Tours Available for the Southern Tennessee Higher Education Center

Columbia State will host an Adult Learner Expo June 22 from 1 – 6 p.m. at the Southern Tennessee Higher Education Center.

During the expo, students can tour the new STHEC facility and see the new classrooms and student engagement spaces. Students can learn more about opportunities for adult learners including the Columbia State Degree in Three program and Tennessee Reconnect.

“The Southern Tennessee Higher Education Center facility is designed to encourage community and celebrate academic collaboration,” said the Southern Tennessee Higher Education Center Committee. “Lawrence County began dreaming of expanding the opportunities for students to earn a degree or certification beyond an associate degree. The facility offers state-of-the-art classrooms, including science and computer labs, a beautiful library with group study rooms and inviting student activity and engagement spaces.”

Degree in Three allows students to earn an associate degree in social work, criminal justice or business in three years by attending Columbia State part-time one night per week and online. Students can utilize affordable tuition rates, and explore tuition-free opportunities through Tennessee Reconnect.

“Columbia State strives to provide adult students the ability to balance their work and life responsibilities by offering classes to fit their busy schedules,” said Joni Allison, coordinator of Adult Student Services. “We offer day, evening and online options. With the Tennessee Reconnect scholarship, eligible adult learners in Lawrence County and surrounding areas have a wonderful opportunity to retool their skills and attend Columbia State tuition-free.” 

Tennessee Reconnect is a last-dollar scholarship that provides free tuition for adults to attend a community college. The initiative is designed to help adults enter college to gain new skills, advance in the workplace and fulfill lifelong dreams of completing a degree or credential.

To be eligible for Tennessee Reconnect, students must meet the following requirements:

• Haven’t earned an associate or bachelor’s degree.
• Have been a Tennessee resident for at least one year.
• Complete the Free Application For Federal Student Aid and be determined as an independent student.
• Be admitted to Columbia State and enroll in a degree or certificate program.
• Must attend at least part-time (6 credit hours).
• Participate in a college success program through a Reconnect Community.

To learn more about the Adult Learner Expo, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Lawrence21.

The STHEC facility is located at 169 Southern Tennessee Lane, Lawrenceburg, TN 38464.