University of tennessee, where he completed his ph. D. In history. And we know that dr. Hardy is a man of good sense because hes stayed is now an east tennessean, and its even rumored that he wears the color throughout the year save basketball season. After all, no man is perfect. Oh, what, dr. Hardy continues to perfect, though, is is of the past. He and i first met when he was working here for the east Tennessee Historical society and the Education Department. And he, alongside lisa oakley, whos with us today, worked tirelessly to build a network of teachers throughout the region who understood the power local history in the classroom. They also worked tirelessly to create a network of students in high school and middle school who are competing at the highest levels in the National History day competitions. Despite that workload, dr. Hardy was always generous with his time. With me in the curatorial department. He proved to be an invaluable resource on projects dealing with Abraham L