had just gotten married, Ihad five kids, we had a new
administration in athletics, andso I just I was looking ahead
and I knew again, I know whatkind of mom I want to be and how
present I want to be.
And I was saying, you know,we're coming out of COVID, we're
going to be right back to wherewe were before, and I have even
(16:40):
more kids now and the demand isgreater.
I can't be on campus as oftenas they expect.
Because, it's really fast pacedand it's a lot of hours and
there's a lot of.
I mean, there's alwayssomething, there's always a game
or something going on or anevent?
Yes, and so we had got.
I had gotten to the point I waslooking for new jobs, but not
(17:00):
many people in my office knewthat at all.
Okay, but I worked with a womanwho had been I mean, her career
at UT has just been incredibleand Joan had actually called her
about the role.
And she had just unbeknownst toall of us, she had just accepted
(17:21):
a new role at UT, so staying atUT but leaving athletics, okay.
And so she told Joan, you know,no, I'm, I'm not your girl.
And she said but have youtalked to Morgan?
Because Morgan is coming from ahealthcare background.
That's, that's what herexperience was in, that's what
she likes, she's veryphilanthropically minded.
And so, at the same time thoseconversations were happening, I
(17:43):
found out that the Pat SimicFoundation was hiring, and a
friend of mine, who I've knownhim for the better part of a
decade- Okay.
He was one of the originalfounders of the foundation.
So I heard PSF is hiring and Icalled him and I said so tell me
about this Do you feel likeit'd be a role that I'd be a
(18:03):
good fit for?
And six weeks later I aboutthis Like do you feel like it'd
be a role?
Speaker 3 (18:07):
that I'd be a good fit for, and six weeks later,
you know I was there, oh wow.
Let's go back on one thing.
Yeah, another woman didn'taccept that position.
She didn't just stay closedmouth.
She basically said I'm not yourgirl because I'm going to stay
wherever I'm at, but I'm goingto help this person.
(18:28):
And the reason why I'm comingback on that?
Because that's one thing thatPat always believed in helping
the next woman to help.
She helped everybody, but shewas very passionate.
Joan Cronin is very passionateabout helping people.
Women succeed, no matter whatthe world says.
(18:52):
And so to hear you tell me thatsomebody basically said oh,
have you talked to Morgan?
You know her background, isthis?
That's amazing.
That should speak volume ofwhat you've shown her.
Yeah, and that person who didthat for me was a student
manager for Pat, so you know,she was in the Pat family Really
Okay good, because that's onething, and she knew what that
(19:13):
foundation and what that legacyneeded.
Speaker 4 (19:16):
Yes, and so let me say that is.
I think, when I look at my job,I am humbled.
I mean each and every day,because I didn't play basketball
, I didn't play for Pat, Ididn't know Pat personally.
Speaker 3 (19:29):
The people.
Speaker 4 (19:30):
you know my board, a lot of the members of my
advisory board, a lot of thepeople that I work with on a
daily basis had those personalrelationships with her.
So for them to look at me andsay we trust you to uphold these
values to further the missionthat Pat set out the mission
that Pat set out.
Speaker 3 (19:50):
She's answering my next question already, because
that's what I was going to ask.
Speaker 2 (20:00):
You is not knowing or meeting Pat Hitsum.
Speaker 3 (20:01):
I know you had to do a lot of research, read a lot
about her.
I mean, you probably knew a lotabout her, but you really
educated yourself to do the jobyou're doing.
Speaker 4 (20:14):
Talk about the pressure.
Yeah, there's a lot of it.
I have gotten to know Pat andwho Pat is and who she was,
through her players and thosethat she worked with her former
coaches I mean, Joan is a bigpart of that.
So I really feel like I havegotten to know her through those
relationships and thoseinteractions.
(20:34):
It is a lot of pressure.
Speaker 2 (20:36):
A lot.
Speaker 4 (20:37):
You know I have a quote on my board and it
actually was something thatTamika Catchings said in a
speech.
I think I was on the job maybea month when I had gone to
campus.
