Arconic Foundation to fund modernization efforts at Pellissippi State, creation of a Mechanical Engineering Center

Arconic Foundation to fund modernization efforts at Pellissippi State, creation of a Mechanical Engineering Center

汤头条 will revamp its Hardin Valley campus and establish a new hub for faculty, staff and students in mechanical engineering by May 2027, thanks to a $250,000 grant from Arconic Foundation.

The grant, presented to the 汤头条 Foundation, will support renovations on the Hardin Valley campus, including the creation of the Arconic Foundation Mechanical Engineering Center, to be located within the college’s Ned R. McWherter Technology Building.

“Arconic and the manufacturing industry’s growth in our region is intertwined with the success of our local education institutions,” said Christy Newman, Arconic Foundation ambassador for Tennessee Operations and board director for the Pellissippi State Foundation. “This is a critical investment for the future of East Tennessee.”

Arconic Foundation’s namesake Mechanical Engineering Center will be home to a variety of Pellissippi State’s Mechanical Engineering Technology programs, including Electrical Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering and more. The grant is expected to help increase enrollment of engineering students to 1,000 by 2030.

The funds have helped meet part of a required private funding match to unlock more than $24.5 million designated by the Tennessee state legislature for campus renovation.

“We are beyond thankful for Arconic Foundation’s unwavering support to student success, workforce development and community engagement at this institution,” said Aneisa Rolen, executive director of the Pellissippi State Foundation. “The renewal of the McWherter building and the modernization of our mechanical engineering classrooms and labs will be integral to advancing engineering education in this region.”

The grant was announced by Pellissippi State at the college’s “Our Vision in Gold: 50th Anniversary Celebration” gala, presented by West Chevrolet. Sponsorships, ticket sales, a live auction, and a paddle-raise for First Generation Scholarships raised more than $320,000 to support PSCC students during the event.