TCAT Henry/Carroll Unveils New Administrative Facility in McKenzie

McKENZIE, Tenn. — The Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Henry/Carroll officially dedicated its new administrative building this week, a milestone that bridges the institution's 61-year history with a modern vision for regional workforce development.  

President John Penn Ridgeway welcomed community leaders, students, and state officials to the dedication, noting that the original campus opened on the same grounds in October 1965. The new facility, constructed in just eight months by Bell Construction, provides a central hub for the student body and administrative operations, replacing an aging structure that had served the community for decades.  The existing structure was razed shortly after TCAT moved to its new building.

Flanked by a framed copy of a news article written in 1965 from The McKenzie Banner in a story written by James L. Washburn, and on the other side, a photo slideshow of construction of the new building, each of the presenters spoke of the importance of the new building and its service to technical education.

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. Ridgeway 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 in January.  

At the heart of TCAT’s mission is a focus on hands-on, post-secondary training designed to get students workforce-ready. 

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. 

Terry Howell, whose father served as the Chamber of Commerce president during the 1965 dedication, reflected on the school's evolution. He emphasized that the institution’s mission has always been to "teach the heart" alongside technical skills, ensuring students are equipped not just with knowledge, but with the character necessary to succeed in the modern workforce.  

Chancellor Dr. Flora Tydings addressed the audience, noting that the project is part of a broader $1.5 billion statewide investment in technical and community colleges. Governor Lee's mission was to build new facilities or upgrade existing campuses throughout the state.

State Representative Brock Martin, a key supporter of the project, praised the school's role in rural economic development. He noted that the facility serves as a vital tool for local industry recruitment, providing the skilled workforce necessary to keep communities competitive.  

Carroll County Mayor Joseph Butler said, "I think a great deal about what it takes to build a strong future. I think about this all the time. What what builds a strong future for Carroll County? A big part of that is we all know for people to have access to to education and training that allows them that opportunity to build a good life for themselves, and then also making sure employers have the right people to fill the needs they have to succeed. And we all know collectively that that TCAT brings those two things together for for a young person deciding what comes next after high school. This can be the platform for that. That's the direction for an adult looking for a fresh start. This can be that opportunity. For a parent working a job currently and trying to figure out a better future for their family, this this is the place where they can learn the skills that can make that difference."

McKenzie Mayor Ryan Griffin highlighted the city's unique position as home to both a technical college and a four-year university, calling the new building a statement that "technical education matters".  

Dr. Jan Latimer, Vice-President of TCAT Henry/Carroll, concluded the ceremony by emphasizing that the building’s true value lies not in its square footage, but in the careers it will launch and the families it will impact for generations to come.

Following the ceremony, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on the balcony to mark the new era in technical education.