SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. — For
four years, the Middle Tennessee Education Center has brought university
classes closer to Midstate residents who don’t live close to a college.
The joint project of MTSU, Motlow State Community College
and Bedford County government will celebrate its four-year anniversary with a
coffee from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Feb. 20, at the center, 200 Dover St. in
Shelbyville. The event is free and open to the public.
“We’re very proud of the progress we’ve made in bringing
higher education to the citizens of Bedford and surrounding counties, making it
far more readily accessible and affordable,” said center coordinator Wayne
Dillingham.
Dillingham said the center’s value stands out even more when
placed in the context of the latest study from the Pew Research Center. Pew’s
research shows that those with a college degree now make $17,500 more per year
on average than those without a degree. It also indicates that those without
degrees are four times more likely to be jobless.
“Through on-site faculty instruction and through videoconferencing,
we want to offer complete academic programs that lead to MTSU baccalaureate
degrees,” Dillingham said.
At present, MTEC offers on-site MTSU programs from the
Department of Elementary and Special Education, the Department of Management
and Marketing and the School of Agribusiness and Agriscience, in addition to
graduate degrees in education.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools approved
the center as an instructional site in February 2009, but Dillingham marks the
Feb. 18, 2010, ribbon-cutting ceremony at MTEC as its official birthday. He
also is marking his anniversary as the center’s coordinator.
“The lion’s share of the credit will always remain with
Bedford County Mayor Eugene Ray,” said Dillingham. “MTEC is truly his
brainchild. He realized that communities that grow and prosper almost always
have a college campus.”
Refreshments available at the event will include MTSU-made
chocolate milk, as well as scones, Danish pastries, assorted fruits, coffee and
birthday cake.
For more information, contact Dillingham at
931-685-4444 or
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