Tamika was speaking atsomething, so it was my first
chance getting to meet her andum, she said, um, pat, and she
was talking about her players.
She said Pat didn't expect usto be mediocre, pat expected us
(21:01):
to be great.
Speaker 3 (21:02):
Yes.
Speaker 4 (21:02):
And I remember sitting there and that's when
that hit me of.
I mean, it really just hit meof.
If that's what she expected ofher players who wore the Lady
Vol brand, how much more doesshe expect that for me and the
foundation, the nonprofit thatbears her name?
Speaker 3 (21:21):
Okay, I promise you that Morgan did not know.
You got confirmation that okay,god put me here, and this is
where I'm supposed to be.
You know, I am going torepresent a woman that I never
(21:44):
have met nor had a conversationwith, but this board believes in
me that I can represent her inthe best light.
What was that?
Your moment?
Speaker 4 (21:57):
So that was a different one.
I've had a lot of them as wehave, as we have grown, as we
have expanded and done newthings.
Um, you know, when I was firstbrought on, I was I started in a
development role, but therewere two of us, so my job was
was really to to start raisingmore funds so we could really
further our mission.
Um, and the first time that Ithought, wow, this, for really
(22:22):
this group really trusts me iswe had started laying the
groundwork of.
You know, in the advancementworld, I acquainted to sales.
You know what are you selling?
It's not necessarily a product,but but our job is to really
connect people with a program ora mission or a service area.
And so we were laying thegroundwork of, okay, what are
(22:44):
some of our, what are ourinitiatives, what are things
that we're really wanting tobreak into and do more so I can
have these conversations withour donors.
And out of that came this ideafor a caregiver training program
.
There's tons of great resourcesout there, but we were seeing
the impact on caregivers theirmental health, their physical
(23:05):
health, emotional health andthere weren't a lot of resources
that were, I mean, just trulyonly focused on the caregivers,
and so this idea came about, andso we started going, we started
putting the plan together, andit's a $1.35 million investment
from the Pat Sennett Foundation.
So we get the price tag andwe're like okay.
And that was the first big timewhere I was like this board
(23:28):
really trusts me and the visionthat I have, because they said,
if you yeah, let's do it, let'sdo it.
We put this in front of them.
Speaker 3 (23:35):
Were you in shock A little bit?
Did you go home and go?
Speaker 4 (23:39):
did they really say yes, yeah, there have been a
little bit, because, again, itwas something new for us, it was
different, but it was one ofthose they trust me and have.
They believe that if we'regoing to do this, we're going to
do it right, right, and thatthey're all in and they're
behind me.
Okay, so that was the firstlike big.
Speaker 3 (24:01):
Do you think that your mentors, what they have
taught you over the years, talkabout that?
Did the things that you havelearned from your mentors?
Did that influence you in yourposition and prepare you for
this position?
Speaker 4 (24:18):
Yes, okay.
So you know my mentors.
A lot of the conversations thatI'd had with you know the
mentor that I had at EastTennessee Children's Hospital.
Her name was Carlton Long.
She and I would haveconversations about like this is
what I'm wanting to do, whatare the steps?
Yes, and being able to say,okay, how do you get the
experience?
What are I mean?
(24:39):
Just making a plan and thenyou've got to follow through on
that plan?
Yes, and you've got to beaccountable.
Speaker 3 (24:44):
And I think a lot of people don't realize that we all
want to be successful.
Okay, but you really have tostop and lay down a plan.
Okay, I want to be here and Iwant these different
opportunities to come to me.
And so, if these opportunities,if I want them, what do I have
(25:05):
to have and how does everythinghave to look and sound to make
it all come together for my good?
Yeah, because if it comestogether for your good, you're
going to go out in yourcommunity and you're going to
make it good for your community.
And so that's why I was askingabout your mentors what they
(25:25):
taught you early on.
Was there any certain traitthat you say it came from my
mentors?
Yeah, I mean, I think it wastraits that they helped.
Speaker 4 (25:31):
It came from my mentors, yeah, I mean, I think
it was traits that they helpedme like just really fine tune.
