What is a Tennessee College of Applied Technology?

A Tennessee College of Applied Technology is an institution which serves people in a specific geographical area within the state of Tennessee consisting of two or more counties that offers technical/occupational education. Tennessee has 24 Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology. 23 of them (all except Chattanooga) are freestanding institutions. Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology are the state's premier providers of workforce development in the state of Tennessee. The 24 Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology and their employees provide state-of-the-art technical training for workers to obtain the technical skills and professional training necessary for advancement in today's competitive job market. Through their workforce development mission, the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology help businesses and industries satisfy their need for a well-trained, skilled workforce. Under the governance of the Tennessee Board of Regents, the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology offer certificate and diploma programs in more than 50 distinct occupational fields as well as customized training for business and industry.

Statewide Mission

The Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology serve as the premier suppliers of workforce development throughout the State of Tennessee. The Colleges fulfill their mission by:

• Providing competency-based training through superior quality, traditional and distance learning instruction methods that qualify completers for employment and job advancement;
• Contributing to the economic and community development of the communities served by training and retraining employed workers;
• Ensuring that programs and services are economical and accessible to all residents of Tennessee; and
• Building relationships of trust with community, business, and industry leaders to supply highly skilled workers in areas of need.

TCAT Purpose

The purpose of Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology curricula is to provide instruction whereby individuals may be trained or retrained for employment, and to upgrade skills and knowledge of employed workers. Each program offered will assist the student in acquiring the skills, knowledge, understanding, and attitudes which contribute to proficiency and competency in his or her chosen field.

The Colleges fulfill this purpose by providing training through:

1. Full-Time Preparatory programs are designed to prepare persons for employment in specific or closely related occupations. The length of programs can vary depending upon the requirements of the occupation.
2. Part-Time Preparatory programs are designed to prepare persons for employment in specific or closely related occupations. Length of training ranges depending upon the entrance requirements of the occupation. Part-time is classified as any hours less than 30 per week.
3. Supplemental programs are designed to assist employed workers to improve or upgrade skills and increase technical knowledge necessary for present employment or to acquire new skills and knowledge for a higher level of employment. The content of the courses is determined by the specific needs of the members of the class. Time and frequency of meetings are arranged according to the convenience of the group for which the class is organized.
4. Special Industry programs are offered to business and industry upon their request. These classes can be conducted in the College or place of employment of the class members. Specialized and intensified courses to meet specific requirements of industry may be offered when the need arises.

The Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) system consists of 37 institutions. TBR's 13 Community Colleges and 24 Colleges of Applied Technology offer classes in almost all of Tennessee's 95 counties. The activities of the Tennessee Board of Regents System are coordinated with the Tennessee Higher Education System to achieve unity in the programs of higher education in Tennessee.

Tennessee Board of Regents Senior Staff & Board Members

Tennessee Board of Regents Senior Staff

Flora W. Tydings, Chancellor

Mike Batson, Chief Audit Executive

Russ Deaton, Executive Vice Chancellor for Policy and Strategy 

Alisha Fox, Vice Chancellor of Business and Finance

Troy Grant, Vice Chancellor for Strategic Enrollment Management

Brian Lapps, General Counsel

Heidi Leming, Vice Chancellor for Student Success and Strategic Partnerships

Rick Locker, Communications Director

Kimberly McCormick, Executive Vice Chancellor for External Affairs

Mariah Perry, Board Secretary

Jothany Reed, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

Tennessee Board of Regents Board Members

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology is an accredited higher education institution. An annual report of the school's progress is made each year for continuing accreditation, and every six years, the accreditation must be substantiated by another self-study and team visit. Tennessee College of Applied Technology is accredited by:

Below are the programs that require additional programmatic accreditation or agency oversight.

For more information on the institution's governance, accreditation, or approvals, visit the Office of the President.

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology Dickson is one of 24 Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology and 37 total institutions in the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) system that are located across the state, serving the citizens of Tennessee. The TBR and the Board of Trustees of the University of Tennessee System are coordinated by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC). THEC was created by the General Assembly in 1967 to achieve coordination and unity in the programs of public higher education in Tennessee. The TBR system was created by legislation enacted by the 1963 General Assembly of Tennessee, Chapter 229 of House Bill 633. Chapter 181, Senate Bill 746-House Bill 697, of the Public Act of 1983 transferred the governance of the state technical institutes and area vocational-technical schools from the State Board of Education to the Tennessee Board of Regents. The transfer became effective on July 1, 1983. By action of the Tennessee Legislature in 1994, the school name changed from Dickson State Area Vocational Technical School to Tennessee Technology Center at Dickson. In 2013, the Legislature unanimously approved changing the name of the state’s technology centers to the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology.

