UPDATE: Chattanooga State Community College has started construction on its newest facility, the Rhea County Higher Education Center, located in Dayton.
According to a statement from the college, the 30,000 square-foot, $20 million building will be the home for programs like welding, automation, robotics, industrial electricity, and more.
It is tentatively scheduled to open in January 2026.
ChattState President Dr. Rebecca Ashford said the center will help both traditional and dual enrollment students.
“Through dual enrollment, they will be able to continue on and complete a TCAT credential,” she said. “Then, they’ll be able to continue on and build to earn an associate’s degree in those fields. After that, the world is their oyster.”
Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor Dr. Flora Tydings said that Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s $1 billion investment in Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs) across the state will change lives.
“We are going to be adding an additional estimated 10,000 students a year as the result of the construction we’re doing across Tennessee,” she said. “When we add 10,000 students, we change 10,000 families in every community across this great state.”
Dayton City Mayor Hurley Marsh said the facility will positively affect residents by allowing them to earn an education while staying close to home.
“Establishing this college will not only enhance educational prospects, but also contribute to our city’s overall growth and prosperity.”
PREVIOUS STORY: Chattanooga State Community College will be celebrating the groundbreaking of its Rhea County Higher Education Center on Thursday.
The $20-million, 30,000 square-foot facility is scheduled to open in January 2026.
The center is meant to equip high school students and adult learners with skills for careers in high-demand fields through several in-demand programs.
Welding, automation, robotics, electrical, computer support technician, and EMT are among the programs the center will offer.
The groundbreaking celebration will be from 2:00pm to 2:30pm at 815 Delaware Avenue in Dayton.
The guest list for the event includes Chattanooga State President Dr. Rebecca Ashford, Dr. Flora Tydings, Chancellor, TBR-The College System of Tennessee, Representative Ron Travis, Dayton City Mayor Hurley Marsh, Rhea County Executive Jim Vincent, and Bo Drake, Vice President of TCAT and Workforce Development at Chattanooga State.
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