Chattanooga State Community College opens new Rhea County Higher Education Center

Chattanooga State Community College has officially opened its new Rhea County Higher Education Center in Dayton, Tennessee. The new facility will provide the community with expanded access to workforce and technical education, focusing on the practical skills that employers are actively seeking in the individuals they hire.

According to an article on Chattanooga State Community College’s website, Dr. Flora Tydings, who serves as the Chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents, was quoted as saying at the ribbon cutting ceremony, “This ribbon-cutting represents more than a building. It truly exemplifies TBR’s mission of student success and workforce development. Facilities like this are where students gain the hands-on experience, the industry-aligned training, and the opportunity that fuels our state’s economy and transforms our citizens’ lives.”

The Rhea County Higher Education Center offers programs in Welding, Automation, Robotics, Electrical, Computer Support Technician, and Emergency Medical Technician, all of which are considered to be in high demand in the region’s workforce. The goal is to give students the opportunity to participate in shorter academic pathways that will lead them to stable and lucrative careers, all while keeping them close to home.

Also in attendance at the event was Governor Bill Lee, who said, “The best part about today is the students; they are why we do what we do. Their skills and their pursuit of educational attainment will land them a future full of opportunity. At the end of the day, this facility is a step toward providing a better way of life for all Tennesseans.”

In the spring, the college will hold a Grand Opening event for students, both current and prospective, local employers, and the larger community to learn about the facility and the type of education it offers. 

In her remarks at the ribbon cutting ceremony, Chattanooga State Community College President Dr. Rebecca Ashford said, “I am profoundly happy that the people of Rhea County today, and for generations to come, will call the Rhea County Higher Education Center their own.”

For more information about Chattanooga State Community College, visit the school’s website.