You’re reading a story from Sidelines 100, a project showcasing a century of student storytelling at Middle Tennessee State University. Sidelines 100 plans to highlight 100 stories from the newspaper archives this fall and spring.

This story originally ran in the Nov. 21, 1994, edition of Sidelines. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay on top of all things Sidelines 100.

Deborah McDermott, vice president and general manager of WKRN Channel 2, was named MTSU’s first Woman of Achievement on Nov. 7 as part of a series sponsored by National Women’s History Month.

McDermott rose to the ranks of general manager after working as the Director of Promotion and Relations for KOLN/KGIN TV in Lincoln, Nebraska and Program Director of KMBC-TV in Kansas City.

McDermott spoke on Tuesday in the Mass Comm building being a woman in a traditionally man’s world.

Mainly addressing problems that face women in the business world, McDermott advised the audience develop mentorships throughout their careers to help attest for their personal character and professional commitment.

She also stressed the value of working hard and establishing a good track record.

“It’s important to prove to people that you can do something,” McDermott said.

McDermott urged each person “to take every opportunity to let people know what you want.” Asking questions and setting goals remain an imperative part of her career, she said.

She also talked about business obstacle of resisting changing as a person. Because of the pressures to succeed, McDermott feels that it is easy to let go of the values that define each person.

“Handle people the way you want to be dealt with. Don’t even lose the human side of it,” McDermott said.

She advises never yelling at an employee in front of others or shaming someone for personal gain. McDermott said she holds respect as the golden rule.

The last advice McDermott gave to the audience dealt with the difficulties of keeping the personal and private life in balance. she said that she knew of many marriages that had sacrificed having a family because they were so dedicated to their work. McDermott feels that there is a way to accommodate both business and family into a woman’s life.

After the birth of her first child, McDermott said, “I went back to work understanding working parents. I now look for ways to do more things in the same amount of time or to take time off to be with the children.”

McDermott recommends that women be diplomatic but aggressive in business.

“You need to believe in who you work for. If you work for a person who does not appreciate you, find another job,” McDermott said.

“I think there are still problems with the way women are perceived. People will say negative things about that strength, but women are as guilty of assaulting and stereotyping that strength as men,” McDermott said.

When asked to sum up her work, McDermott responded, “When I can make someone laugh or cry, create an emotion, that’s what turns me on…when you can make a difference. I love my job. I wouldn’t want to do anything else.”

A week long celebration of women’s history began in California in 1977, but by 1987, it had grown to cover the entire month of March.

MTSU has taken part in recognizing women’s achievements since 1983.

The Women of Achievement series is designed to recognized women in the arts, letters, science and commerce who have achieved national and regional reputations for excellence and who service as role models for all women.

Deborah Gentry, co-chair of National Women’s History Month, said, “Although Women’s History Month is in March, we wanted to broaden the scope of activities highlighting the achievements of women. We want to spread the events throughout the year.”

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