Gov. Lee visits career & technical skills programs at three community colleges ahead of Labor Day

This week, ahead of the upcoming Labor Day holiday, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee visited three community colleges across the state to highlight key investments in career, technical and vocational education and reaffirm the administration’s commitment to workforce development.

 On Aug. 28, Dyersburg State Community College welcomed Governor Lee and First Lady Maria Lee as they toured its Nursing and Emergency Medical Services labs.

On Aug. 30, the Governor made an early visit to Pellissippi State Community College where he visited its Mechanical Engineering Technology labs and took a spin around the racetrack in PSCC's Motorsports Formula SAE race car. Concluding his day was a visit to Chattanooga State Community College where he toured the WACKER Pilot Plant, performed tests in the Non-Destructive Testing lab, talked with students about Programmable Logics, and toured the Automotive Tech Program, where the first-in-the-state AAS degree in Electric Vehicle Engineering will be housed. 

“The hands-on experience these students are receiving to support their academic studies will help them succeed in fields they’re passionate about and gifted in,” said Gov. Lee. “I’m very proud of what is happening at community and technical colleges across the state. Tennessee is leading the nation, and these students are a perfect example of that.”

The Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) program fosters long-term regional partnerships between Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs) and community colleges. GIVE, Lee’s first legislative priority, has facilitated the alignment of local workforce and education partners since 2019 through a $51.5 million competitive grant process.

"I am pleased Governor Lee could gain insight into our engineering technology programs by spending time with the student leaders of our Formula SAE Racing Team,” said Pellissippi State Community College President Dr. Anthony Wise. “He had a chance to see a great example of the kind of experiential learning offered at community colleges and how this particular program has led to great job placement opportunities in our community and the region."

"Dyersburg State was excited to welcome Governor Lee to our campus to experience the advanced, hands-on tools we use to teach future nurses, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics,” said Dyersburg State Community College President Dr. Scott Cook. “Our students practice real-world lifesaving techniques in a low-risk learning environment that prepares them to care for our communities and save lives. We are proud of our work to prepare a well-trained healthcare workforce for West Tennessee."

“I am grateful for the opportunity to share with Governor Lee a small sample of the highly technical, in-demand educational programs we offer,” said Chattanooga State Community College President Dr. Rebecca Ashford. “The Governor met with some of our passionate faculty and witnessed the technical skills our students are learning from them. Chattanooga State remains committed to creating career pathways that not only support families but also contribute to building a skilled workforce for our community which aligns well with the Governor's priorities."

Video from Gov. Lee’s visits to community colleges may be accessed here.