History

History of the Tennessee Technology Center at Harriman

In 1969, sixteen acres of land were deeded to the State, the Roane County Court committed $100,000 in construction funds, and on April 14, 1969, Governor Ellington announced that a State Area Vocational-Technical School would be built in Roane County.  Construction was completed on October 1, 1970, and the first students were enrolled November 30, 1970.  Classes were filled to capacity and waiting lists for enrollment were established on a first-come, first-served basis.  The first student graduated in 1971 with a certificate in drafting.  Since 1970, over 15,000 students have enrolled in full- and part-time programs at the Center.

Jackie Jackson served through September 1971, as the first administrator for the School.  Farrell Kennedy served as Director through June 2001.  Mark Powers was appointed Director in July 2001, and served through October 2008.  Danice Turpin began serving as Interim Director November 2008 and was appointed Director in January 2010.  In 1973, the Center was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and has continued accreditation continuously with the Council on Occupational Education.

The Center has 60,227 gross square feet devoted exclusively for educational use, and 48,711 square feet devoted to classroom and laboratory use.  The remaining footage is utilized as corridors, restrooms, and storage.