The College

Welcome to Pellissippi State Community College!

We’re excited that you’ve chosen to attend our school. Your decision to enroll here may be one of the most important you’ll ever make, and we are dedicated to working with you to achieve both your educational and life goals. Whether you’re preparing to enter the workforce for the first time, planning to transfer to a four-year college or university or simply taking a course for personal growth, we are committed to helping you succeed academically and to providing opportunities for you to transform yourself. Our caring faculty and staff look forward to connecting with you.

A Brief History of the College

Pellissippi State Community College was founded in 1974 as State Technical Institute at Knoxville. The College’s name has changed twice: in 1988, to Pellissippi State Technical Community College and, in 2009, to Pellissippi State Community College. 

When the College opened its doors in 1974, we had 45 students studying in three associate degree programs, all in engineering technology, under the guidance of only a dozen faculty and staff members. Pellissippi State has experienced steady growth since—from those first 45 students in 1974 to 9,718 students in fall 2025, and this doesn’t include thousands of students taking noncredit courses.

The College supports and develops career-path associate degrees, associate degrees for transfer to four-year institutions, certificates and continuing education opportunities to meet the needs of our evolving community. Pellissippi State offers Dual Enrollment credit courses to high school students as well.

The College employs some 500 full-time faculty and staff. Pellissippi State’s economic impact on East Tennessee—measured by the value of business volume, jobs and individual income—is estimated at about $1.5 billion over the five-year period from 2019 to 2024. The college has directly supported the creation of more than 50,000 local jobs. 

The College awarded 1,478 associate degrees in 2024-2025, more than any other two-year college in the state. Through numerous, substantive partnerships with the community, Pellissippi State sustains the effort toward an ever-improving quality of life for East Tennessee residents. 

Pellissippi State Community College is one of 37 institutions in the College System of Tennessee, the state’s largest public higher education system, with more than 175 teaching locations and the online TN eCampus. The system is governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR).

Vision, Mission, and Values

Our Vision

Pellissippi State: Transforming Lives, Careers, and Communities

Our Mission

Pellissippi State Community College provides a transformative environment fostering the academic, social, economic, and cultural enrichment of the individual and the community. We are committed to success in workforce training and certificate and degree programs.

Our Values

Accountability
We are responsible for our actions and accountable to each other for the betterment of our students, college, and the community.

Access
We provide open and accessible growth opportunities for all.

Active Learning
We ensure learning flourishes through quality, engaging, real-world experiences that empower students and employees to excel.

Achievement
We pursue and celebrate student and employee excellence by continuously striving to meet and exceed our goals.

Advancement
We support and improve our community through education, partnerships, and service.

Agility
We swiftly and collaboratively adapt and respond to a rapidly changing world.

To sustain and enhance the college’s offerings, Pellissippi State develops and maintains comprehensive fiscal and other administrative services and an environment conducive to learning. In line with its heritage as a technical institute, the college integrates state-of-the-art technology into teaching and learning, educational support and administration.

Located in Tennessee’s third-largest metropolitan area, Pellissippi State comprehensively serves the greater Knox and Blount County area. A member of TBR - The College System of Tennessee, governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents, the College develops and maintains student transfer agreements with Tennessee public universities, the University of Tennessee and private colleges and universities in the region. Pellissippi State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity or national origin, sex, pregnancy, disability, age (40+), status as a protected veteran, or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations and by Tennessee Board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs and activities.

Campuses and Maps

Pellissippi State offers programs, courses and services at four primary locations. Below is a directional map to the Hardin Valley Campus, Blount County Campus, Magnolia Avenue Campus, and Strawberry Plains Campus.

Important Contacts

Whom to Contact if You …