Leaders in Northeast Tennessee have conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Carter County Higher Education Center in Elizabethton, a project estimated to cost $40 million. This new facility will replace the existing Northeast Tennessee Elizabethton campus and aims to consolidate academic programs from two prominent institutions in the area: Northeast State Community College and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) – Elizabethton.
Improving Educational Opportunities
The center is designed to improve educational opportunities for students by featuring modern facilities. Jeff McCord, president of Northeast State, discussed the project’s significance, noting the outdated nature of current facilities and the advantages of collaborative efforts between the two institutions. He emphasized that the new center is intended to provide enhanced services for students.
Program Offerings
The new educational facility will offer various programs, including a cosmetology program, which has garnered interest from students. Taylor Lowe, a current TCAT cosmetology student, stated that the new center is expected to provide an improved learning environment and greater opportunities for learners.
Community Impact
Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby highlighted the potential benefits of the facility on a community level, noting its role in retaining graduates in the area. She expressed optimism that the center will help students secure employment within the community and contribute to its economic growth.
Project Timeline
The Carter County Higher Education Center is anticipated to be completed in time for the fall 2026 semester, with further updates on the project expected as it progresses.
(Source: WCYB)
