Susan A. Elkins, Vice President
Extended Programs and Regional Development (EP & RD) is a University-wide outreach and service unit which promotes educational, social, economic, and cultural development and welfare in Tennessee, particularly in the Upper Cumberland region and surrounding counties. One way this mission is carried out is through the delivery of credit and non-credit offerings both on-campus and at off-campus locations throughout the service area and beyond. These offerings are delivered both on-site and via various distance learning delivery methods. Deans, departmental chairpersons, and University faculty members participate in the off-campus advisory and instructional program to insure that courses offered are of the same quality as those taught on the main campus. Partnering with academic and administrative units, highly qualified personnel from business, industry, and various educational agencies are utilized to provide direction and instruction for conferences, seminars, workshops, and special events.
Courses and activities are offered at off-campus sites in TTU’s forty-two (42) county service area which is divided into three regions: Eastern, Southern, and Western. Each region has its own associate director whose job includes assisting students with their educational plans and helping Tennessee Tech understand students’ course, program, and scheduling requirements. Information about course offerings and registration procedures may be obtained by contacting an associate director or EP & RD campus staff. Off-campus site coordinators are also employed to provide local assistance and information regarding the development of off-campus classes.
Credit Offerings
Extended Programs and Regional Development provides off-campus students access to educational opportunities at approved sites in locations recommended by the University and approved by the Tennessee Board of Regents and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. Higher Education centers are operated collaboratively with Chattanooga State Technical Community College in Chattanooga, Motlow State Community College in McMinnville and Moore County, Roane State Community College in Crossville, Oak Ridge, and Scott County, and Volunteer State Community College in Livingston. Undergraduate coursework is also available at Pellissippi State Technical Community College in Knoxville and Roane State Community College in Harriman. Under the auspices of this agreement, students are provided the opportunity to work toward Associate, Baccalaureate, Master’s and Specialist degrees. Courses are also conducted in classroom accommodations provided by Tennessee Technology centers and K-12 partners throughout the service area in response to a well-documented need.
Non-Credit Offerings
Non-Credit courses are offered to meet the needs of individuals, groups, and organizations both on-campus and off-campus. In most cases, participants need not satisfy specific educational requirements for admission to courses. Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) are awarded and recorded for many non-credit courses, while others are offered strictly on a non-credit basis. Fees for non-credit courses vary and are based upon the cost of offering the course. Non-credit courses include life long learning classes for personal and professional enrichment, Youth University programs, and a host of online courses and certificate programs.
Workshops/Conferences/Special Events
Extended Programs and Regional Development collaborates with campus colleges/departments and community partners to offer credit and non-credit special events. Campus partners involved in typical events include: the College of Education; the College of Business; the College of Agricultural & Human Sciences; the College of Arts & Sciences; the Millard Oakley Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Center; and Information Technology Services. Community partners include: the State Department of Education; the Upper Cumberland Study Councils for School Directors, Principals, and Supervisors; and numerous other Upper Cumberland community service agencies involved with children’s services.
Emergency Medical Services Programs
University non-credit offerings include a full line of EMS courses from First Responder to Paramedic. The goal of these programs is to train top quality entry-level EMS personnel and to be the EMS educational resource for the Upper Cumberland and surrounding areas.
Grants and Special Projects
Extended Programs and Regional Development continually works to develop training and to provide support for educational entities, businesses, and industry in the University’s service area. Through partnerships with state agencies and departments, grants continue to be secured to aid in these efforts. As a result of a partnership with the Tennessee Department of Education, Division of Career and Technical Education, and the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in TTU’s College of Education, Extended Programs and Regional Development has been awarded a grant to develop new mentoring models for career technical teacher training and retention. The ultimate purpose of this initiative is to positively impact the economy in the Upper Cumberland region and the state of Tennessee by creating an educated and trained workforce.
