Tech Took Us There
Larry Keith Clendenon: “No obstacle is too great to overcome”
“I do not know the word quit. I don't know how to quit,” said Tennessee Tech alumnus
and current graduate student Larry Keith Clendenon.
Clendenon has cerebral palsy and has turned perseverance into purpose, using his education and experience to prepare for a career helping others in times of crisis.
After feeling uninspired by factory work, Clendenon was drawn to Tech due to its proximity to his hometown and the flexibility of the interdisciplinary studies program. Having the opportunity to build his own degree, Clendenon declared emphasis areas in support services and business communication, graduating in Spring 2024.
Now working toward his master’s in professional studies with a concentration in public safety, Clendenon continues to channel his determination into his studies and plans to graduate in December 2026.
His studies have allowed him to plan long-term goals, hoping to ultimately work with
the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency or the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Balancing school, volunteer work and daily life with cerebral palsy hasn’t always
been easy, but Clendenon approaches every challenge with optimism and adaptability.
“I have found ways to do everything I need to do and don’t make excuses,” Clendenon stated. “The harder things get, the more you need to dig in and get things done. I have found the harder I have to work, the greater the reward.”
During his time at Tech, Clendenon has found a place to devote his time to academics and an encouraging community that always supports him. From the Accessible Education Center to understanding professors, he defines his experience by connection and inclusion.
“I have felt supported along the way. If there’s ever a problem, it’s fixed quickly. I feel that I’ve been given everything I needed to succeed,” Clendenon said.
He credited public safety and emergency management professor Mark Warnick for his mentorship and guidance throughout his time at Tech. Clendenon said one of his favorite courses he has taken was “Surviving an Active Shooter,” also taught by Warnick.
Warnick said, “Larry is a hard-working student, and he has become a good friend. He has a passion to help others, and he does not let his disability hold him back. Some organization is going to be very lucky when they hire him. They will find he has a good sense of humor, he’s a critical thinker, and a person who has a good work ethic. If someone sees Larry on campus, I encourage them to get to know him.”
Outside the classroom, Clendenon gives a lot of his time to the Piney Volunteer Fire Department in Spencer. Over the past 20 years, he has worked to support first responders on scene by ensuring their safety and well-being during emergencies.
“Being a volunteer is probably one of the biggest parts of my life, other than being a student,” Clendenon stated. “I have helped by watching for unsafe conditions, taking care of rehab… by providing food and water to responders and victims. I have made family and friends throughout my volunteer career.”
“If every volunteer had the heart Larry did, the volunteer fire service would be so much better off. With more people like Larry, we would be able to concentrate better on our everyday tasks at hand,” said Brian Bricker, Piney Volunteer Fire Department Deputy Chief.
Clendenon’s spirit of teamwork and service continues to guide him towards the future. He hopes to use his education and experiences to strengthen public safety programs and build more inclusive support systems.
“I hope to work in public safety and help write safety protocols and programs to help keep not only the public safe but those responding to the incident,” Clendenon said.
Living with cerebral palsy has given him a unique perspective on resilience, shaping both his studies and his outlook on life with positivity and persistence.
“For anyone who doesn’t know, cerebral palsy is something you’re born with,” Clendenon explained, “I don’t know life without it. I’ve found ways to live, work and function on my own, and I always find ways to have fun.”
Looking ahead, Clendenon remains focused on completing his master’s, finding an internship to allow him to grow his skills even further and still finding time to enjoy his hobbies of watching NASCAR and playing Farming Simulator on his PlayStation 5.
His story is one of determination and quiet strength, reminding everyone he meets of success not being measured by how easy the journey is, but by how deeply you commit to the road less traveled.
For Clendenon, the goal has never been just a degree – it is about making a difference in the lives of others and proving no obstacle is too great to overcome.
A portion of this article, written by Tennessee Tech alumna Lilly Davis (`24 human
ecology and current graduate student pursuing a Master of Professional Studies in
media and strategic communication), was published in the Oct. 21, 2025 edition of
The Oracle student newspaper.