The State Building Commission (SBC) recently approved funding for the early design phase of the Fentress County Higher Education Center, a new campus in Jamestown that will house Roane State Community College’s local campus as well as the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Oneida/Huntsville.
This is the first block of funds released for the project. The Tennessee General Assembly approved a $25 million budget for the facility in 2022.
The new 49,000-square-foot facility will offer associate degrees and certificates in multiple programs offered by the colleges, including health science, automotive and diesel technology, welding, construction, and manufacturing technology. These credit programs will educate “job ready” students, preparing them for in-demand professions.
“This has been a multi-year effort made possible by the strong support of our many partners,” said Roane State President Chris Whaley. “I would especially like to thank Governor Bill Lee and the General Assembly for approving the funds, Senator Ken Yager for meeting with state officials and making the request for those funds, and Fentress County Executive Jimmy Johnson who has done so much at the local level to make this project a reality. We are excited to be able to better serve the students, businesses, and communities of Fentress County.”
Sen. Yager said the SBC approval is a critical first step that will permit pre-groundwork before construction begins. “I am thrilled this project is now coming to fruition,” added Sen. Yager. “The enhanced educational opportunities provided by this facility will allow our young adults to acquire the skills needed to land well-paying jobs close to home. I want to thank Rep. Kelly Keisling, former Rep. John Mark Windle, County Executive Jimmy Johnson and the County Commission for their support of this project.”
“There are just so many people to thank for giving Fentress County the opportunity to have a great educational facility to house Roane State and TCAT Oneida/Huntsville,” said Fentress County Executive Jimmy Johnson. “Not only will the Center provide an educational benefit for our students and adults returning to college, but it will also help us retain graduates in our area and meet our local workforce needs.”
Roane State’s current campus in Fentress County is located at 6844 South York Highway in the Clarkrange community. The new Fentress County Higher Education Center will be constructed on a 33-acre site the 800-block of Old Highway 127 S in Jamestown.
A groundbreaking ceremony is currently being planned for late spring or early summer of 2024. The Fentress County Higher Education Center is expected to be complete by Fall 2025.
