Tri-County Community College

Tri-County Community College stands as a vital public community college, dedicated to serving the educational and workforce needs of its region. With a vibrant community of 4,715 students, TCCC, under the leadership of President Donna Tipton-Rogers, offers accessible and practical pathways to success, fostering both individual growth and economic development across Cherokee, Clay, and Graham counties in North Carolina.

Established on November 5, 1964, as the Tri-County Industrial Education Center, the institution has undergone significant evolution. It expanded its offerings to become a technical institute in 1978 and gained accreditation as a two-year community college in 1985. Throughout its history, TCCC has continuously invested in its infrastructure, marked by the construction of key facilities like the McSwain, West, Crisp, and Jeff Enloe buildings, alongside the establishment of the Graham County Center and the Jarrett/Oglesby Center, demonstrating a sustained commitment to growth and modern learning environments.

Today, Tri-County Community College is renowned for its career-focused programs and specialized training centers. These include a four-story Fire and Rescue Training Center, the Cherokee County Center of Applied Technology, and a new indoor firing range for its Basic Law Enforcement Training program, all designed to prepare students for critical roles in public safety and skilled trades. The college also hosts the Tri-County Early College High School on its main campus, providing advanced opportunities for younger students. Looking ahead, TCCC continues to innovate, offering in-state tuition to residents of specific Georgia counties and planning a new 33,000-square-foot cultural arts and workforce center, reinforcing its role as a regional hub for education and community enrichment.