What is a Tennessee College of Applied Technology?

A Tennessee College of Applied Technology is an institution which serves people in a specific geographical area within the state of Tennessee consisting of two or more counties that offers technical/occupational education. Tennessee has 24 Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology. 23 of them (all except Chattanooga) are freestanding institutions. Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology are the state's premier providers of workforce development in the state of Tennessee. The 24 Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology and their employees provide state-of-the-art technical training for workers to obtain the technical skills and professional training necessary for advancement in today's competitive job market. Through their workforce development mission, the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology help businesses and industries satisfy their need for a well-trained, skilled workforce. Under the governance of the Tennessee Board of Regents, the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology offer certificate and diploma programs in more than 50 distinct occupational fields as well as customized training for business and industry.

Statewide Mission

The Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology serve as the premier suppliers of workforce development throughout the State of Tennessee. The Colleges fulfill their mission by:

• Providing competency-based training through superior quality, traditional and distance learning instruction methods that qualify completers for employment and job advancement;
• Contributing to the economic and community development of the communities served by training and retraining employed workers;
• Ensuring that programs and services are economical and accessible to all residents of Tennessee; and
• Building relationships of trust with community, business, and industry leaders to supply highly skilled workers in areas of need.

TCAT Purpose

The purpose of Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology curricula is to provide instruction whereby individuals may be trained or retrained for employment, and to upgrade skills and knowledge of employed workers. Each program offered will assist the student in acquiring the skills, knowledge, understanding, and attitudes which contribute to proficiency and competency in his or her chosen field.

The Colleges fulfill this purpose by providing training through:

1. Full-Time Preparatory programs are designed to prepare persons for employment in specific or closely related occupations. The length of programs can vary depending upon the requirements of the occupation.
2. Part-Time Preparatory programs are designed to prepare persons for employment in specific or closely related occupations. Length of training ranges depending upon the entrance requirements of the occupation. Part-time is classified as any hours less than 30 per week.
3. Supplemental programs are designed to assist employed workers to improve or upgrade skills and increase technical knowledge necessary for present employment or to acquire new skills and knowledge for a higher level of employment. The content of the courses is determined by the specific needs of the members of the class. Time and frequency of meetings are arranged according to the convenience of the group for which the class is organized.
4. Special Industry programs are offered to business and industry upon their request. These classes can be conducted in the College or place of employment of the class members. Specialized and intensified courses to meet specific requirements of industry may be offered when the need arises.

Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland serves as a premier supplier of workforce development throughout the Upper Cumberland area. The College fulfills their mission by:

Providing competency-based training through superior quality, traditional and distance learning instruction methods that qualify completers for employment and job advancement; Contributing to the economic and community development of the communities served by training and retraining employed workers; Ensuring that programs and services are economical and accessible to all residents of the Upper Cumberland area; and Building relationships of trust with community, business, and industry leaders to supply highly skilled workers in areas of need.

The Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) system consists of 37 institutions. TBR's 13 Community Colleges and 24 Colleges of Applied Technology offer classes in almost all of Tennessee's 95 counties. The activities of the Tennessee Board of Regents System are coordinated with the Tennessee Higher Education System to achieve unity in the programs of higher education in Tennessee.

Tennessee Board of Regents Senior Staff & Board Members

Tennessee Board of Regents Senior Staff

Flora W. Tydings, Chancellor

Mike Batson, Chief Audit Executive

Russ Deaton, Executive Vice Chancellor for Policy and Strategy 

Alisha Fox, Vice Chancellor of Business and Finance

Troy Grant, Vice Chancellor for Strategic Enrollment Management

Brian Lapps, General Counsel

Heidi Leming, Vice Chancellor for Student Success and Strategic Partnerships

Rick Locker, Communications Director

Kimberly McCormick, Executive Vice Chancellor for External Affairs

Mariah Perry, Board Secretary

Jothany Reed, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

Tennessee Board of Regents Board Members

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology is an accredited higher education institution. An annual report of the school's progress is made each year for continuing accreditation, and every six years, the accreditation must be substantiated by another self-study and team visit. Tennessee College of Applied Technology is accredited by:

Below are the programs that require additional programmatic accreditation or agency oversight.

For more information on the institution's governance, accreditation, or approvals, visit the Office of the President.

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland is one of 46 institutions in the Tennessee Board of Regents System, the seventh largest system of higher education in the nation. The Tennessee Board of Regents is the governing board for this system, which is comprised of 6 universities, 13 community colleges, and 27 technology centers. The TBR system enrolls more than 80 percent of all Tennessee students attending public institutions of higher education.