So again, it was.
I was I've always been aplanner and an organizer and
this type a but being able tosay, okay, well, here's, here's
end goal, how are we going toget there?
Speaker 3 (25:47):
Yes, what, what are?
And you have to be a plannerand you have to be consistent
and you have to, you've got toshow up and you've got to take
responsibility.
Speaker 4 (25:56):
And I will say I also had a great group that I worked
with in Baltimore and Iremember from them they taught
me that it's okay, we're goingto try something, and if it
doesn't work, that is okay.
It is Admit that.
Say, hey, y'all, this didn'twork.
Here's where we fell short,here's the plan, here's where I
think we go from there.
Speaker 3 (26:16):
I told Adrienne the other day about that.
I said, you know people sit andsay well, you don't give
everything you touch turns to go.
I'm like, no, it doesn't.
I'm like I don't feel it's somestuff, trust me, I said, but
the difference is I didn't staythere, I dusted myself off.
(26:38):
Yeah, I was like okay, this isnot for me, dust myself off.
I didn't let it get all into myheart like, well, you know, am
I good enough?
All that?
I didn't.
I didn't allow it to laydormant in me.
Those moments don't define it,doesn't it't it just, really,
honestly, it bursts of strengthand that strongness about okay,
well, the next thing I do, I gotto make sure it's the right
(27:00):
choice, the right thing and Ithink, going in this position as
the first executive director,that's amazing.
Thank you.
So tell me what does it looklike?
What is your daily roles asbeing the director of the Pat
Summit Foundation?
Speaker 4 (27:21):
Yeah, so in nonprofits we like to joke that
you wear about 15 different hatsyes, when you work for a
nonprofit.
So at the Pat Summit Foundationwe wear about 67 different hats
, because we are a very smallstaff, so hopefully we will
begin to grow.
Speaker 3 (27:37):
You will, I have no doubt, with you being on top.
Speaker 4 (27:41):
Well, thank you.
So we're really looking at howdo we move the needle forward.
And this is one of those thingswhere my board and my advisory
board have just I'm so thankfulfor the trust that they have
placed in me and I mean, andthey have my back.
But when I first came on board,some members would say, well,
we want to be the Alzheimer'scharity of choice in Tennessee.
(28:03):
And I sat with that for alittle bit and was like, okay,
you know, just it's good to hearwhat everyone's goals are, okay
.
But then I started looking atour donor base and I started
looking at our support and Istarted seeing where do we have
these pockets?
Where are people reaching outfrom?
Where are we seeing thesethings?
And the Pat Summit name is notjust limited to Tennessee.
Alzheimer's disease is not justa Tennessee disease.
(28:25):
Right, correct Our donors, ourwork, our ability to reach those
and have an impact isnationwide, and so then I really
started kind of challenging ofwhy are we going to limit
ourselves to Tennessee?
Speaker 3 (28:36):
Right.
Speaker 4 (28:37):
I want us to be one of the top philanthropic choices
in this space in the country.
That's amazing, and so that iswhat fuels us and drives us
every day.
And what's been amazing ishearing the same people who said
that and again, that was thatwas their goal and that and it
was a good goal but you wantedto go farther.
It's been so neat to hear themnow talk to people and they'll
(28:58):
go.
Speaker 3 (28:59):
we're we're working to be the top in the country and
I'm like and you're like that'sit, because you have to have a
team and a board that knows themission.
Speaker 4 (29:09):
Yeah, understands the mission.
Our goal every day is how arewe moving our mission forward?
Speaker 3 (29:14):
I know it, pat had.
Years ago, when everythinghappened and it was announced
that she was ill, I saw myhusband just truly, I mean I
don't know if I ever told youDavid was on Pat's team, mel's
(29:35):
team, practice team, and so hegot to, you know, interact with
her daily, you know.
And then my father-in-law wason staff for 30 years at UT.
So David, he really, it reallyhit him like a ton of bricks.
I'll never forget the day wherewe were at everything when that
(29:56):
was announced.
Nothing was worse.