The Tennessee Board of Regents, the governing body for Tennessee College of Applied Technology Dickson, underwent a major shift in 2017 because of the FOCUS Act of 2016 and the appointment of a new Chancellor, Dr. Flora Tydings. The FOCUS Act seeks to ensure the state’s Community Colleges and Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology are organized, supported, and empowered in efforts to increase the percentage of Tennesseans with a postsecondary credential. Largely this involved the development of local governing boards for each of the six universities thus allowing TBR a greater focus on the 13 community colleges and 24 Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology. Additional TBR efforts under the leadership of Dr. Tydings included the retitling of the chief administrative officers of the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology from Director to President; the movement towards all 37 campuses in the TBR system operating with shared services; and, the restructuring of the TBR organization uniting the community colleges and Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology through common offices and services.

Dickson Campuses

The school had its origin in February 1964, in a leased building in downtown Dickson. The first program was a cooperative effort between the state of Tennessee and Scovill-Schrader to train machine operators to manufacture tire valves.

During this time, construction was begun on the Highway 46 training facility. The school was constructed at a cost of $525,000, of which the Dickson County Court provided $130,000. In 1974, a drafting department was added at a cost of $83,254, and in 1977 the health occupations building was added at a cost of $102,000. In 1989, the heavy equipment/diesel mechanic building was added to the campus. From 1996 through 1999, renovations were made on the Dickson main campus. Classroom/lab/shop areas were renovated and expanded. During the 1996-99 expansion, an additional 22,610 square feet were added, and equipment updated for a total cost for Dickson and Clarksville of $3.5 million.

The Dickson facility houses 11 different programs (Surgical Technology was closed in August 2009) plus administrative offices for the school’s main and satellite training facilities.

In May 2010, the Green Sustainable Energy Instructional Service Center opened on Beasley Drive in Dickson, and the Solar Photovoltaic Technician program began.

In the fall of 2012, Tennessee College of Applied Technology Dickson added a Welding/Pipefitting Technology program at the Dickson main campus.

In fall of 2015, Digital Graphic Design program was added to the Dickson main campus. The Green Sustainable Energy Instructional Service Center’s name changed to the Advanced Manufacturing Campus where the Industrial Maintenance/Electricity program relocated from the main campus, the Mechatronics program began, and the Solar Photovoltaic Technician program was closed.

In 2013, a master plan was developed for the Tennessee College of Applied Technology system, which identified statewide facility needs. The study of the Dickson campus found that the nursing program, which was located in a 40-year-old building, needed to expand to be adequate for training needs. As a result, in 2018, Tennessee College of Applied Technology Dickson received funding for an 11,850 square-foot building, at $3.3 million.

In spring of 2022, the Computer-Aided Design Technology program was added to the Dickson main campus. 

In January 2023, the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration program's name changed to Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration. Effective July 2023, the Mechatronics program's name changed to Mechatronics Multicraft Technology.

Clarksville Campus

In January 1992, the Practical Nursing program in Clarksville began within facilities at Gateway Medical Center. Land donations of 15 acres in the Montgomery County Industrial Park, valued then at approximately $250,000 and cash donations of more than $225,000, were raised jointly through Advisory Council efforts. Additional contributions included air conditioning/heating units, wiring, building materials, training equipment, supplies and architectural funding.

In 1992, the Clarksville/Montgomery County Industrial Training Center was built by Clarksville industry/business and government for $300,000 and leased by Dickson State Area Vocational-Technical School. The building included 11,000 square feet. During the 1996-99 expansion, ownership was transferred to the Tennessee Board of Regents and a second building was added at a cost of $300,000 and 11,000 square feet. In 2005, 7.7 acres were deeded to the Tennessee Board of Regents by the Industrial Development Board of Montgomery County in anticipation of a projected 60,000-square-foot expansion. In 2007, the nursing program moved from Gateway Medical Center facilities to the extension campus in the Montgomery County Industrial Park. In September 2009, a Clarksville Instructional Service Center opened on Main Street in Clarksville and the Practical Nursing program moved there, leaving seven programs housed on the extension campus. In October 2010, school and state officials announced a $16 million expansion of the Clarksville Extension Campus. The 65,000-square-foot addition will increase the facility’s total square footage to more than 83,000.

The expansion opened to students in September 2013. At that time, the Clarksville Instructional Service Center closed, and the Practical Nursing program moved to the Clarksville Extension Campus.

In fall of 2015, Diesel Powered Equipment Technology, Digital Graphic Design, and Pharmacy Technician programs were added to the Clarksville extension campus moving the campus to a total of 12 training programs.

