Campus Improvements Completed

Walters State Community College celebrated the completion of a year-long corrections/demolition project on the Greeneville/Greene County Campus, showing campus improvements to community leaders at an overflow crowd at an afternoon open house.
The open house also included a surprise announcement. A proposed occupational therapy assistant program has been approved by the Tennessee Higher Education Program and the Tennessee Board of Regents, according to Dr. Wade B. McCamey, president of the college.
The project removed approximately 70,000 square feet of the Greene County Campus building, which had been deemed a safety hazard and cost prohibitive to maintain or renovate.
“This campus now has beautiful green space for our students and downtown visitors,” said McCamey.
“Of the college’s four campus sites, the Greeneville/Greene County Campus is unique in that it is the only one located in a downtown setting. We are proud to be part of beautiful and historical downtown Greeneville. And we are most grateful for the tremendous support this campus has received from our neighbors, not just during the most recent project but throughout our 15 years in downtown,” McCamey added.
While the campus is more attractive, McCamey reminded those gathered that the demolition of part of the building was not an easy task. He credited those responsible for the demolition for making it a cause for celebration. “We are grateful for your expertise and guidance throughout this project. Obviously, we were very concerned about the potential impact a major demolition project could have. However, thanks to your professionalism, hard work and attention to detail, the project was completed in a manner that far exceeded our expectations,” McCamey said.
Those involved include Walters State Foundation board member, businessman and philanthropist Scott Niswonger and the Laughlin Hospital Board of Directors, and also chief engineer John Jacobs of J.L. Jacobs & Associates as well as architect John Fisher, who provided consultation services.
Two of Walters State’s premiere programs are based at the Greeneville/Greene County Campus: respiratory care and the Walters State Regional Law Enforcement Academy. The nursing program may also be completed at the campus. The number of programs offered in the future will likely expand, according to Dr. Lori Campbell, vice president of academic affairs.
The Occupational Therapist Assistant Program will be a new one for Walters State. Campbell also announced the planned expansion of several existing programs to the Greeneville/Greene County Campus.
Drucilla Miller, dean of the campus, thanked members of the community and many individuals who have been very supportive of the campus. She also introduced Tom Ferguson, president of the Greene County Partnership and Jann Mirkov, director of Main Street. Rep. David Hawk, who represents the fifth district in the Tennessee House of Representatives, also spoke.