Chattanooga State Community College has broken ground on the Rhea County Higher Education Center in Dayton, Tennessee.
The Herald-News reports that the 30,000-square-foot, $20 million building will house programs such as Welding, Automation, Robotics, Industrial Electricity, Computer Support Technician, and EMT. The facility will bring the college's programs in Rhea County together in one location.
The center is tentatively scheduled to open in January 2026.
“We are going to be adding an additional estimated 10,000 students a year as the result of the construction we’re doing across Tennessee,” she said. “When we add 10,000 students, we change 10,000 families in every community across this great state.”
Dayton Mayor Hurley Marsh said the facility will enable Dayton residents to get an education while staying close to home.
“This is a significant milestone for our city,” he said. "It will give our students access to higher education opportunities without leaving Dayton. Establishing this college will not only enhance educational prospects, but also contribute to our city’s overall growth and prosperity.”