In fall of 2019, Building Construction Technology program was added. In the summer of 2023, Criminal Justice: Correctional Officer program was added.

In summer of 2023, the Criminal Justice: Correctional Officer program was added. In September 2023, the Patient Care Technology/Medical Assisting program was added.

Waverly Campus

Commercial Truck Driving was established in July 1994 in Waverly and began operating out of the FASTRANS, Inc., location on Highway 70 west of downtown Waverly.

In the 1990s, the people of Humphreys County came together to create a facility to serve the higher education needs of their community. The result of that collaboration was the Humphreys County Center for Higher Education located on Holly Lane in Waverly.

In the fall of 1998, Business Systems Technology started at Waverly Central High School. In April 1999, when the HCCHE opened, Business Systems moved to the Center and was joined by Industrial Maintenance / Electricity.

In December 2003, the Commercial Truck Driving program was closed.

In October 2010, the Industrial Maintenance / Electricity program closed and students were consolidated into the Dickson and Clarksville programs. In December 2011, the Business Systems Technology program closed, and Tennessee College of Applied Technology Dickson withdrew from the space at the Humphreys County Center.

Williamson Campus 
In January 2024, Digital Graphic Design and Practical Nursing programs were approved to be added at the Williamson campus located at Columbia State Community College. Classes began in May 2024.

Franklin Campus

In October 2001, the Practical Nursing program started in the Williamson County Center through a grant. Classes were held at the Williamson County site of Columbia State Community College in Franklin. In September 2004, the nursing class moved to the Lion’s Club building in Fairview for one year. The Williamson County program moved into new facilities in Franklin in 2005. In 2017, the program moved to 118 Seaboard Lane, Franklin, TN.

Ashland City, Fairview, and Williamson Campuses

In September 2009, with the assistance of federal economic stimulus funds, the college opened an instructional service center in Ashland City and students were enrolled in Business Systems Technology. A Practical Nursing program opened in Ashland City in January 2010. The Business Systems Technology program closed at the location in 2011. The Practical Nursing Program relocated from the Ashland City site to the Dickson main campus in December 2016.

Through a joint venture with Williamson County Schools, Tennessee College of Applied Technology Dickson opened the Fairview Instructional Service Center within Fairview High School in 2009 and enrolled Automotive Technology students. That joint venture ended in June 2012, and the Automotive Technology program closed.

In January, 2024, Digital Graphic Design and Practical Nursing programs were approved to be added at the Williamson campus located at Columbia State Community College. Classes began May 2024.

Directors and Presidents
James Clemmer was named superintendent on Feb. 1, 1965, and continued in the position through February 1972. Robert Ivy held the position through September 1976, when Bobby Sullivan was named director. Sullivan retired in June 2008, and Warner Taylor was named interim director. The Tennessee Board of Regents named Mark Powers as the new director on Nov.1, 2008. Mark Powers retired in August 2013, and Warner Taylor was named interim director. The Tennessee Board of Regents named Dr. Arrita Summers Director, effective February 1, 2015. In 2017, the Tennessee Board of Regents changed the title of Director to President for all Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology. In 2018, the Tennessee Board of Regents changed the title of Assistant Director to Vice President. Following the retirement of Dr. Arrita Summers, Laura Travis was named President of TCAT Dickson in December 2023. 

This student catalog/handbook has been prepared to provide information about the programs and training opportunities provided by the Tennessee College of Applied Technology for the 2024-2025 academic year. It is designed to serve as a guide for currently enrolled students, parents, educators, employers, and others who are interested in seeking information and/or technology training for gainful employment or to update current skills and related information.

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology provides the opportunity for students to increase their knowledge by providing various programs of instruction by well-qualified faculty. However, the acquisition of knowledge by any student is contingent upon the student's desire to learn and his/her application of appropriate study techniques to any course or program. All students are expected to fulfill his/her commitment to utilize the facilities provided and to make satisfactory progress in his/her preparation for employment. Also, each student will abide by Tennessee College of Applied Technology and Academic Program policies necessary to ensure all training achieves its intended purpose in an efficient and safe manner. Efforts are made to update equipment and course content to provide educational experiences necessary for an era of rapid technological change. The administrative and instructional staff is comprised of skilled and knowledgeable individuals who are competent in their occupational field, as well as proficient instructors. They participate in special in-service training such as state-directed workshops, field trips, and community and university courses to maintain and update their skill sets. Graduates of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology should not be expected to compete with currently employed professionals who have developed skills and on-the-job experience. Usually, the graduates are considered for "entry-level" employment in their respective occupations.

