TCAT Henry/Carroll Solidifies Regional Presence with New Facilities
McKENZIE — TCAT Henry/Carroll is reinforcing its commitment to the region while celebrating significant infrastructure investments that promise to bolster the local workforce.
During a recent presentation to the Rotary Club of McKenzie, meeting at the new TCAT facility in McKenzie, Dr. Jan Latimer, Vice-President of TCAT McKenzie, addressed community concerns regarding the future of the McKenzie campus, emphasized that the institution is stronger than ever following the merger of the McKenzie and Paris campuses two years ago.
The institution is celebrating the completion of a new 18,000-square-foot facility in McKenzie, a $9 million investment that officially opened in January 2026. A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new building is October 14 at 11:30 a.m.
John Penn Ridgeway, President of TCAT Henry/Carroll, reflected on the transition from the original 1965-era building to the modern facility. While acknowledging the challenges of construction and design, Ridgeway expressed pride in the new space, noting that it is designed to serve the residents of McKenzie and Carroll County for years to come.
The expansion extends beyond McKenzie. A new 99,687-square-foot campus in Paris, situated on 19 acres, is scheduled to open during the fall term on September 14 .
At the heart of TCAT’s mission is a focus on hands-on, post-secondary training designed to get students workforce-ready. The institution offers programs in healthcare, skilled trades, transportation, and IT, with approximately 88 to 89 percent of students attending without out-of-pocket costs.
Student success remains a primary metric for the school. Elizabeth "Lizzie" Ilko, an HVAC student, was highlighted as a standout example of the program's efficacy. Ilko was among 14 state medalists in the recent SkillsUSA competition, where she secured a gold medal.
Training programs at TCAT in McKenzie include: Administrative Office Technology, Automotive Technology, HVAC Technology, Information Technology Systems Management, Industrial Maintenance, Machine Tool Technology, Practical Nursing, Residential Building Maintenance, and Welding.
Despite the successes, leadership noted ongoing challenges, including the rising cost of training equipment and the need to fill critical gaps in the local labor market. Ridgeway emphasized a significant unmet demand for machinists and CNC operators in the area. "If we could get forty machinists, every company around needs a CNC or machinist," Ridgeway said, noting that while welding is popular, the industry requires a diverse range of skilled professionals to thrive .
As TCAT Henry/Carroll looks to the future, the administration plans to continue reconfiguring spaces to add new programs, building on the momentum of the recent practical nursing program launch in May.
