News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Livingston leaders, state officials and students and staff of TCAT Livingston celebrated the grand opening of its new automotive and transportation building.
Operations and Facilities Vice President Jeffrey Slagle said the new automotive tech and distribution logistics facility will train students to enter the workforce for many years.
“Today is a great day for our campus, because we are so excited to have all of you on site today,” Slagle said. “We get a chance to showcase this new building, the new technology in this building, and so you guys get an idea of all the great things that happen when partnerships come together.”
President Myra West said the building is the first new facility constructed on the Livingston campus since 1976. West said students will be able to gain state of the art training to gain certificates for professional success.
“Thank you to everyone in this room,” West said. “You played a part. You may not have known what your role was, but your role contributed to the overall success of this college and to today’s celebration.”
A mixture of grants and state legislation funding made the project possible. Livingston Mayor Curtis Hayes said TCAT has always stepped up to get local people job ready.
“How proud we are of TCAT to have such a treasure here in our backyard to where kids can graduate from Livingston Academy and be trained job ready as soon as they leavee TCAT,” Hayes said. “It’s truly a hidden jewel.”
State Representatives John Mark Windle and Kelly Keisling were present for the ribbon cutting as well as Tennessee Higher Education Commission Executive Director Emily House.
