Editor’ Note: It seems like yesterday that the late Smyrna Mayor Bob Spivey who I considered a mentor told me, “Mike, I’m going to bring a college to Smyrna. Our students need access to education.”
36 Community & Technical Colleges Powering Tennessee’s Future
In today’s economy, education beyond high school isn’t just an advantage — it’s a necessity. Whether you’re a recent graduate mapping out your future or an adult ready for a fresh start, Tennessee’s community and technical colleges offer one of the most accessible and affordable pathways to career readiness, greater earning potential, and a better quality of life.
Across the state, 36 community and technical colleges offer more than 400 programs of study, creating real opportunity for every Tennessean — regardless of age, background, or income. From healthcare and advanced manufacturing to business, technology, and the skilled trades, these institutions are training the workforce that powers Tennessee’s economy every single day.
These colleges fall under the Tennessee Board of Regents, the largest higher education system in the state. Governed by 21 board members who meet four times annually in meetings open to the public and the press, TBR sets the policies and standards that ensure quality and accountability across all its institutions. It is a system built not just for students, but for Tennessee communities as a whole.
The message is simple: college is for everyone, and in Tennessee, it has never been more within reach. If you or someone you know is looking for a next step, one of Tennessee’s 36 community or technical colleges may be exactly the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
For more information on Tennessee Board of Regents institutions and programs, visit tbr.edu.
Below is the Tennessee State Finance, Ways and Means Committee presentation by TBR Chancellor Flora Tydings and staff.
