Dickson Center of Higher Education Building Named After Dr. James T. Jackson, M.D.
Nashville State Community College and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Dickson honored the legacy of Dr. James T. Jackson, M.D., with a ceremony commemorating the naming of the building at the Dickson Center of Higher Education.
A native of Marion County, Dr. Jackson graduated from the University of Tennessee Medical School before serving in the United States Navy during World War II. Following his honorable discharge, he, along with his brothers Dr. L.C and Dr. William Jackson, co-founded what became known as The Jackson Clinic in Dickson. Over time, the organization grew into Dickson Medical Associates, providing care to residents across the region.
Committed to public service, Dr. Jackson established the Jackson Foundation to support community initiatives, particularly in education. The Foundation played a pivotal role in making the Dickson Center of Higher Education possible through support and coordination. Equally as important was its generous $10 million contribution.
In recognition of both Dr. Jackson’s lasting impact on the community and the Jackson Foundation’s support, the building at the Dickson Center of Higher Education was named in his honor.
The center, which opened in Spring 2026, serves as a shared campus for Nashville State Community College Dickson and TCAT Dickson’s Nursing and Allied Health programs. Nashville State’s Dickson campus offers general education courses, an emergency medical technician training program, and a nursing program.
Nashville State President Dr. Shanna L. Jackson and TCAT Dickson President Laura Travis remarked, “Dr. James Jackson’s distinguished medical career, his stalwart commitment to public service, and his countless contributions to the Dickson community and surrounding areas are the reasons why we celebrate the naming of the building in his honor.”
During the ceremony, the Jackson Foundation was presented with the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Philanthropy. The prestigious award honors organizations that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to student success through both generous financial support and meaningful volunteer engagement with a TBR institution. The Foundation is one of four organizations in the state to be recognized in 2026.
