By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–A new era in education officially started Monday with the ribbon-cutting ceremonies at the new Dyersburg State Community College campus in the former E.W. Grove School in Paris.
Speakers President Dr. Scott Cook, Director Shannon Mayo, Henry County Schools Superintendent Dr. Leah Watkins, and Vice President Dr. Amy Johnson praised the collaboration of Henry County and Dyersburg State that led to the new campus. “This building represents the vision the people have here”, Dr. Cook said.
Dyersburg State’s previous location in the Central Services Building “served us well, but we outgrew it the moment we moved into it,” he said. “This gives us the physical space” to allow for future growth which also has allowed the college to hire more full-time faculty and to initiate an RN program.”
Dr. Cook thanked Dr. Watkins and the school board “for this collaboration” that has made the vision a reality. He especially thanked his staff for working hard to make the move from the Central Services Building to the former E.W. Grove School “in such short time. What should have taken three months took 13 days.”
With all the hard work yet to come, he said, “The sky is the limit here in Henry County.”
Dr. Watkins noted, “The dream of providing this type of space came from one conversation…and the board saw the potential for students and adults and the community. We could not ask for a better partnership. Education does not stop at the 12th grade”.
Dyersburg Community College “is happy to collaborate with both Henry County Schools and TCAT” as it expands its dual enrollment and college programs in the Henry County area. With the inauguration of the RN program, people can now become registered nurses “without leaving Henry County and that’s a real plus” for everybody.
After the presentations, a ribbon-cutting led by Paris-Henry County Chamber Director Caleb Grissom was held.
The community was invited to tour the facilities and enjoy the refreshments and fellowship.
Photo by Shannon McFarlin.