Profile: Donna Cobble
UT Knoxville, B.A., English, 1965
Hers is a life of firsts: First woman to be named the UT College of Business Administration’s Distinguished Executive of the Year. First career woman president of the Junior League of Knoxville. First female chair of both the Greater Knoxville Chamber of Commerce and the United Way campaign. Donna Cobble just wanted to be “a dancer in movies” like her aunt. Instead, the stars aligned when she met her husband of 47 years, Bill, in an astronomy class at UT, where she received her English degree. The powerhouse couple went on to own Cobble Staffing Companies with 15 offices in East and Middle Tennessee. These days the parents of three enjoy farm life in Blount County.
An executive board member of the UT Alliance of Women Philanthropists, Donna shares what’s important in life and why UT remains close to her heart:
Why did you decide to attend UT?
My family could not afford to send me away to school, so I was a UT day student my first quarter, and then I moved into the dorm. I earned my English degree, with a minor in Spanish, in 1965.
What was your first job?
I did master’s work in library science and my first job was at the UT library as interlibrary loans librarian.
What is your philosophy of life?
My priorities are Jesus, family, and friends, and having personal relationships with each.
Name one habit you would recommend to others.
Waking up in prayer and going to sleep in prayer.
If you had chosen a different career path, what would it have been?
Industrial engineer; I enjoy finding the best and most efficient way to do things.
What advice would you give to someone entering the workforce?
Always do more than is expected of you.
What has been your most important accomplishment?
After having children, I wanted to go back to work, and it was such a blessing to work alongside my husband for so many years. Our personal and professional goals were parallel.
Name one thing you don’t miss about working?
Breakfast meetings.
Name a book that you have learned the most from.
Balcony People by Joyce Landorf.
Why is supporting your alma mater important to you and Bill?
UT is a very important part of this region and critical to the future of Knoxville and the state. The university has been such a large part of our lives. I am always amazed at the diverse expertise available at UT. While we were in business, we often relied on the College of Business Administration for planning and projects. When we bought our farm, we relied on the services of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Agriculture, etc. We wanted to give back to the place that has given so much to us.
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During The Campaign for Tennessee, the Cobbles have pledged more than $1 million to support programs and research efforts in the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Architecture and Design, and the Institute of Agriculture.