Higher Education at Home Is a Boon to The Dickson Community
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When Dickson County’s new Higher Education Center, a partnership between the county, Nashville State Community College and Austin Peay State University, opened in fall 2007, Eileen Crane expected that it might offer three or four courses to the public.
Instead, thanks to the demand for accessible higher education in the community, it offered 10.
“I was thrilled with that response, and we’ve continued to grow since then,” says Crane, who oversees all of Nashville State Community College’s off-site campuses. “And even though, traditionally, enrollment in Tennessee colleges is higher in fall than in spring, we ended up with more enrollment last spring, with 11 classes running. I would like to see it go to 15 this fall.”
The center, located at 222 McLemore St. in Dickson, contains four classrooms that are busy from morning to night. Among the classes offered by both local and full-time main-campus instructors are basic education classes such as Tennessee history, English composition and elementary algebra. Also available are courses designed to help students get up to speed for those courses – remedial work in reading, writing and learning skills.
“We are really trying to get those students who, for whatever reason, cannot or will not attend college unless the classes are near them,” Crane says. “Either they don’t have the economic ability to drive to classes in Nashville or they’re working a full-time job or have a family and just don’t have the time.”
Beginning in the fall 2008 semester, the center plans to offer dual-enrollment courses for high school students hoping to get a jump on their college coursework – and at much lower prices than on-campus courses.
Students earn credit for their work either through APSU or Nashville Community College. Credits are transferable to any four-year state college and most private colleges in Tennessee.
The idea for the center took root in 2005, when Dickson County Chamber of Commerce President David Hamilton was discussing “what would bring Dickson up to the next level” with former County Mayor Linda Frazier and TriStar Bank President Ted Williams.
Higher education emerged as a No. 1 priority. With the help of new County Mayor Bob Stone, a higher education committee was formed and approached Nashville State Community College about launching the project.
“The center’s benefits are twofold,” Hamilton says. “First, from an economic development standpoint, it’s another selling point we can use to bring business into our community. And second, it gives our residents a chance to further their education right here. It gives us a little more community pride in what we have to offer.”
Down the road, both Hamilton and Crane hope to see a permanent, dedicated facility that will house a full two-year program in Dickson.
“You’ve got to crawl before you can walk,” Hamilton adds. “Once the word gets out, you’ll see it grow.”
Story by Laura Hill
Photo by Jeff Adkins
