New AT&T Smart Classroom to open Thursday at the Kingsport Center for Higher Education
KINGSPORT – Thanks to a generous $50,000 grant from AT&T, officials will take the wraps off Thursday on a new Smart Classroom at the Kingsport Center for Higher Education.
The public is invited to join in the ribbon cutting, to be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 5, on the first floor of the Center.
Funded by a $50,000 grant from AT&T, this classroom will provide technology instruction and distance-learning opportunities for students, faculty and other users of the building.
This Smart Classroom would simply not be possible without the generous donation by AT&T, Mayor Dennis Phillips said. With their assistance, we are well on our way to making the Kingsport Center for Higher Education a convenient location for regional residents to earn an education right here in their own back yard.
While Kingsport built and owns the 54,000 square feet Center for Higher Education, Northeast State Community College serves as the operating manager and provides the first two years of education for those on track to earn a bachelors degree.
Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, R-Blountville, applauded Kingsport and AT&T for partnering to build a stronger regional economy.
Education is truly the key to unlocking Tennessees economic potential, Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, R-Blountville, said Thursday. Kingsport and the Board of Mayor and Aldermen should be commended for moving the regional economy forward by investing in higher education, making it affordable and accessible.
And certainly, we are thankful for businesses like AT&T, who are willing to step up to the plate and partner with local governments to build a stronger workforce. I believe public-private partnerships like this can help us begin to address at least some of the difficult challenges we face in higher education across the state of Tennessee today.
Participating KCHE universities and colleges, including King College, Lincoln Memorial University, Carson-Newman College and the University of Tennessee, offer the final two years of a bachelors degree program, as well as other advanced degrees. Degrees are conferred by the university offering the program.
The convenience of classroom locations and course schedules are principal considerations for part-time adult learners since they inevitably have other obligations and limited time, NSCC President Dr. Janice Gilliam said. This classroom will help provide the flexibility necessary for both traditional and non-traditional students to obtain the course offerings they need to graduate in a timely manner.
Investing in the smart-classroom makes solid business sense for a company like AT&T, which is engaged in connecting folks wherever they may be, whether at home or work.
The smart classroom at KCHE will allow students to pursue their course of study as they connect with people and databases across the world, said Alan L. Hill, AT&T Regional Director of External Affairs. And certainly, the pro-business stance of the Tri-Cities Legislative Delegation makes it easier for companies to give back to communities like Kingsport.