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland was established in 1967 as the State Area Vocational Technical School, one of 26 Vo-Techs located across Tennessee. Construction of the first Technology Center began in 1964, and the system was completed in 1975. The Crossville Technology Center was the 18th school built. In 1994 the Tennessee Legislature, realizing that training in the Vo-Tech schools was becoming more technical, passed legislation changing our school's name to the Tennessee Technology Center to better reflect the school's mission. The center enrolled its first students in September 1967. Six courses were available at that time—Auto Mechanics, Drafting, Electronics, Machine Shop, Office Occupations and Welding; 120 students supported by a staff of 10 full-time employees.  In 2013, the name of the Tennessee Technology Centers was changed to Tennessee College of Applied Technology. The name change is a more accurate representation of the post-secondary training offered at the 27 campuses and various satellite locations across the state.

The history of our school has been one of growth and expansion since the beginning. During the first five years, five additional full-time programs were added to the original six: Masonry, Carpentry, Practical Nursing, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, and Electrical Wiring. In addition to the eleven full-time programs offered during the day, an Evening School was started. The initial Evening School served about 75 students taught by five part-time instructors. Today, the Evening School offers 3 full -time programs with a staff of three instructors. 

A new wing was built in 1975 as a result of the Comprehensive Vocational Education ACT. The goal was to provide training for at least 50% of all high school students. The most feasible plan was to build those high school facilities on the TCAT-Upper Cumberland campus. A major expansion/remodeling project at TCAT-Upper Cumberland was completed in 1997. This project increased the square footage of the school by one-third and provided a complete remodeling of all existing facilities. The college recently expanded with a new building which includes the Diesel Powered Equipment Technology and the Power Sports Technology Program. Following this expansion, the Industrial Maintenance and Electrical Systems, Building Construction Technology, and Masonry Technology building opened its doors. The history of TCAT Upper Cumberland has been a story of success—success for the school with continued growth and strength—the success of the school’s graduates, which enables them to enjoy a better way of life.  

In 2024, The Tennessee Board of Regents approved the merger of TCAT Crossville and TCAT Livingston to become TCAT Upper Cumberland. 

Branch Campus

Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland at Livingston

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland has a branch campus located at 740 Hi Tech Drive, Livingston, TN. 

The branch offers 3 full-time programs - Diesel Powered Equipment Technology, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration - HVA, Industrial Maintenance and Electrical Systems.

Extension Campus

Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland - Cookeville

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland has an extension campus at the Cookeville Higher Education Campus located at 1000 Neal Street In Cookeville, Tennessee. 

The extension campus offers five full-time programs -- Industrial Maintenance, Practical Nursing, and Welding Technology. 

The extension campus houses classrooms, labs, a student lounge, and support services. 

Industrial Service Centers 

Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland - Jackson County Instructional Service Center, 255 Blue Devil Lane, Gainesboro, TN 38562. (931)268-8829

This instructional service center offers three programs: heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, and Power Line Construction and Maintenance Technology. 

Tennessee College of Applied Technology strives to produce the high-quality workers that industry demands; preparing students for the work world is the goal of this school, and placement figures vary, with an average of over 88% of graduates being placed in jobs related to their training. These successful results provide the community businesses and industries with better-trained employees. As of January 2024, 21 programs are available between all campuses. They are Administrative Office Technology, Aesthetics Technology, Automotive Technology, Building Construction Technology, Collision Repair Technology, Computer Information Technology, Cosmetology, Diesel Powered Equipment Technology, Electrical and Plumbing Technology, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration - HVA, Criminal Justice: Correctional Officer, Industrial Maintenance and Electrical Systems, Machine Tool Technology, Masonry, Power Line Construction Maintenance Technology, Power Sports Technology, Practical Nursing, Surgical Technology, Truck Driving, Welding Technology - AWS with a staff of 69 full-time employees. 

This student catalog/handbook has been prepared to provide information about the programs and training opportunities provided by the Tennessee College of Applied Technology for the 2024-2025 academic year. It is designed to serve as a guide for currently enrolled students, parents, educators, employers, and others who are interested in seeking information and/or technology training for gainful employment or to update current skills and related information.

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology provides the opportunity for students to increase their knowledge by providing various programs of instruction by well-qualified faculty. However, the acquisition of knowledge by any student is contingent upon the student's desire to learn and his/her application of appropriate study techniques to any course or program. All students are expected to fulfill his/her commitment to utilize the facilities provided and to make satisfactory progress in his/her preparation for employment. Also, each student will abide by Tennessee College of Applied Technology and Academic Program policies necessary to ensure all training achieves its intended purpose in an efficient and safe manner. Efforts are made to update equipment and course content to provide educational experiences necessary for an era of rapid technological change. The administrative and instructional staff is comprised of skilled and knowledgeable individuals who are competent in their occupational field, as well as proficient instructors. They participate in special in-service training such as state-directed workshops, field trips, and community and university courses to maintain and update their skill sets. Graduates of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology should not be expected to compete with currently employed professionals who have developed skills and on-the-job experience. Usually, the graduates are considered for "entry-level" employment in their respective occupations.