But one other day, the day shepassed, the day she passed away,
my husband wrote on hisFacebook what she meant to him.
It makes me emotional.
And to hear a man speak in thatway about a woman and just honor
(30:22):
her, morgan, when I say to you,you should really understand
that they're trusting you with abig, big shoes, big shoes, and
I think that they see that youcan do it.
And I think it's because you,your heart, is in it for the
(30:45):
right reason.
You've worked out in thecommunity and you have tried
your best to keep the mission onpat and not allow it to be on
you or someone else.
It's more of how can we keepthis legacy going.
So what is your job on thedaily basis of?
(31:07):
Okay, the legacy.
Speaker 4 (31:09):
Yeah, so we, you know we have a great fundraiser now
on staff so we brought him onboard to help kind of relieve
some of those duties.
So I do a lot in the estateplanning world, planning um,
people who you know, they it'sso special to sit down and work
with someone and they say wewant our legacy to be tied in
(31:32):
with Pat, so we're going toleave a gift in our estate, like
those are those are some of thesweetest moments and the just
the greatest things that I getto be a part of.
But we I do a lot in ourpartnerships.
So what are we doing?
Who are we tying our brand toand those sorts of things?
Oh, yeah, a lot in our grantmaking space.
(31:52):
So, every day, truly, when Isay every single day is
different, every single day isdifferent.
Speaker 3 (31:55):
oh, I believe that not in itself is is hectic and
big, and I've never donenon-profit and because but I do
a lot with non-profits and I seea lot and I'm like, oh, wow,
it's a lot of detail, yes,especially like with the grants
and all it's a lot.
Speaker 1 (32:15):
Grants, IRS and the stress of it.
Speaker 2 (32:16):
Yes, it's, a lot.
Speaker 3 (32:18):
And let's go back.
Speaker 1 (32:20):
Joan Cronin.
Speaker 3 (32:23):
Joan Cronin was on my podcast last year interview
that Pat was the one that whenshe had went off to uh, she
traveled uh with her husband inhis job in the Carolinas and
when she got the call about theAD position, it was Pat that
(32:44):
called her and said you need totake this position.
So as another again anotherwoman saying, hey, I've got the
woman for you.
This is who needs to be in thisposition and what Joan Cronin
is getting to see her legacy.
Because let me just say thisabout Ms Joan I don't know how
(33:06):
she does as much as she does.
Speaker 4 (33:08):
I tell her weekly.
I feel like if I can do half ofwhat you are doing at your age,
I am going to feel like I haveaccomplished a lot.
I mean truly.
Right now I was leaving to comehere and my team was leaving to
go pick her up because they hadan appointment somewhere and
they were going to do somethingto drop her off, and then she's
(33:28):
had speaking engagement.
I mean she is all over theplace, All over and never
complains.
Speaker 1 (33:32):
I've never, heard that woman complain.
Speaker 3 (33:35):
She does, and people will walk up to her and hear me
when I tell you this person willspeak to anybody.
She will hold a conversation,she will hear them out, speak to
anybody she will hold aconversation.
Speaker 4 (33:50):
She will hear them out.
Joan Cronin is like the goatshe is, and that's where I mean.
You talk about incrediblepeople to work with and work for
.
Speaker 3 (33:55):
Yeah, joan, you can't get any better.
Speaker 4 (33:58):
Did my first interview and really, yes, and
let me tell you that was a.
I was like Whoa, okay, that wasan experience.
Her very first question that sheasked was are you ready to lead
?
And I was like, yes, ma'am,okay, yes, it was.
I mean we just jumped right inUm, but I get to work with and
for women like that.
(34:19):
And so my board chair was adirector of ops for Pat, for she
was a graduate student manager.
Then the director of ops forfor Pat for seven years went on
to start the Atlanta dream.
Um was a the women'scommissioner for the um ACC.
I mean, she's just her career.
That's my board chair.
Also, a single working mom,yeah, and so that's I.
(34:42):
You know, you asked earlierwhat's something that my mentors
have really instilled that havehelped make me successful, and
it's that they have shown mewhat it means to be a working
mother.
