Nashville State and TCAT Dickson Hold Grand Opening of Dickson Center of Higher Education

Nashville State Community College and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Dickson celebrated the grand opening of the Dickson Center of Higher Education with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local officials, Tennessee Board of Regents leaders, healthcare and educational partners, employees, students, and community members.

Located off Highway 46 adjacent to TriStar Horizon Medical Center's Natchez campus, the Center serves as a shared educational hub for Nashville State and TCAT Dickson. The facility houses Nashville State's Dickson campus, including nursing and emergency medical technician (EMT) programs, as well as general education courses, and TCAT Dickson's allied health and nursing programs.

For Nashville State students, the Center offers admissions and financial aid assistance, student account services, academic advising, food and personal item support, student lounges, and a testing center for math and English placement.

“We are very excited to deepen Nashville State’s roots in Dickson County,” said Dr. Shanna L. Jackson, Nashville State’s president. “The Center wouldn’t be a reality without the direct support of Gov. Lee, Tennessee General Assembly, THEC, TBR, TriStar Horizon Medical Center, the Jackson Foundation, and TCAT Dickson. We are thankful for them as we work to increase access, completion, and post-completion success for area residents.”

TCAT Dickson President Laura Travis said the Center builds on the college's longstanding commitment to workforce development and educational access in the region.

“Today is a celebration of both where we’ve been and where we’re going. TCAT has a long history of serving Dickson and the surrounding community, helping generations of students gain the skills they need to build successful careers,” said Travis. “The Dickson Center of Higher Education is an exciting step forward, and we are proud to partner with Nashville State to expand educational opportunities for students across our region. The center is an investment in our students, our workforce, and the future of Dickson County, and I am excited to see the impact that it will have for years to come.”

In addition to state funding, TriStar Horizon Medical Center donated the nine-acre site for the Center. The Jackson Foundation, which provided a significant financial gift to support the project, also maintains offices within the facility.

“The opening of the Dickson Center for Higher Education represents a significant investment in the future of our community,” shared Wyatt Chocklett, chief executive officer of TriStar Horizon Medical Center. “By expanding access to higher education and workforce development opportunities close to home, this Center will strengthen the pipeline of healthcare professionals who will care for our community for years to come. We are honored to be part of this partnership and celebrate the opportunities it creates for this region.”

The Center represents a collaborative effort among educational, healthcare, philanthropic and state partners committed to expanding educational opportunity and workforce development in Dickson County.

The building is named in honor of Dr. James T. Jackson, recognizing his legacy and commitment to education and the Foundation's longstanding support of educational initiatives in Dickson County.

“The Dickson Center of Higher Education has been the dream of the Jackson Foundation for many years,” said Jackson Foundation President and Executive Director Doug Jackson. “I believe it 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.”

Nashville-based Anecdote Architectural Experiences led the design of the facility. Hoar Construction served as the general contractor. Nashville State and TCAT Dickson broke ground on the Center in November 2024. The Center’s address is 2575 Highway 46 S, Dickson, TN 37055.  

Ribbon-cutting at the Dickson Center of Higher Education grand opening.