Chattanooga State Community College has been a big part of the Dayton community for 25 years. Recently, county and city officials, faculty, staff, administrators, current and former students all convened at the Dayton Site on August 10 to celebrate this milestone in history.

Rhea County Commissioner Bill Hollin explained that planning for the Dayton Skills Center was a joint effort between city, county and federal agencies back in 1992. The building was given to the City of Dayton by Rhea County School Board and appointed Hollin as organizer who would “put everything together,” stated Hollin. He recalls that the tight schedule required relocating the kids out of the building in May, tearing part of it down, then arranging for it to be redone and reworked before it became operable by fall 1993. 

Funding for the $750,000 project came from several sources including a $250,000 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant that City of Dayton officials worked overtime to submit, and which became the first ARC grant ever awarded to Dayton or Rhea County. Additional funding came from the Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services, as well as lease agreements with Chattanooga State, Southeast Private Industry Council and Rhea County Adult Education Program.

The building was opened on time and accepted 300 students during the fall 1993 semester, offering more than two dozen classes that provided a way for students to obtain their first two years of college locally and affordably. Chattanooga State’s mission to make students its top priority has remained unchanged. 

Jerry Hendrix, who has served as Dayton’s site director since 1997, was visibly moved during Dayton’s silver anniversary and the outpouring of support on this momentous occasion. “I can honestly say that the move to Dayton has been one of the best decisions I have made in my life for my family and myself. I truly enjoy serving the students of Rhea and surrounding counties and helping them achieve their educational goals,” shares Hendrix.

Speakers during the celebration included Hendrix, ChattState President Dr. Rebecca Ashford, City Manager Tommy Solomon, and Dr. Mosunmola George-Taylor who presented a plaque to longtime retired math faculty member George Ryan naming the Dayton Math Lab after him. Following the impromptu speeches, guests reminisced, toured the building and enjoyed refreshments. A live remote by the Eagle 97.1 encouraged residents to visit the site while providing information and a bit of history to listeners.

“We at Chattanooga State are so proud to have served the Dayton community and the residents of Rhea County for 25 years. We are looking forward to the future and providing quality education to residents while also helping area business and industry to have a local, educated workforce,” states President Ashford.

“The Dayton site has been of tremendous value to the city and county,” says Bill Hollin. “High school seniors can advance and take college classes locally while gaining the education they need to succeed,” he adds.

Chattanooga State Dayton is located at 200 4thAvenue. Classes begin August 27. For more information visit www.chattanoogastate.edu.