Right, and Shonda Rimes I don'tknow if you've ever seen this
clip.
I love Shonda well, she didthis a commencement address once
and she said when I am, youknow, just excelling at one, I
(35:07):
am almost always failing inanother area.
It is hard to balance work andfamily, but that is where I have
just truly felt so fortunate towork for these incredible and
with these incredible women whoshow me what it's like to have
boundaries and to be able to say, hey, I've got us.
We have a hard stop at thismeeting because I've got to get
(35:29):
the kids picked up for X.
Hey, I am around, but here.
Here's where my boundaries are.
Hey, to balance that and thenrespect it and I will never
forget the day Joan told me thatshe was going to make sure that
she did everything in her power.
When I took the job, she saidwe'll do everything in our power
to make sure that you still arethe successful, the mom that
(35:49):
you want to be, and I'll neverforget.
We were sitting in an advisoryboard meeting and I had
previously told her and we knewit was going to be a long
meeting we try to keep them atan hour but we knew it was going
to go over and I had told herwell, listen, I have a hard.
I personally have a hard stopbecause it's my son's final
spring program at his preschooland you didn't want to miss it.
(36:16):
I can't miss that and I willshe.
So we're starting to go overand she sees me looking down at
my clock and she said how?
many more minutes do you have,and I was like I mean just like
five.
I mean we're sitting theresidebar and she's like, okay,
and we're in the middlediscussing something and she
goes gang, we need to pause here.
Morgan has somewhere that sheneeds to be for her family, and
so I'm gonna wrap this up.
Morgan, go on see that rightthere.
Speaker 3 (36:36):
Pat would do that.
Yeah, joan did that, and Ithink that's what we need to
have more of of women comingtogether and understanding you
know what.
Like Morgan said, this is ahard stop right now, but hey,
I'll be back out and I've gotthe resources for you.
We can.
I can answer whatever, but Ihave to take care of my family
(37:00):
and success.
Yes, you're always busy, you'realways going to be doing, but
you have to have a balance on itand you have to realize what
you're representing has to be inline with your family.
Yes, and I think your job is inline it is.
Speaker 4 (37:17):
I mean, I grew up here in Knoxville and Tyler and
I were the same age, so like Igrew up with the getting to see
Pat at her son's basketballgames.
You know, I got to see thatside of her and so, truthfully,
having that support has meantthat, like I'm able to, I don't.
I feel like I can balance itbetter and I feel like I'm more
successful and I also feel likeit's just helped me say, okay,
(37:40):
I've got these people thatbelieve in me.
They trust me, I'm giving themall I've got.
Speaker 3 (37:47):
She's having given all that I've got and they've
got to deal with that.
They have to understand thatthat's where I'm at, meeting
people where they're at.
So what's next for the Pat'sSummit Foundation?
Speaker 4 (37:58):
Oh, goodness, um, but I'm even, I'm trying to think
of what day it is and what week,and we have, I mean, there's
just been a lot of big thingshappening for us, and so a lot
of things that will, you'll,roll out.
Yeah, yeah, so our our caregivertraining program that we have
online at launch nationwide lastyear.
We're continuing to expand that.
(38:19):
Okay, um, we've got.
How can people get involved?
Yeah, please tell the viewers.
Yes, so for that they can go topatsgameplanorg.
Visit the site.
There's so many great justresources.
You know where we were, wherewe sat, we knew we had
connections and had all thesegreat resources.
Speaker 3 (38:38):
Yes.
Speaker 4 (38:40):
Someone in rural Tennessee or in Oklahoma might
not have access to those sameresources, and so it was really
important for us to how do weconnect them, how do we make
sure that they feel supported inthis journey?
So patsgameplanorg.
Speaker 3 (38:55):
Patsgameplanorg.
And how do people get involvedIf they just want to be a
volunteer or if they say youknow what?
I want to donate towards this,because I want people to
understand that sometimes peopledon't get.
Volunteering is wonderful, butyou have to have funds as well
(39:16):
to make sure that the eventsthat you're putting on for the
community it does cost.