The course offerings and requirements of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology are continually under examination and review. The College reserves the right to make changes as required in course offerings, curricula, academic policies, and other rules and regulations affecting students and will become effective whenever determined necessary as part of that continuous review by the institution. This Student Handbook/Catalog presents the offering and requirements in effect at the time of publication but provides no guarantee that offerings will not be changed or rescinded. Reasonable notice will be given to students regarding any changes in the Student Handbook/Catalog. All updates and/or corrections will be posted in the online version of the Student Handbook/Catalog, which will supersede previous written copies. Changes will govern current, former, and prospective students. This Student Handbook/Catalog is not intended to state contractual terms and does not constitute a contract between the student and the institution.

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology is an AA/EEO institution/employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age (as applicable), status as a covered veteran, genetic information, and any other category protected by federal or state law or regulation or by Tennessee Board of Regents policy with respect to employment, educational programs and activities sponsored by the College. Procedures for filing complaints of discrimination of any type are found through the links provided below and in the Office of Student Services. Further information can be found at the following links:

• Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment or Sexual Misconduct: Policy 6.01.00.00
• Non-Discrimination Statement
• TCAT Policies and Guidelines

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology Dickson complies with the requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq. ("Title IX"). Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities, including with respect to admission and employment. Prohibited forms of sex discrimination include sexual harassment; sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, stalking, dating or domestic violence; and discrimination against pregnant/parenting students. Tennessee College of Applied Technology Dickson also prohibits retaliation because an individual filed a complaint of sex discrimination or participated in an investigation related to sex discrimination.

Information about the College's policies and procedures that prohibit sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual misconduct, may be found in the links provided at the top of this sub-section, in the Student and Employee Handbooks, from the Student Services Office, on the TBR website at https://www.tbr.edu and on the TCAT Dickson website at https://tcatdickson.edu/.

Inquiries or complaints concerning Title IX and/or the Title IX regulations may be referred to the College's Title IX coordinator 24/7 in person, by phone, and/or email at:

Tennessee College of Applied Technology Dickson complies with Title IX as the law applies to pregnant/parenting students and is committed to their success. Students may:

• Continue to participate in classes and extracurricular activities even though pregnant and/or 
• Request reasonable accommodations.

Tennessee College of Applied Technology Dickson will work with pregnant students to provide options for continuing in a program of study through excused absences or medical leave. Absences due to pregnancy or childbirth are excused absences when medically necessary. For detailed information or assistance see the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Dickson Title IX Coordinator, or Student Services Coordinator.

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology Dickson complies with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. §2000d et seq. ("Title VI"). Title VI is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. As a recipient of federal funding (e.g., Title IV financial aid for students), TCAT Dickson is required to comply with the non-discrimination provisions of Title VI in its educational and federal grant-funded programs. Title VI is enforced by the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in the U.S. Department of Education. The Title VI regulations define the forms of discrimination covered by statute, including, but not limited to; racial harassment, school segregation, denial of language services to students of non-U.S. nationality who are limited in English language proficiency, and retaliation for filing an OCR complaint or for advocacy for a right protected by Title VI.

TCAT Dickson will respond promptly and effectively once informed about an allegation of race, color, or national origin-based discrimination or harassment and will take immediate action to eliminate any harassment or discrimination, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects. Upon receipt of a complaint, TCAT Dickson will promptly investigate to determine what occurred and then take appropriate steps to resolve the situation. TCAT Dickson's procedures for filing complaints of race, color, or national origin discrimination are available from the Title VI Coordinator, in the Student and Employee Handbooks, from the Student Services Office, on the TBR website at https://www.tbr.edu and on the TCAT Dickson website at https://tcatdickson.edu/. Inquiries or complaints concerning Title VI may be reported to the College's Title VI coordinator:

Or the Office for Civil Rights:

U.S. Department of Education,
Office for Civil Rights
(800) 421-3481 or ocr@ed.gov
http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/complaintintro.html

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology is committed to providing program access and accommodations for all academically qualified students with disabilities. This commitment is consistent with the College’s obligation under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Qualified students are defined as individuals who, with or without reasonable modifications and accommodations, meet the essential eligibility requirements for the program services and activities offered by the College. A disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities. 

In order to obtain reasonable accommodations in relation to a qualifying disability, a student should contact Student Services prior to enrollment or as the need arises. The college will engage in an interactive process with the student to determine appropriate and reasonable accommodation(s) in relation to the disability and the program. The college will often require documentation of the disability. Documentation is defined as written information from a qualified healthcare professional. A request form for disability assistance is available by contacting Student Services. The form should be submitted to initiate the interactive process. 

Disability Services Contact

Pam Bigham
Student Services Coordinator
pam.bigham@tcatdickson.edu