Lucerchia Renae (Spann) Metters '86: A Story of Strength, Leadership, and Renewal

 

In the early 1980s, Lucerchia Renae (Spann) Metters made a courageous decision that would shape her entire life. As a first-generation college student, she enrolled at Corning Community College, seeking not just an education but a place where she could build her future. What she discovered exceeded her expectations—a community that believed in her potential and provided the foundation for everything that followed.

From her earliest days on campus, Renae embraced leadership and meaningful connection. Serving as President of the International & Black Student Union, she found her voice and built relationships that became cornerstones of her personal growth. More importantly, CCC provided the academic support that made her success possible. The College helped her develop essential study skills through preparatory courses that strengthened her foundation—an experience that taught her never to be too proud to seek help when needed. This mindset became a guiding principle throughout every career she would pursue.

After earning her associate degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences in 1986, Renae continued her education at Elmira College, studying Business Administration. She also served ten years in the Army National Guard, a formative experience that deepened her discipline and sense of purpose. Her military service later earned her recognition as a Service-Disabled Veteran, reflecting the strength and resilience that have defined her journey.

Renae's professional path proved both diverse and remarkable. She advanced through supervisory and executive positions across multiple states before channeling her entrepreneurial spirit into business leadership. As CEO of Symtech Corporation for 15 years, she guided the company's growth into a comprehensive provider of support services for federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as commercial clients. The company delivered everything from administrative and IT support to logistics, financial services, and specialized operations under her leadership.

As President of Metters-Spann Investments, LLC, she also built a robust real estate portfolio with numerous properties in Atlanta, Georgia. Her professional excellence earned recognition from her alma mater when she received the Eileen M. Collins '76 Professional Achievement Award from CCC in 2011.

Yet perhaps her greatest triumph took nearly three decades to unfold. When someone first suggested she write a book almost 30 years ago, the idea lingered in the back of her mind. Two years ago, she finally felt ready to begin. The result is Impossible Things, her debut memoir published in June 2025 under the name L. Renae Spann.

This unflinchingly honest book chronicles her journey through profound heartbreak and betrayal toward healing and faith. Rooted in her hometown of Plainfield, New Jersey, it illuminates the complex silence within family dynamics while celebrating the quiet strength needed to transcend adversity. Speaking directly to anyone wrestling with life's most difficult questions, the memoir reveals the courage found in sharing one's truth.

Today, Renae embraces retirement with purposeful joy. She volunteers with SPARCC (Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center), a nonprofit that serves survivors of domestic violence and sexual trauma, plays tennis regularly, and has discovered a passion for travel. Over the past three years, she has explored numerous international destinations, with cruise travel becoming her preferred way to see the world. She has shared this journey for the past 25 years with her husband Seymour, calling Florida home for 18 of those years.

For prospective students considering Corning Community College, Renae offers practical wisdom born from experience: with college costs rising annually, starting at a two-year institution isn't just financially smart—it's strategically brilliant. CCC prepares students for success, providing the foundation needed to earn bachelor's degrees and beyond. It represents an investment in your future that pays dividends throughout your career.

From first-generation student finding her footing to accomplished business leader and published author, Lucerchia Renae Metters exemplifies how faith, resilience, and determination can turn dreams into reality.

Impossible Things is available in print and digital formats through Amazon and major retailers nationwide. To learn more about her story, future projects, or to connect with the author, visit Renae’s website at www.lrenaespann.com.