Photo: TCAT President John Penn Ridgeway speaks about the importance of the new facility for the area. Shannon McFarlin photo.
By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–The groundbreaking ceremony for the new TCAT Henry/Carroll was held today, with speakers lauding the new facility as a milestone for the future of the work force for the local area and region.
The ceremony began in the current TCAT facility on Wilson St. in Paris where dozens of spectators heard speakers who included TCAT Paris/Carroll President John Penn Ridgeway, Dr. Flora Tydings, Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor; Regent Kyle Spurgeon (a Paris native); former TCAT President Willie Huffman; Senator John Stevens; Rep. Tandy Darby; Paris Mayor Kathy Ray; Tanner Ashlock, Student Government Vice President; Henry County Mayor Randy Geiger; Architect Marshall Duncan and Rob Goad, Director of Paris-Henry County Industrial Committee.
The groundbreaking itself followed at the site of the new facility, on Hwy. 218 across from West Wheel & Tire, with dignitaries being shuttled there by van. Muddy conditions at the site prompted the change in the program.
The 99,618-square-foot facility will include an administrative building and an academic building. The new campus is tentatively scheduled to open to students by late fall 2026.
Ridgeway was emotional, remembering how important the creation of the new facility was to his late father, former State Rep. Don Ridgeway, who died earlier this year. Ridgeway thanked everyone who had helped achieve the goal of a new facility.
Speaking as a student, Ashlock said, “TCAT has taught me skills I need to go into the future. That is why our motto is ‘We Built Careers’.
Tydings said the new building will adapt and change to fit what happens in the future, noting that Gov. Bill Lee’s administration funded all 29 projects which were part of TCAT’s state-wide master plan, which amounts to an $1B investment.
Rep. Darby said the new facility “phenomenal”, as will what the future holds. Geiger noted, “I see a lot of opportunity here.”
Mayor Ray said, “In this season of Thanksgiving”, it’s important to be thankful for “what we have here in TCAT”.
“I’m passionate about TCAT”, Huffman said, “because I know what it can do”.