History

Overview:

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) - Athens is part of a statewide system established in 1963 to meet the vocational and training needs of Tennessee residents. Serving a broad geographic area—including Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, and Polk counties—TCAT - Athens is governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents. 

Notably, TCAT - Athens became the first post-secondary institution in Tennessee to join SkillsUSA in 2005. The 2026 TCAT Student of the Year, Mia Suarez, is from TCAT - Athens. 

History: 

  • Establishment: TCAT - Athens was one of the first eighteen Area Vocational-Technical Schools, opened in June 1965, initially serving 25 students in Automotive Mechanics, Air Conditioning, and Machine Shop. 
  • Facility Growth: The school has undergone several expansions since its founding, with initial construction completed in 1965 and additional shops added in 1969 and 1975. Today, the original building occupies a 15-acre site, encompassing 25,600 square feet of space. 
  • Program Evolution: Over the years, the school has expanded and updated its program offerings, including: 
    • Recently added programs include Cosmetology and Medium Heavy Equipment (Diesel Technology), which began in fall 2025. 
    • Beginning fall 2026, TCAT Athens is adding Building Construction, Forestry and Ag Technology, HVAC, Patient Care Technician/Medical Assisting, Pipefitting and Plumbing Technology, Power Sports, and Residential/Commercial/Industrial Electricity. 

Current Programs and Enrollment: 
With the addition of the new programs starting fall 2026, TCAT - Athens now offers sixteen full-time programs, including Automotive Technology, Collision Repair Technology, Computer Information Technology, Cosmetology, Industrial Maintenance Systems, Machine Tool Technology, Practical Nursing, and Welding. The college serves over 200 full-time students and develops industry-specific classes to meet local business needs. 

Additional Locations: 

  • MHEC, McMinn Higher Education Center, opened in 2020 and houses the college’s Industrial Maintenance Program. 
  • PIE Center, located in Bradley County, houses the college’s Medium Heavy Equipment Program. 
  • TCAT at Polk County, A TCAT Athens Campus, will begin serving students fall 2026 with 22,308 square feet. The campus will feature programs in Power Sports Technology, Forestry and Ag Technology, and Patient Care Technology/Medical Assisting. 
  • A new academic building in Athens provides an additional 16,000 square feet of instruction space and opens this fall. It will house Residential/Commercial/Industrial Electricity, Pipefitting and Plumbing Technology, HVAC, and Building Construction. 

Leadership: 
The school has had a series of leaders since its inception, with Robert E. Barnett serving as the first superintendent. The leadership title changed to President in 1989, and Susan Hatto is currently serving as President since January 2023.