Cleveland State Community College

Cleveland State Community College stands as a cornerstone of public higher education in Tennessee, delivering accessible and quality learning since its establishment in 1967. As one of the state's pioneering community colleges, it has grown to become a vital resource for students seeking associate degrees, career training, and pathways to further education, all guided by its commitment to student success.

The college's journey began on June 22, 1965, when the Tennessee Board of Education authorized its creation as one of the state's first three community colleges. After selecting the name Cleveland State Community College in 1966, the campus broke ground. Despite a delay in facility completion, approximately 700 eager students began classes on October 2, 1967, initially hosted at North Cleveland Baptist Church before moving to its permanent campus on January 3, 1968.

From its initial five buildings – including an Administration Building, Library, Science Building, Student Center, and Gymnasium – Cleveland State has continually evolved. Demonstrating a forward-looking approach to education, 2021 marked a significant expansion with the opening of two state-of-the-art facilities: a 53,000-square-foot Health and Science Center on its Cleveland campus, and the 52,000-square-foot McMinn Higher Education Center in Athens. These modern additions ensure students have access to cutting-edge resources and an enhanced learning experience across various disciplines.