Nov. 10, 2008
UT Martin McNairy County Center/Selmer expanding
MARTIN – A groundbreaking ceremony today marked construction of an expansion project at the University of Tennessee at Martin McNairy County Center/Selmer. The expansion is funded by a one-time $500,000 state appropriation. The center, in its 10th year of operation, is a joint venture of the city of Selmer and McNairy County, with each contributing $60,000 to the expansion project.
Beginning in fall 2009, the 4,330-square-foot expansion, will provide four additional classrooms and office space. The center, located at 1269 Tennessee Ave., Selmer, originally opened in 1998 as the first of four UT Martin extended campus sites.
“The UT Martin McNairy County Center/Selmer has been a highly successful partnership,” said McNairy County Mayor Jai Templeton. “I am grateful for the investment that the University of Tennessee has made in McNairy County. I’m equally grateful for Rep. Randy Rinks and Sen. John Wilder securing the $500,000 that provides the bulk of funding for this expansion project.” He added that the expansion offers “significant opportunities for academic advancement not only to the residents of McNairy County but to the residents of the entire Southwest Tennessee region.” Local industries also have taken advantage of the center’s programs to develop the local workforce.
Selmer Mayor David Robinson agreed that the center is an asset to the region, and said that one of the most remarkable aspects is that the enrollment is outside the traditional student demographics, with students of all age groups taking advantage of the opportunity to further their education. He added, “Certainly, in this challenging economy, the UT Martin center will play an important role in developing the skill sets of our workforce as well as proving to be an enormous recruiting asset for industries seeking a location in this region.”
UT Martin Chancellor Tom Rakes recognized several groups and individuals, including the Selmer and McNairy County mayors, for their ongoing support and true partnership involvement with the center. Dr. Rakes thanked members of the center’s Higher Education Committee and Director Deidra Beene for providing local input and solid leadership for the programs. He also talked about the state appropriation that is integral to the project and thanked Sen. Wilder and Rep. Rinks.
“I feel that this center has accomplished the mission set out 10 years ago; to educate its citizens and to better this community,” said Beene. “To date, 129 students have graduated from UT Martin through the Selmer Center.”
Beene said that approximately 70 classes are offered each spring and fall staffed by 40 adjunct faculty members. “We started with one full-time faculty member in education,” she added.
Also attending the ceremony were 7th District U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn and 26th District State Sen.-elect Dolores Gresham. Former County Mayor Wilburn Gene Ashe represented County Mayor Jai Templeton, who was unable to attend.
Currently, there are 250 students enrolled, and the center offers K-6 (elementary education), Bachelor of University Studies, history and social work degrees. With the addition of four classrooms, plans are to offer the registered nurse-bachelor of science in nursing program and to expand current course offerings.
For more information about the center and the courses offered, contact Beene, at 731-646-1636, or e-mail: dbeene@utm.edu.
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