The course offerings and requirements of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology are continually under examination and review. The College reserves the right to make changes as required in course offerings, curricula, academic policies, and other rules and regulations affecting students and will become effective whenever determined necessary as part of that continuous review by the institution. This Student Handbook/Catalog presents the offering and requirements in effect at the time of publication but provides no guarantee that offerings will not be changed or rescinded. Reasonable notice will be given to students regarding any changes in the Student Handbook/Catalog. All updates and/or corrections will be posted in the online version of the Student Handbook/Catalog, which will supersede previous written copies. Changes will govern current, former, and prospective students. This Student Handbook/Catalog is not intended to state contractual terms and does not constitute a contract between the student and the institution.

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology is an AA/EEO institution/employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age (as applicable), status as a covered veteran, genetic information, and any other category protected by federal or state law or regulation or by Tennessee Board of Regents policy with respect to employment, educational programs and activities sponsored by the College. Procedures for filing complaints of discrimination of any type are found through the links provided below and in the Office of Student Services. Further information can be found at the following links:

• Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment or Sexual Misconduct: Policy 6.01.00.00
• Non-Discrimination Statement
• TCAT Policies and Guidelines

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland complies with the requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq. ("Title IX"). Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities, including with respect to admission and employment. Prohibited forms of sex discrimination include sexual harassment; sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, stalking, dating or domestic violence; and discrimination against pregnant/parenting students. Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland also prohibits retaliation because an individual filed a complaint of sex discrimination or participated in an investigation related to sex discrimination.

Information about the College's policies and procedures that prohibit sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual misconduct, may be found in the links provided at the top of this sub-section, in the Student and Employee Handbooks, from the Student Services Office, on the TBR website at https://www.tbr.edu and on the TCAT Upper Cumberland website at https://tcatuppercumberland.edu/.

Inquiries or complaints concerning Title IX and/or the Title IX regulations may be referred to the College's Title IX coordinator 24/7 in person, by phone, and/or email at:

Jeff Slagle
Title IX Coordinator
TitleIX@uppercumberland.edu
740 Hi Tech Dr.
Livingston, TN 38570
(931) 823-5525

Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland complies with Title IX as the law applies to pregnant/parenting students and is committed to their success. Students may:

• Continue to participate in classes and extracurricular activities even though pregnant and/or 
• Request reasonable accommodations.

Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland will work with pregnant students to provide options for continuing in a program of study through excused absences or medical leave. Absences due to pregnancy or childbirth are excused absences when medically necessary. For detailed information or assistance, see the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland Title IX Coordinator or Student Services Coordinator.

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland complies with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. §2000d et seq. ("Title VI"). Title VI is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. As a recipient of federal funding (e.g., Title IV financial aid for students), the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland is required to comply with the non-discrimination provisions of Title VI in its educational and federal grant-funded programs. Title VI is enforced by the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in the U.S. Department of Education. The Title VI regulations define the forms of discrimination covered by statute, including, but not limited to, racial harassment, school segregation, denial of language services to students of non-U.S. nationality who are limited in English language proficiency, and retaliation for filing an OCR complaint or for advocacy for a right protected by Title VI.

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland will respond promptly and effectively once informed about an allegation of race, color, or national origin-based discrimination or harassment and will take immediate action to eliminate any harassment or discrimination, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects. Upon receipt of a complaint, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland will promptly investigate to determine what occurred and then take appropriate steps to resolve the situation. Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland procedures for filing complaints of race, color, or national origin discrimination are available from the Title VI Coordinator, in the Student and Employee Handbooks, from the Student Services Office, on the TBR website at https://www.tbr.edu and on the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland website at https://tcatuppercumberland.edu/about/safety-and-security. Inquiries or complaints concerning Title VI may be reported to the College's Title VI coordinator:

Or the Office for Civil Rights:

U.S. Department of Education,
Office for Civil Rights
(800) 421-3481 or ocr@ed.gov
http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/complaintintro.html

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology is committed to providing program access and accommodations for all academically qualified students with disabilities. This commitment is consistent with the College’s obligation under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Qualified students are defined as individuals who, with or without reasonable modifications and accommodations, meet the essential eligibility requirements for the program services and activities offered by the College. A disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities. 

In order to obtain reasonable accommodations in relation to a qualifying disability, a student should contact Student Services prior to enrollment or as the need arises. The college will engage in an interactive process with the student to determine appropriate and reasonable accommodation(s) in relation to the disability and the program. The college will often require documentation of the disability. Documentation is defined as written information from a qualified healthcare professional. A request form for disability assistance is available by contacting Student Services. The form should be submitted to initiate the interactive process.