I mean, how do people get todonate?
Yeah, patsummitorg.
Speaker 4 (39:26):
All of yeah, patsummitorg.
Speaker 2 (39:27):
All of it's on patsummitorg.
Speaker 4 (39:29):
They can go and they can click there and donate.
Our contact information isthere.
So if they want to talk aboutbigger gifts, if they want to
talk about leaving a legacy,then they can get in touch with
us.
For us, a big part of what'snext that I'm really excited
about is a little bit more inthe research space, so we're
looking at some different thingsthere, but also we're we're
(39:51):
looking at doing more in theeducation space and youth
engagement, and so you knowwe're growing up, we have a
whole generation of young peoplethat don't understand and know
who pat is.
That's true, what she did, howshe opens the doors opened the
doors for them to walk through,and so we're starting to look at
doing even more there.
Speaker 3 (40:12):
Look at ladies basketball.
How much has changed Can youimagine?
I think she'd be so proud.
Speaker 4 (40:18):
I think she would too .
I think she'd have some thingsto say about some different
things that are going on rightnow I agree.
Speaker 3 (40:27):
Oh, I can see one of them.
Good old screaming matches onoh yeah, yes, yes.
Speaker 4 (40:31):
But I think she would be so proud of the attention
that is on women's basketballright now and that you know, I'm
so glad that Ms Joan gets tosee it.
Speaker 3 (40:39):
Yes, if Pat couldn't see it, I'm so glad that Ms Joan
, because she paved the way forso many people.
Speaker 4 (40:48):
Joan just received a Lifetime Achievement Award at
the Final Four and see this iswhen was that Two weeks ago and
that was voted on by her peers.
And see, that's a huge honor,Well-deserved.
I'm just so thankful that sheis getting the recognition.
I mean Joan was a trailblazer.
Speaker 3 (41:06):
I want you to know that we are going to dedicate
this to Pet Summit and JoanCronin, because those two women
me and Morgan wouldn't besitting here without them.
So what's next on the Morganside of family?
Oh goodness.
Speaker 4 (41:23):
Last night, you know, my husband and I did the fun
business meeting I I'll call itfor.
Okay, what are summer camps?
Who's going where, who has toget who to what thing?
And they're all excited rightnow.
They're in teacups right now.
Speaker 3 (41:34):
Okay.
Speaker 4 (41:34):
End of year testing and my goodness, that's just a
difficult Teacup yes, so theyhave Friday off of school and so
they have all asked for all thefriends to come over.
And I don't know if you everfelt like this, like we just
live.
It's organized chaos.
We have four boys and one girl,so the house is always loud.
There's always, I mean, there'salways something.
(41:56):
So we have just gotten to thepoint.
If one asks for a friend tocome, over.
Speaker 3 (41:58):
We're like sure, and who do you want and who do you
want?
And I mean, just go ahead andhave them all over.
So Adrian was the kid that myhouse stayed packed.
Yeah, okay, jaden's not likeJaden.
Like certain times he wants itthat way.
Yeah, but like birthday he's,jaden is more, not he.
I don't want that many people.
So you're a house that it's awhole bunch of kids, no matter
(42:19):
five or 10, you could be thereany any other week I've had
someone.
Speaker 4 (42:25):
We've had several kids spend the night before and
the mom will come and they'relike oh my gosh, how did you?
You know cooking breakfast?
I'm like this is our normalamount of breakfast, like I'm
always feeding an army anyway.
Speaker 3 (42:38):
Yes.
Speaker 4 (42:38):
Like just bring them.
Speaker 3 (42:42):
And we're going to feed them and we're going to
make sure they have a great timeand we just our feed them and
we're going to make sure theyhave a great time.
Speaker 4 (42:46):
And we, we just our our hope, and Jason and I talk
about this often is we want tobe a home.
That I mean our kids know wherewe stand and they know where I
mean the Bible is where we getour truth our values.
Speaker 1 (42:59):
And we want.
Speaker 4 (43:01):
We want them to bring their friends and to know that
they are welcome, that they will, they will be loved.
