Roane State
Fentress County Higher Education Center
A $25 million, 49,000-square-foot campus coming to Jamestown — bringing college and technical education home to Fentress County for the first time on this scale.
Groundbreaking took place April 5, 2024. The new campus replaces the current 8,000 sq ft Clarkrange location with a facility more than six times its size — permanently changing the educational landscape of Fentress County.
College. Careers.
Right Here.
For decades, Fentress County residents who wanted a college or technical education had two options: commute long distances to campuses in Cookeville, Crossville, or Harriman, or simply go without.
That changes with the Fentress County Higher Education Center. A permanent, purpose-built campus in Jamestown — funded by a $25 million state appropriation approved by the Tennessee General Assembly in 2022 — will house both Roane State Community College and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Oneida/Huntsville under one roof.
The 49,000-square-foot facility on a 33-acre site off Old Highway 127 South will offer associate degrees, technical certificates, and career-ready training in programs that connect directly to in-demand jobs — many of which are available right here in Fentress County.
“Not only will the Center expand offerings for current students and adults returning to college, but it will also help us retain graduates in our area to meet local workforce needs.”— Fentress County Executive Jimmy Johnson
Programs Built for
In-Demand Careers
The new center is specifically designed to produce job-ready graduates in fields with strong local and regional demand. Programs will be offered by both Roane State and TCAT.
Health Sciences
Nursing, CNA, and allied health programs. Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing employment sectors in the Upper Cumberland region.
Associate Degree · CertificateAutomotive & Diesel Technology
Hands-on training in automotive service and diesel mechanics. High demand across the region with strong starting wages.
Technical CertificateWelding
Structural, MIG, TIG, and pipe welding. Skilled welders are in short supply throughout Tennessee’s manufacturing sector.
Technical CertificateConstruction Technology
Residential and commercial construction skills. Fentress County’s growing housing and tourism development creates consistent local demand.
Technical CertificateManufacturing Technology
Industrial maintenance, CNC operation, and production skills. Tennessee’s manufacturing sector continues to expand across the Upper Cumberland.
Associate Degree · CertificateTransfer Degrees
Earn your first two years of college here and transfer to UT, Tennessee Tech, or another four-year university — at community college costs.
Associate of Arts / ScienceTennessee Has Programs
That Can Make It Free
Two major Tennessee scholarship programs can cover most or all of community college costs — and Roane State qualifies for both.
Tennessee Promise
A last-dollar scholarship covering tuition and mandatory fees for recent high school graduates attending a Tennessee community college or technical college. For Fentress County graduates, this means Roane State can be tuition-free.
Tennessee Reconnect
For adults without a college degree who want to return to school. Covers tuition and mandatory fees at community colleges. Senator Ken Yager specifically predicted a surge in Reconnect usage once the new Jamestown campus opens.
How We Got Here
Roane State’s presence in Fentress County grew slowly for years — from high school classrooms to portable trailers to an 8,000 sq ft building. The new center is the result of decades of community advocacy.
Roane State educators taught classes in local high school buildings — the earliest presence in the county.
5 portable classrooms across from York Institute, then a 3,000 sq ft remodeled ROTC building with 3 classrooms.
Opened 8,000 sq ft campus in Clarkrange — enrollment jumped 30%+ in the first semester. 6 Zoom-enabled classrooms.
Tennessee General Assembly approves $25 million for a permanent Fentress County Higher Education Center.
Groundbreaking ceremony at 823 Old Hwy 127 S in Jamestown. Construction begins on the 49,000 sq ft campus.
The new Higher Education Center opens, replacing Clarkrange. Roane State + TCAT under one roof in Jamestown.
Also Moving In: TCAT Oneida/Huntsville
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology Oneida/Huntsville will co-locate in the new building alongside Roane State — creating a true one-stop higher education destination for Fentress County. TCAT focuses on hands-on technical trades, complementing Roane State’s academic and associate degree offerings.
What This Changes for
Fentress County
A permanent higher education campus in Jamestown is about more than classes. It’s about what happens to a community when its people can stay and succeed locally.
Workforce Retention
Young adults who earn degrees locally are more likely to stay in the community — filling jobs at local businesses, healthcare providers, and manufacturers rather than leaving for larger cities.
Higher Wages
Associate degrees and technical certificates translate directly to better-paying jobs. The programs offered match the industries actually hiring in the Upper Cumberland region.
No More Long Commutes
Previously, the nearest full-featured community college required significant travel. A Jamestown campus eliminates that barrier for working adults, parents, and students without reliable transportation.
Economic Development
A skilled local workforce attracts employers. Businesses site decisions are often tied to the availability of trained workers — and this campus builds that pipeline right here in Fentress County.
Adults Going Back
Tennessee Reconnect specifically targets adults without degrees who want to return to school. A local campus makes that decision far more practical — especially for parents and full-time workers.
Real Estate Value
Communities with college campuses attract young families, support higher property values, and signal a long-term commitment to growth. For buyers evaluating Fentress County, this matters.
Considering Fentress County?
The new Roane State campus is one more reason families are looking at this community differently. Tim & Lori Denehy can help you understand what life here actually looks like — schools, jobs, real estate, and everything in between.