Clarksville's Nashville State Community College campus gets $34M in state funds for expansion

Nicole Young, Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle
·3 min read

More than $34M in state funds have been set aside for the renovation and expansion of Nashville State Community College’s Clarksville campus.

The funds, which total $34,080,000, are earmarked for a community-based Center for Higher Education. They were appropriated in the recently approved state budget for 2022-23 along with a requirement for Nashville State to match a portion of the funds.

Nashville State Associate Vice President Tom Hayden told The Leaf-Chronicle in a prior interview that the college will provide $1.42 million for the expansion, bringing the total cost of the project up to more than $35 million.

A rendering shows the front of a new building planned for the Nashville State Community College Clarksville campus.
A rendering shows the front of a new building planned for the Nashville State Community College Clarksville campus.

Gov. Bill Lee originally submitted the budget request in January.

Related: Nashville State's Clarksville campus to add nursing in $35 million expansion

Previously: Support builds for Nashville State Community college Clarksville campus expansion

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission had placed the project among its top capital funding requests after the Tennessee Board of Regents submitted it as one of its top three priorities. Mayors Jim Durrett and Joe Pitts made it the number two priority for Clarksville-Montgomery County.

“With the Tennessee General Assembly funding the governor’s request, we are well on the way to making the renovation and expansion a reality,” Nashville State President Dr. Shanna L. Jackson said in prepared statements.

“The College is grateful to our legislators and local champions for seeing the value of what this expansion will mean to Clarksville-Montgomery County and surrounding communities.”

Nashville State's Clarksville campus first opened in 2012 with 257 students.

By 2017, enrollment had grown to 900 students, exceeding capacity, so a four-classroom modular structure was installed to accommodate demand.

With the planned expansion, an additional 800 students will be served.

“At Nashville State, you can start here and go anywhere, meaning a degree or certification will be a gateway to an exciting career or, after graduation, you can transfer to a four-year institution to continue your education,” Clarksville campus Director Kathleen Akers said in prepared comments.

“Between TN Promise, TN Reconnect, the numerous scholarships offered, and supports provided such as laptop, tutoring, and food and transportation assistance, Nashville State is here to support students from admissions to graduation and beyond.”

Nashville State has plans to bring new academic programs to the Clarksville campus as part of its expansion, including an associate degree in Nursing, Secondary Education, Computer Programming and Industrial Process Control.

An aerial rendering shows what the new expansion will look like at Nashville State Community College's Clarksville campus.
An aerial rendering shows what the new expansion will look like at Nashville State Community College's Clarksville campus.

The expanded Clarksville campus will also have added modern spaces for workforce training.

Additional resources to support student success will also be created or expanded, such as a dedicated lounge for veterans enrolled as students, a Welcome Center to better assist with admissions and enrollment, a new bookstore, a Campus Cupboard food pantry, a testing space for industry certifications, an ADA testing center, a library and study area and tutoring support rooms.

As a result of the expansion, the community-based Center for Higher Education will allow and be able to strengthen strategic partnerships with Clarksville's TCAT, Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools, Fort Campbell and Austin Peay State University.

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TCAT has plans to offer a Licensed Practical Nursing program on-site.

Austin Peay will have space on the expanded Clarksville campus for advisors to work with Nashville State students who plan to transfer upon graduation, making the transition for the students simpler and more seamless.

The College has also established a Clarksville Advisory Committee, which includes governmental, non-profit and corporate leaders.

Reach News Director Nicole Young at nyoung@tennessean.com or 615-306-3570.

This article originally appeared on Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle: Clarksville's NSCC campus gets $34M in state funds for expansion