On April 22, community residents and elected officials joined University of Tennessee leadership and others to officially celebrate the new UT Martin Parsons Center. The ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house drew a large crowd to the 19,000-square-feet technologically advanced facility that culminated several years of work.

“It is a locally based initiative through which UT Martin partners with area businesses and community leaders, but it’s all part of a much greater university picture,” said UT Martin Chancellor Dr. Tom Rakes at the open house. “Your children, neighbors, friends and maybe even some of you may want to take part in the collegiate experience through UT Martin. You’re joining a top-tier master’s southern institution, one of the best in the Southeast, right here at home.

“The primary service area is right around us,” he added. “It includes not only Decatur, but also surrounding counties. There will be some students from other areas, as well, so this really is a regional effort.”
Rakes thanked local officials who initiated the meetings that came to fruition with classes beginning early 2007 at Decatur County Riverside High School and the Parsons Municipal Building to establish the student base. He also commended Nick Dunagan, UTMartin chancellor emeritus, for his work toward developing the project that gained approval of the UT Board of Trustees and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. Rakes pointed to community businesses, donors and partners he said were critical to the center’s foundation and continued success.

“Congratulations for having the foresight and vision to invest in educating your citizenry,” said Dr. Katie High, University of Tennessee chief of staff. “It will produce a return in human capital that will be incalculable.” High commended Jim Ayers for his “remarkable scholarship program designed to increase the level of educational attainment of local citizens and passion to provide opportunities for those in and around Decatur County.”

The Ayers Foundation Scholars Program began in 2000 by providing financial assistance for students to attend any college, university or technical school in Tennessee. Since summer 2007, the Ayers Foundation has provided more than $367,500 in scholarship assistance to students attending the UT Martin Parsons Center.

“The completion of this center is the fulfillment of many people’s dreams. When you look at how the community has worked together, it should make us all proud to be citizens of Parsons and Decatur County,” said Ayers.

“For the past five years that we have been working on this education initiative, I have been amazed at the way our community has pulled together to support this new facility,” said Parsons Mayor Tim David Boaz.

“With the outpouring of financial support, as well as moral support from the community, it makes me proud to be a part of it. This facility will have a very positive effect on our community to help keep our best and brightest at home. This facility will better prepare our workforce for the jobs for the 21st century.”

Decatur County Mayor Jason Scott added, “We are excited about the opening of the college and very grateful for all the hard work that has gone into making this a reality. UT Martin’s presence will greatly benefit Decatur County for many years to come.”

UT Martin has helped raise more than $1.3 million for the Parsons Center from community stakeholders in the area. In addition to Jim Ayers’ support and leadership, there were also major investments from the city of Parsons and Decatur County.

“We’re not only proud of the wonderful grassroots support for this center, but also delighted to have a UT Martin alumnus and hometown talent, Jason Rushing, as the director. He has helped to raise private support, recruited and advised students and hired a tremendously talented group of faculty to teach at the center,” said Len Solomons, UT Martin vice chancellor for university advancement.

Those attending were invited to tour the facility, which includes general classroom space, nursing lab, conference room, computer lab, student lounge, bookstore, science lab, administrative offices, library and distance-learning classroom.

“We’re excited and honored to welcome our faculty, staff and students as well as members of the community to the new UT Martin Parsons Center,” said Rushing. “This project would not have been possible without the vision and support of both local and university leaders as well as many donors who have given generously to fund the structure, as well as the Ayers Foundation which has provided scholarships for our students.” He added, “We’re grateful to everyone who has been involved and supportive and look forward to serving our area for many years to come.”

For more information about the Parsons Center and the courses offered, contact Rushing at jrushing@utm.edu or call 731-847-3880.