East Tennessee State University’s (ETSU) College of Business and Technology inducted four people into its Hall of Fame at an awards ceremony on September 26. The college presented the Excellence Award to Scott Andrew, the Lifetime Achievement Award to Bob Cantler and Tony Treadway, and the Horizon Award to Chris Bowen. These inductees have earned noteworthy achievements in business, technology and community service and exemplify the College's mission to educate, innovate, collaborate, and inspire, shaping the future of their industries and making a lasting impact on society.

Excellence Award: Scott Andrew

Scott Andrew is a visionary serial entrepreneur and Chairman/CEO with a history of founding and scaling companies across multiple industries, including beverage manufacturing, real estate, and franchising. A graduate of North Carolina State University in 1987, Andrew's innovative approach to business earned his company, Retail Service Systems (RSS), a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies for five consecutive years (2018–2022). His ventures extend to the Appalachian Highlands through Rugged American Spirits and a partnership with Tennessee Hills, which has created several new businesses, including the Brewstillery and Smokestillery. Andrew and his wife, Daphene, are committed to regional workforce development, helping to establish the ETSU Andrew Leadership Academy and partnering with the university to create a Brewing and Distillation Sciences minors program. He currently serves on the ETSU CBAT Executive Council, diligently supporting entrepreneurship and regional development programs.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Bob Cantler

Bob Cantler is a dedicated public servant and community leader who earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in marketing from ETSU in 1985. While on campus, he was a prominent leader, serving as Vice President of the Student Government Association and President and Regional Vice President for Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. Cantler launched his career in hospitality, holding leadership roles at esteemed brands like Hyatt, Opryland, and Marriott Hotels before managing the Morgan Inn Corporation for ten years. Since 2019, he has served as the President and CEO of The Chamber serving Johnson City, Jonesborough, and Washington County. In this role, Cantler has championed workforce development, entrepreneurial start-ups, and the creation of The Bob Owens Community Leadership Fund to promote behavioral health initiatives. He continues his commitment to ETSU by serving on the CBAT Dean’s Executive Council and collaborating on initiatives that strengthen the connection between the campus and the community, while also providing mentorship and networking opportunities for students.

Lifetime Achievement: Tony Treadway

Tony Treadway is a visionary business leader, acclaimed alumnus, and founder of Creative Energy, an advertising and marketing agency. A magna cum laude graduate of ETSU in 1977, he was the first person in his family to graduate from a university. Treadway began his distinguished career in television journalism, pioneering the first live gubernatorial debate broadcast from Johnson City and the first local live broadcast from Bristol Motor Speedway. He currently serves on the ETSU Board of Trustees. His commitment to the university is enduring: he championed fundraising for the William B. Greene Stadium, where the press box is named in his honor, and over 75% of Creative Energy's workforce consists of ETSU alumni and students. His agency’s community service during the pandemic, which raised over a quarter million dollars for local businesses, reflects his unwavering dedication to the region.

Horizon Award: Chris Bowen

Chris Bowen is a seasoned marketing strategist and business leader who earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from ETSU in 1990, where he was also a member of the football team. Bowen is the founder and president of Cumberland Marketing, an agency that has grown into the largest marketing organization serving the Tri-Cities. His innovative business philosophy is centered on helping clients define their unique brand identity to drive long-term momentum. This strategy has enabled his firm to secure large, national accounts with major clients like the NFL, NBA, Dollywood, and Tempur-Pedic. Bowen’s commitment to the College of Business and Technology is evident through his ongoing mentorship of emerging leaders, speaking engagements, and his company’s continuous support of CBAT Career Fairs, providing internships and employment opportunities for graduates.

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