Leadership Class learns about education opportunities

By Charlotte Underwood

CAMPBELL COUNTY, TN (WLAF)- The Campbell County Leadership Class participated in “education day” on Thursday, learning about the abundant education opportunities in the county.

Leadership Class members heard from TCAT Jacksboro President Dr. Debbie Petree and Dual-enrolment coordinator Camilla Gambrell before taking a tour of the main campus and checking out the 16 amazing programs offered at TCAT.

“I’m always excited to host Leadership classes; I am a 2007 graduate of Campbell County Leadership,” Petree shared with the group. She said being at TCAT was her “dream job” and that she was fortunate to “work with such a great group of people.”

“We have a great staff and great students, and we are excited about how far we have come,” Petree said of the school, which was completed in 1968. When she first came to work at TCAT Jacksboro, the school had less than 150 students and now boasts over 300 full-time students and over 400 with dual enrolled high school students. It also went from offering around six programs to 16, with two more to be added after construction is completed on the new buildings. These new programs include Diesel Power Equipment and Industrial Maintenance.

She said it was bittersweet that the building would be demolished to accommodate parking.

Dr. Petree updated Leadership members about the new TCAT building construction that is underway, which will double the size of the technical college with a $55.5 million investment from the state.

“This building came online in January of 1968, and I am hoping that the grandchildren of my grandchildren get to enjoy this building long after I am gone and that it will be a part of this community for the next 60 to 70 years,” Petree said.

Leadership class participants also took a tour of the technical college which offers a wide range of programs from Automotive Repair, Power Sports, Machine Tool, Cosmetology, HVAC and much more.

Gambrell led the tour around campus and the leadership class got to check out the construction progress firsthand.

“We do a lot of great things here; a lot of our programs are one year long, so career in a year is what we say, and the opportunities are endless for our students … it really does change your life, I tell everybody, get some title or skill or trade behind your name and you will never have to depend on anybody but yourself, you will always have a job that pays over minimum wage and you will be able to fend for yourself. I love to hear the success stories of our students, I love what I do, I see it change lives every day,” Gambrell said.

After the TCAT tour, Leadership members headed over to Caryville Elementary School for a tour.

Then it was time for a “delicious Thanksgiving lunch” that was prepared by the Campbell County Cafeteria staff.

The Campbell County Christian Academy was the next stop on the list, where the class heard from school headmaster Donnie Poston and teacher Deborah Treece.

The group finished with a tour of Roane State Community College, with class members hearing from Campbell County’s campus Director Sharon Wilson.

Roane State offers “affordable, quality higher education classes delivered in a small class setting close to home.” Whether a first-time student, dual enrollment student, or taking classes to advance in your career, Roane State offers a “variety of classes to complete your general education and learning support requirements.” Roane State offers more than 100 college credit courses per term. A variety of credit and non-credit courses are available during morning, afternoon and evening hours.

Both TCAT Jacksboro and Roane State Community College offer Financial Aid services, help with FAFSA, dual-enrollment class options and more. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-11/24/2025-6AM)