Groundbreaking Held for Dickson County Center for Higher Education

Leaders from Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Dickson, Nashville State Community College, TriStar Horizon Medical Center, and The Jackson Foundation, along with state, county, city, civic, and business leaders held a groundbreaking for the multi-million-dollar state-of-the-art Dickson County Center for Higher Education.

It will be on TriStar Horizon’s Natchez campus off Highway 46, just south of Interstate 40.

The Dickson County Center for Higher Education, funded by a state appropriation approved by the Tennessee General Assembly and supported by Governor Bill Lee, will serve Dickson and surrounding communities by providing residents a new space to earn a college degree, technical diplomas and certificates, or certification in workforce programs. 

The Higher Education Center will be the permanent Dickson campus for Nashville State and TCAT Dickson’s nursing and allied health programs.

“We are one step closer to having a much larger physical presence in Dickson County,” said Nashville State President Dr. Shanna L. Jackson. “This wouldn’t be happening without the collaboration all of the college’s community leaders and partners. We are thankful for them as we work to increase access and successful educational outcomes and career pathways.”

TCAT Dickson will have academic programming at the center, while The Jackson Foundation, who will be providing an undisclosed financial gift to support the project, will have offices.

“The Higher Education Center will provide additional educational opportunities for residents of Dickson and surrounding counties. Graduates will provide area employers a quality trained workforce. I am thankful for this partnership and excited for the future of higher education in Dickson County,” Laura Travis, president of TCAT Dickson & Clarksville campus said.

“The location of a higher education facility in Dickson County has been the dream of the Jackson Foundation for many years,” said Jackson Foundation President and Executive Director Doug Jackson.

“We are witnessing today an event that will change the trajectory of this community and the lives of its citizens. My father, Dr. Jimmy Jackson, said on many occasions that the only difference between his life and that of his father was the opportunity to receive an education. The Jackson Foundation is grateful to have played a part in this event that brings us here today.”

“We appreciate the State of Tennessee, Governor Bill Lee, Nashville State Community College and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology for making this dream come true.”

Coupled with state funding, TriStar Horizon generously donated the nine acres needed for the Dickson County Higher Education Center.

“This groundbreaking demonstrates significant progress as we come together and commit to developing the next generation of our healthcare workforce,” said Cindy Bergmeier, chief executive officer. “TriStar Horizon Medical Center is honored to play a role in supporting this investment in our community.”

HOAR Construction is the primary contractor, with the project being overseen by Vice President of Operations Jerry W. Young.

“It’s an honor to be a part of team that continues to offer great opportunities for our future leaders. As a Dickson local, it’s exciting to support this growth in my own backyard.”

Anecdote Architectural Experiences, based in Nashville, is handling all design aspects.