Nashville State Community College (NCC), the Tennessee College of Applied Technologies (TCAT) Dickson, TriStar Horizon Medical Center, and The Jackson Foundation jointly announced a $35 million investment Wednesday to create a new place for students to earn a college degree, technical and career certificate, or certification in workforce programs.
The Dickson County Higher Education Center will stand on TriStar Horizon’s Natchez campus off Highway 46, just south of Interstate 40. It will be the permanent Dickson campus for Nashville State and provide TCAT Dickson with a new location for academic programming.
“Our students and employees have experienced a lot of change the past year, but one thing that hasn’t changed is Nashville State’s commitment to be a valuable education and workforce solution partner,” said Nashville State President Dr. Shanna L. Jackson. “We are thrilled to announce the Higher Education Center and work alongside our partners and the community to increase access and successful educational outcomes that lead to careers. I thank Mayor Weiss, and the Dickson City Council, along with Mayor Rial and others for their continued support, especially during the past year.”
The Renaissance Center was home to Nashville State Dickson until it sold in July 2022. The community college moved to TCAT Dickson’s existing facility in the fall of 2022 and is currently serving students at the former Senior Citizen Center in downtown Dickson.
The new center will be designed to serve students in Dickson and surrounding communities with expanded educational opportunities.
“The investment of a Higher Education Center in Dickson County is a large step that represents Dickson’s growing stature. This educational space serves as a foundation for collegial relationships between multiple higher education partners, that could one day include four-year courses, to provide our residents opportunities for high skills and high wages. TCAT Dickson is proud of our inclusion in this campus,” said TCAT Dickson President Dr. Arrita Summers.
The project is funded in part through state funding and a nine-acre land donation from TriStar Horizon Medical Center. It will additionally house offices for The Jackson Foundation.
“With more educational opportunities available, students in Dickson and surrounding counties can enhance their skills and knowledge, which can help them succeed in their future endeavors. It also highlights the importance of education, which is crucial for our community’s overall growth and progress,” said Dickson County Mayor Bob Rial.
Nashville State plans to announce when the center will open its doors at a later date.
