As Pellissippi State Community College prepares for the fall 2024 semester, plans are also underway for a year-long milestone celebration marking the college’s 50 years of contributions to the community.
In fall 1974, Pellissippi State opened as State Technical Institute with 45 students in downtown Knoxville, a handful of faculty and staff and three associate degree programs.
In the decades since, Pellissippi State has expanded its reach with campuses on Magnolia Avenue and in Blount County, Hardin Valley and Strawberry Plains drawing as many as 10,000 students annually and awarding over 1,200 scholarships.
“Through the foresight of those who came before us, Pellissippi State has been making an impact on the region for half a century,” said President L. Anthony Wise, Jr. “We are privileged to walk in their footsteps as we continue the mission of preparing students to strengthen and lead East Tennessee and pave a way to their own success.”
The 50th anniversary celebration kicks off Sept. 6 with a day-long collegewide Founder’s Day event on the Hardin Valley Campus. It’s just the first of the events scheduled to take place throughout the year in honor of the college’s 50th anniversary. Other events scheduled include:
- Oct. 2 – Manufacturing Month Technical Showcase
- Oct. 18 – Advanced Manufacturing Symposium
- Oct. 25 – Make A Difference Day: 50 Service Projects in Honor of 50 Years
- November – Donors, Scholars and Month of Giving
- Dec. 3 – Giving Tuesday
- Dec. 5 – Holiday Spectacular
- March 2025 – The Arts at Pellissippi
- April 2025 – Pellissippi Around the World
- April 3, 2025 – Our Vision in Gold 50th Anniversary Gala
To learn more about Pellissippi State’s 50th anniversary events throughout the year, visit pstcc.edu/50years.