Tech Center breaks ground on Clarksville expansion
Often times, good things come to those who wait, at least that’s the sentiment of leaders at the Tennessee Technology Center at Dickson.
For the last 15 years, administrators and legislative supporters at the technology center have been proposing, lobbying, pushing, prodding and cajoling state authorities for funds to expand the school’s Clarksville Extension Center located on Guthrie Highway outside Clarksville. Now, with the $16 million in funds appropriated, the expansion is closer to fruition.
School, legislative and civic leaders broke ground Nov. 16 on the 60,000-square-foot addition adjacent to the existing buildings. The site was abuzz with activity as construction trucks roared by on their way to the Hemlock Semiconductor plant going up across Guthrie Highway from the technology center campus.
The existing 22,000 square foot campus was constructed in the 1990s and houses six different programs: Automotive Technology, Business Systems Technology, Computer Information Technology, Industrial Maintenance Technology, Machine Tool Technology and Mechatronics. The expanded campus will make room for new programs in Welding/Pipefitting, Practical Nursing (currently housed at a downtown Clarksville location), CNA/Phlebotomy, Millwright, Cosmetology and others.
“This is a great day…a wonderful day,” said TTC Dickson Director Mark Powers as he led off the festivities. Powers said it was a good day also for the center’s industrial partners. “Without you we would not be here. We’re here to serve industry and to train folks to go to work and be successful.”
He thanked the area legislators “who worked tirelessly to fund this venture.”
Rep. Joe Pitts (D-Clarksville) praised Tennessee Board of Regents Vice Chancellor James King for working on the project from the legislative end, and also noted the work of former TTC Dickson Director Bob Sullivan and tech center supporter Ed Groves “for being champions for the project.”
Pitts called the existence of Austin Peay State University, Nashville State Community College and the Tennessee Technology Center a “trifecta that puts us head and shoulders above other communities.” He lauded the staff saying it “is without peer.”
Rep. Curtis Johnson said he was proud of the increasing enrollment at the center “but also the graduation and placement rates.”
Sen. Tim Barnes noted that out the back of the tent the ceremony was held in the impressive profile of the Hemlock Semiconductor plant was rising out of the ground.
King pointed out the increased attention the technology centers are getting due to high completion and placement rates compared to other postsecondary institutions. “Because of the good work the TTC system has done, it has helped bring this (expansion) to fruition,” he said.
The expansion is expected to be ready for occupancy on April 1, 2013.
Directors, Legislators
Pictured (below, left, L to R) are Sen. Tim Barnes (D-Adams), TTC Dickson Director Mark Powers, former director Bob Sullivan and Rep. Joe Pitts (D-Clarksville).
Groundbreaking
A host of folks turned the ceremonial sod and broke ground for the new technology center expansion. TTC Dickson Director Mark Powers is third from right.
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