Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson received his doctoral degree in philosophy from the University of Tennessee May 9. In March, Watson successfully defended his dissertation, “City Managers, Mayors and Councilmembers: Local Stability in Tennessee.”

Watson said he has long believed in continuous learning. “And being close to the University of Tennessee allowed me to fulfill the heights of my profession while learning new technical and research skills along the way,” he said, adding, “I shall continue to use those skills in serving Oak Ridge in the years ahead.”

Watson is a second-generation city manager; he has served in that capacity with the City of Oak Ridge since 2010. He successfully supported the creation of the new Manhattan Project National Historical Park, a new Peace Pavilion for the International Friendship Bell and renovations at both the Alexander Guest House and Historic Jackson Square.