Chattanooga State builds new expansion in Rhea County

Officials breaking ground on the Rhea County Higher Education Center / Chattanooga State Community College

RHEA COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Chattanooga State Community College  (CSCC) is expanding their facilities to Dayton, Tennessee.

CSCC broke ground on the new $20 million, 30,000 square foot facility Thursday, October 3 2024.

This new building will house programs such as automation, robotics, welding, computer support technician, EMT, and industrial electricity.

“What an amazing opportunity that the residents here in Rhea County and Dayton will have to further their education.  In this facility, students will have an amazing pipeline to start here in our Polytech Academy. Through dual enrollment, they will be able to continue on and complete a TCAT credential. Then, they’ll be able to continue on and build to earn an associate’s degree in those fields. After that, the world is their oyster,” said ChattState President, Dr. Rebbecca Ashford.

The new facility is being called the Rhea County Higher Education Center, and is scheduled to open in January 2026.