
Deborah Knoll
Assistant Commissioner for the Division of Postsecondary, Workforce and Military Readiness
Knoll joined the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) in 2015. Her work there is currently focused on CTE programs of study, STE(A)M, computer science, career advising, work-based learning, early postsecondary opportunities, AP Access For All, and innovative school models. She has led department initiatives that include the Tennessee STEM School Designation, Code.org partnership, Computer Science State Plan, AP Access for All, LAUNCH Grant, and the Innovative High School Model pilot that led to the $500M investment from Governor Bill Lee. Knoll is a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; she earned a bachelor’s in maritime transportation and a USCG Unlimited Tonnage 3rd Mate’s License. She held a commission as lieutenant in the U.S. Naval Reserve for nine years. Knoll also earned a master’s in teaching from Bellarmine University and spent 12 years in the classroom teaching math and science.