The University of Tennessee at Martin welcomed a sixth regional center on May 22 when the Tennessee Higher Education Commission voted for approval of the UT Martin Springfield Center. This center is housed on the Volunteer State Community College-Springfield campus.
The addition of this center comes after a successful partnership between Vol State-Springfield and UT Martin. In November 2023, the campuses entered an agreement that allowed students to pursue post-secondary education in agriculture, education, health care and technology sectors onsite.
“The UTM and Vol State partnership brings together two great institutions to better serve the agricultural and future workforce needs of Robertson County and northern Middle Tennessee,” said Nick Bishop, Vol State’s vice president for economic and community development.
With the opening of this center, students will have access to a high-quality, affordable four-year University of Tennessee degree close to home. Traditional on-campus learning may only be feasible to some, and the regional centers aim to bridge that gap.
“The UT Martin Springfield Center marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to providing seamless and supportive educational pathways for students in Robertson County and surrounding communities,” said Erica Bell, executive director of UT Martin Regional Centers and Online Programs.
The new center joins five other regional sites in Jackson, Parsons, Ripley, Selmer and Somerville. It is the first UT Martin center to open in Middle Tennessee and is also the first regional center to open under Chancellor Yancy Freeman’s leadership.
“UTM is proud to partner with our colleagues at Vol State Community College-Springfield campus to provide access to a highly acclaimed degree program and educational experience,” said Chancellor Freeman. “Our commitment to educational access and opportunity will transform the lives of the students in Robertson County.”
For more information about the UT Martin Springfield Center, contact the Office of Regional Centers and Online Programs at 731-881-7089.
