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Pellissippi State Community College

Knoxville, TN

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Quick Facts

1974
Founded
Public community college
Type
6,391
Total Students
$20M
Endowment
(2025)
$5K
Tuition (In-State)
$18K
Tuition (Out-State)
$5K
Avg Net Price
Associate's Colleges
Classification
President: Anthony Wise

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Pellissippi State Community College

From technical institute to comprehensive community college, Pellissippi State empowers students for success.

Pellissippi State Community College stands as a beacon of educational opportunity in East Tennessee, offering a dynamic path for students seeking both career-ready technical skills and a strong foundation for university transfer. What began as a focused vocational institute has blossomed into a comprehensive public community college, dedicated to serving its community with diverse academic programs.

Established on September 4, 1974, as the State Technical Institute at Knoxville (STIK), the institution initially aimed to provide vital post-secondary vocational training. Under the leadership of Colonel John C. Mauer and later President Wayne Jones, STIK quickly expanded beyond its initial scope, introducing associate degree programs in engineering technology to its first cohort of 45 students. This foundational period culminated in its initial accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1977, marking a significant step towards its future as a prominent educational leader.

A pivotal moment arrived on July 1, 1983, when STIK joined the prestigious State University and Community College System of Tennessee. The college further cemented its future in 1986 by relocating to its impressive 445-acre campus in west Knox County, strategically located near Pellissippi Parkway. Just two years later, in 1988, the institution's mission broadened dramatically. It embraced the role of a technical community college, adding numerous university-parallel associate degree programs and officially changing its name to Pellissippi State Technical Community College, absorbing the space previously shared with Roane State.

Today, Pellissippi State provides a robust array of programs, catering to students whether they aim to directly enter the workforce with specialized technical skills or seamlessly transfer to a four-year university. Its history of continuous growth, academic expansion, and commitment to student success, evidenced by its comprehensive accreditation and modern campus facilities, makes it an excellent choice for prospective students and families looking for quality education and a vibrant learning environment.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1974 as the State Technical Institute at Knoxville (STIK).
  • Evolved into a comprehensive technical community college, offering both technical and university-parallel associate degree programs.
  • Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) since 1977, ensuring high academic standards.
  • Became a member of the State University and Community College System of Tennessee in 1983.
  • Located on an expansive 445-acre campus in west Knox County since 1986.
  • Significantly expanded its mission and name to Pellissippi State Technical Community College in 1988, absorbing additional campus space.

Timeline

1974
State Technical Institute at Knoxville (STIK) established on September 4.
1974
First classes begin on September 23 with 45 students.
1977
Received initial accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
1983
Became a member of the State University and Community College System of Tennessee on July 1.
1986
Campus moved to its current 445-acre location in west Knox County.
1988
Mission broadened, name changed to Pellissippi State Technical Community College, absorbing Roane State's campus space.
2015
Dr. Jill Biden met faculty at the college.
🏛️
52 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Anthony Wise
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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