Walters State Community College is a significant force in the economic vitality of upper East Tennessee, according to a recent five-year study of the college’s economic impact on the area.
From 1997 to 2002, Walters State contributed over $403 million to the region’s economy, an average of $80.7 million per year.
The study, which was conducted by educational consultant Dr. Fred Martin of Knoxville, measured the college’s economic impact on 16 counties in terms of business volume, jobs created and personal income earned. Among the counties included in the study were those located in Walters State’s primary service area: Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Sevier and Union.
The total amount of local business volume generated as a result of the college’s expenditures was over $204 million from 1997 to 2002.
During this same period, Walters State’s presence supported over 15,000 jobs.
The total impact of the college’s expenditures on personal income was $199 million during the five-year study period.
“It’s significant that every $1 of local revenues flowing into Walters State generated $3.61 of local business volume and from $3.53 to $3.99 of individual income,” said Walters State President Dr. Jack E. Campbell.
“That’s a total return on investment of $7.14 to $7.60 on the local dollar,” he also said.
While the study demonstrates Walters State’s contributions to the economic base of the region, Campbell says it doesn’t show the intangible impact the college has made on the quality of life in the area.
“We didn’t factor in the value that results from having a trained and educated workforce available to local employers, which represents an invaluable indirect impact. The success of our industrial development program, resulting in Morristown,
Hamblen County, being recognized as a community with an exceptionally strong industrial base, is dependent on a skilled workforce,” said Campbell
Walters State enrolls approximately 6,000 credit students and around 4,000 students in job-training and continuing education courses. In addition to its Morristown Campus, the college offers classes at its Sevier County Campus and centers for higher education in Greeneville and Tazewell as well as various off-campus facilities.
Walters State offers associate of arts and associate of science, university parallel, and general transfer degree programs for students planning to transfer to senior institutions in pursuit of baccalaureate degrees. The college also offers associate of applied science degrees and technical certificate programs for those who plan to enter the job market after graduation.

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