Although exact details are yet to be worked out, stimulus funds will be used to expand training programs at the Tennessee Technology Center at Elizabethton after July 1 when the new fiscal year begins, Jerry Patton, director of TTC–Elizabethton, told members of the school's General Advisory Committee recently.
The Alliance for Business and Training is coordinating the use of stimulus funds. In addition to paying training costs and stipends to qualifying students, stimulus funds will allow evening training programs to be added in HVAC/Refrigeration and Automotive Technology, Patton said. Already, TTC–Elizabethton offers evening training programs in Business Systems Technology, Electricity–Electronics, Pipefitting and Welding.
A new Pipefitting Training Program that began at TTC–Elizabethton in January has 19 students currently enrolled. Fluor Corporation and Eastman were instrumental in developing the training program "that will lead to good jobs," Patton said. Another 250 students are on the waiting list to enroll in day and evening Welding training programs, he said.
On the subject of equipment, Patton told the advisory committee that there is no "recurring" money for equipment in the Tennessee Board of Regents' budget. As a result, Patton suggested $3 to $4 million be included as a "recurring item" in the governor's budget each year for use by the 27 technology centers in Tennessee.
In other matters:
 |
| L–R Matt and Lucas Roark presented the proclamation to their mother during the meeting. |
––Patricia Roark, RN, director of the Tech Foundations Lab, was presented a proclamation from the Tennessee General Assembly in recognition of her being chosen Faculty Member of the Year among 27 technology centers in Tennessee;
––The annual survey of alumni and employers is to be completed by May 20;
––A contract is being finalized with the Carter County School System to offer dual enrollment for online courses, Nursing Trends and Issues, and Dosage Calculations for Nurses. Eventually, TTC–Elizabethton hopes to have all first trimester courses in practical nursing, except clinical, available online; and,
 |
––A search committee has begun the process of reviewing applicants for the position of director at TTC–Elizabethton. Patton had earlier announced he would be retiring on June 30 to spend more time with his family.
"This school has meant an awfully lot to me, especially having a sound reputation. I have strived to maintain an excellent reputation for the school. However, we have always had problems with space limitations," Patton said.
The Tennessee Board of Regents is expected to name Patton's successor by July 1.