Tennessee Wesleyan University will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a special celebration on Tuesday, January 20th, 2026, featuring keynote speaker Remonia “Lisa” Arnwine-Dotson, a lifelong Athens resident, respected community leader, and advocate for service and unity.
    The event will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m in the Johnson Event Center
inside Colloms Campus Center and is free to students, faculty, staff, and community members.
    This year’s national MLK Day theme from the King Center, “Building Community:
Uniting in a Nonviolent Way,” aligns closely with Arnwine-Dotson’s commitment to
strengthening the Athens community through leadership, collaboration, and service.
    Arnwine-Dotson has more than 40 years of professional experience in project
management, community development, marketing, customer service, and leadership. Her career includes more than 20 years at Mayfield Dairy Farms, where she pioneered and managed the Athens and Braselton Visitor Centers, as well as roles in banking, higher education, museum leadership, and nonprofit development. She previously served as Associate Director of The LITE
House Innovation Center at Tennessee Wesleyan University and spent eight years as Executive Director of Main Street Athens, helping to guide the revitalization of the downtown area until her resignation in 2024.
    A trailblazer in local government, Arnwine-Dotson made history as the first African American female appointed to the Athens City Council. She continues to serve the community through leadership roles on the Athens Historical Preservation Commission, Athens Utilities Board, and Athens Housing Authority.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Arnwine-Dotson is a devoted advocate for women’s ministry and faith-based service. She has served as Chairperson of the Board for GodSong Ministries from 20 years and as Co-Chairperson of the women’s ministry at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church.
    Her personal philosophy reflects both faith and purpose and mirrors Dr. King’s call to service: “Just like seeds require good soil, water, and sunlight to properly bloom. I believe a healthy environment is crucial for the development and maturity of people. God has planted all of us in the Earth to make a beautiful impact while we are here…the question is, what are we doing?!”
    Tennessee Wesleyan invites all community members to honor Dr. King’s legacy and hear from a leader who continues to cultivate positive changes in the Athens community.