Students seeking higher education now have more options closer to home with the opening of the Middle Tennessee Education Center, a new higher-education facility in Shelbyville.
MTEC, created by a partnership between Middle Tennessee State University and Motlow State Community College, will house classrooms as well as administrative and advising offices for both institutions to offer assistance and education for their students.
The center is located in the former Medical Arts Building at 841 Union St. in Shelbyville.
“MTSU is excited about the opening of the Middle Tennessee Education Center, which will help address the educational needs of the citizens in this region,” said Dr. Sidney A. McPhee, president of MTSU. “The establishment of this Center is consistent with the mission of the University to make education more accessible, and we are proud to partner with Motlow State Community College in this very important endeavor.
“Additionally, we are grateful to Mayor Eugene Ray and Bedford County officials for their foresight and help in making this possible. The programs and services provided through the Center will be a tremendous asset to the community.”
“The timing of this innovative opportunity comes at a paradoxical crossroad,” said Dr. MaryLou Apple, president of Motlow College. “When we say we are expanding opportunities in this economic climate, people often ask why. The truth is that this partnership is tremendously cost-effective for our students. Area residents seeking additional education, nontraditional students and those still in high school will all have greater educational options.
“County high school students will have increased opportunities for many more dual- and joint-enrollment classes during the late afternoon and evening time slots, saving gas, time and travel to other campuses,” Apple added. “MTSU and Motlow both have long histories of working to meet the educational needs for students from this region,” said Bedford County Mayor Eugene Ray.
“Many of the students who take certificate programs or associate-degree programs from Motlow wish to continue their education at MTSU, so the establishment of the Middle Tennessee Education Center will enhance this effort and will be a great benefit to the citizens of Bedford and the surrounding counties.
” The educational partnership took root more than two years ago when talks began between MTSU, MSCC, the Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville, Bedford County government and school leaders, and key legislators.
Officials solicited opinions online from potential students and asked local businesses for input, quickly earning what Dr. Mike Boyle, dean of MTSU’s College of Continuing Education and Distance Learning, called a “grass-roots groundswell of support” and interest in course options and services.
“The center will serve as a conduit to services provided by MTSU and Motlow,” Boyle said. “In addition to holding some courses at this site, our administration office will provide information regarding admissions, financial aid and student-advising services.” “This type of effort could not have been successful without the leadership and vision of President McPhee and Mayor Ray. Dr. Apple, Bedford County officials and many other key legislators have played instrumental roles in initial success of this project,” added Boyle.
MTEC wore a working title of “MTSU South” during an initial needs-assessment study, but officials quickly agreed that the center merited a name more indicative of the comprehensive partnership that created it. “ ‘MTSU South’ was just a project name for this facility,” said David Foster, a director of continuing education at MTSU. “
‘The Middle Tennessee Education Center’ encompasses much more by offering programs and services from Middle Tennessee State University and Motlow State Community College to benefit the citizens of this region of the state.” Making higher education more accessible to more people and providing expanded services as demand increases have been a constant focus for organizers of MTEC.
“The overall goal of the facility is to make it easier for those who live in this part of the state to more easily pursue higher education,” said Molly Culbreath, the MTSU coordinator for the facility. “Often people are unsure where to turn to get information or assistance, and I look forward to helping them by answering questions or pointing them to the right person or office.”
Initial program offerings will include Master of Education courses through MTEC’s pilot program. Additional programs will be added as they are developed and resources made available. “The centralized location of Bedford County and its proximity to Motlow, make this facility an ideal hub to extend our educational service and programs to the residents of the counties of southern Middle Tennessee,” said Dr. Dianna Rust, associate dean of continuing education. “In conjunction with MSCC, we (at MTSU) will be working with the department chairs and other deans to develop programs and courses to fill these needs.”
“The response to the Needs Analysis Survey was overwhelming,” added David Gotcher, director of academic outreach at MTSU. “We now have a much better understanding of the education interests of the residents of this area and look forward to working with Motlow to meet those needs.”
For more information on MTEC or to schedule an appointment, please call 931-685-4444. Additional information and updates will be posted on the Web site at www.mteducationcneter.com.
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