We want them to know that.
I mean just.
Speaker 3 (43:08):
I think having a godly home, um, it's different.
You know what I'm saying?
Uh, in every facet of your life, and I think that you're doing
it well, thank you Well and it'sso funny.
Speaker 4 (43:19):
It's a godly home is different and we discipline, but
like it's even thoseconversations are just fun with
our kids, because our kids knowlike, do you remember growing up
, your parents would likecorrect you on something and you
would be like did they justpull that out of it?
Speaker 3 (43:35):
They just don't want to do that.
Speaker 1 (43:36):
Yes, yes.
Speaker 4 (43:38):
Our kids know that, like listen, we know that we are
called to discipline biblically, like I mean, there are lots of
scriptures on correcting andjust really disciplining.
God sets that example andputting those guardrails up and
(44:01):
our job is we are called todiscipline but we don't just
pull things out.
It's just amazing theconversations that we have with
our kids.
Speaker 3 (44:04):
I think the biggest thing that parents need to
realize is you can disciplineyour kids at the same time.
Let them have an opinion, yes,let them be able to speak, yeah,
and you know, and y'all cometogether.
You know, yes, you know how farthey can go, and they should
know how, how far that they cango.
But I think, giving them avoice and letting them have an
(44:27):
opinion, in the long run theyturn out.
They turn out great, exactlyhow God is, and that's what I
it's like for Jason.
Speaker 4 (44:34):
Our kids know that, like where we get the parameters
for decision making and whatguides us and what's our light
like.
It's what biblically based, yes, but then to be able to have
these different conversationswith our kids and have them ask
questions, I mean like my 12year old was asking Jason about,
like compound interest one day.
I still don't even think I canexplain that to you.
Speaker 3 (44:58):
Like, but they just Morgan's like what it's this but
Jane will ask questions Me andAdrian was talking about it the
other day.
Our educations are differentbecause each kid, every
generation, gets a bettereducation, I think Because I
know that Adrian got a bettereducation than I got in high
school and back.
You know that type of thingBecause there's new things that
(45:19):
come out and all that.
But, like, jane will bring upsomething more and I'm like, how
does he know that?
Speaker 4 (45:25):
Yes, well, and the question to our daughter is like
so philosophical and herfavorite time is bedtime and
she'll pull out these questionsand I'm like that's what you
have been thinking about.
Wow, yes, I don't think I knewto ask that until I was 16, 17
years old.
Speaker 3 (45:40):
Me and Adrienne talk about it all the time.
With Jane, it's such a fun.
Speaker 4 (45:43):
It is age and the fact that our kids know that
we're not, that it's notunpredictable.
They know where we stand, theyknow where our truth is, we have
.
We are trying to instill thatin them, but it has given this
sense of just, security and joyand a godly home, and that's
what I think a godly home is it?
Speaker 3 (46:01):
just you have your and you know your principles.
If you don't know, if you don'tknow how to handle something
you know, go to the good bookand your kids.
I think teaching kids how topray, teaching kids how to seek
God on their own and with you, Ithink it's key.
So, morgan, we love it.
(46:23):
I want you to know I am so proudof you and I am so glad you're
in my life.
I truly I love you and the dooris always open.
If there's ever a time that youwant to get something out to
the community and you need a micto do it, I'm telling you
Talking Tennessee is your placebecause the door is always open
(46:45):
to you.
Most definitely Tune in Fridayto Talking Tennessee with Yvonca
, and I will have Morgan Vancefrom Pat's Summit Foundation
talking to you.
Bye, guys.
Speaker 1 (47:00):
Thanks for listening to Talking Tennessee with Yvonca
.
Watch out for our weeklyepisodes from the First Family
of Real Estate and check us outon the web
wwwyvoncasalesrealestatecom.
See our videos on Yvonca'sYouTube channel or find us on
Facebook under Yvonca Landis andTwitter at Yvonca Landis, and
(47:22):
don't forget to tell a friendabout us.
Until next time.
Yvonca signing off.
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