Northeast State Celebrates 60th Anniversary

Community college marks six decades of serving students in Tennessee's Tri-Cities region

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Northeast State Community College, originally founded in 1966 as Tri-Cities State Area Vocational-Technical School, is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Over the decades, the college has expanded its mission and offerings, growing from a vocational-technical school to a comprehensive community college serving close to 10,000 students across seven counties in Northeast Tennessee.

Why it matters

Northeast State's 60-year milestone is a testament to the college's ability to adapt and grow to meet the evolving educational and workforce needs of its local community. As a hub for affordable higher education, technical training, and community outreach, the college has played a vital role in the economic and social development of the Tri-Cities region.

The details

Northeast State started as a vocational-technical school in 1966, before expanding to offer associate's degrees in 1978 and a university-parallel curriculum in 1990, at which point it became Northeast State Community College. Over the decades, the college has added programs in fields like electronics, aviation technology, health sciences, automotive mechanics, culinary arts, and computer science, leading to a 95% job placement rate for its technical and vocational graduates. Northeast State also runs adult education, English as a Second Language, and public career services programs, and partners with over 90 local businesses and industries.

  • Northeast State was established in 1966 as Tri-Cities State Area Vocational-Technical School.
  • In 1978, the school was able to grant one-year certificates and two-year associate's degrees, and its name was changed to Tri-Cities State Technical Institute.
  • In 1983, Tri-Cities State Tech was placed under the jurisdiction of the Tennessee Board of Regents.
  • On July 1, 1990, the school added a university parallel curriculum and became Northeast State Community College.
  • Northeast State is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2026.

The players

Northeast State Community College

A comprehensive community college serving close to 10,000 students across seven counties in Northeast Tennessee, with a focus on affordable higher education, technical training, and community outreach.

Jeff McCord

The current president of Northeast State Community College, who has expressed enthusiasm about the college's future growth and development.

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What they’re saying

“A community college is a junior college, but so much more than just a junior college.”

— Bob Arrington's sister, Retired professor at a community college in Western North Carolina (timesnews.net)

“The college is 'only getting started'.”

— Jeff McCord, President of Northeast State Community College (timesnews.net)

What’s next

Northeast State Community College is planning a 60th anniversary celebration later this year, which will likely include events, activities, and community engagement initiatives to mark the milestone.

The takeaway

Northeast State Community College's 60-year history demonstrates the vital role that community colleges play in providing affordable, accessible higher education and workforce training to local communities. The college's ability to adapt and expand its offerings over the decades has been key to its success in serving the evolving needs of the Tri-Cities region.