Our Mission

Volunteer State Community College is a public, comprehensive community college offering quality, innovative educational programs, support, and services. Vol State is committed to building partnerships, strengthening internal and external community engagement, and promoting economic development to prepare students for successful careers, university transfer, and meaningful civic participation in a global society.

We are here to help you
achieve your goals and fulfill your aspirations

7583
Students

120
Areas of Study

22
Avg. Student Age

23:1
Students to Faculty

Welcome Brochure

About The President

Dr. Wendi W. Tostenson becomes Volunteer State Community College’s 5th President on July 1, 2024.

Dr. Tostenson joined Vol State from Louisiana Delta Community College, where she has served as Vice Chancellor of Education and Student Services since 2021. She began working at Louisiana Delta in 2019 as the Executive Director of Workforce/Economic Development. Before this position, from 2011 to 2019, she worked in administrative roles at Southern Regional Technical College in Georgia, most recently as the Executive Director of Student Affairs/Registrar. Alongside her administrative responsibilities, she has been an adjunct online professor of American government at Southern Regional since 2007.

Dr. Tostenson obtained a Doctor of Public Administration from Valdosta State University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of West Georgia, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Georgia.

“I am committed to fostering an environment where every student can thrive, where faculty and staff are supported, and where our community's needs are met. Together, we will continue to uphold the values of excellence, inclusivity, and innovation that define Volunteer State Community College. I look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure a bright future for our institution and the students we serve,” she said.

History

Picture of Vol State in the 1970's The establishment of a state community college in Gallatin involved the cooperative work of many civic leaders and citizens of Sumner County as well as State officials. A unified proposal for a college was presented to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission in Nashville on September 11, 1967. Upon the recommendation of State Education Commissioner J. H. Warf, Governor Buford Ellington presented the college legislation to the 1969 General Assembly, and it was adopted. Following this action, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission on June 2, 1969, authorized the State Board of Education to establish a community college in Sumner County.

A 100-acre tract of land on Nashville Pike was chosen for the new campus. The property was deeded to the State on December 4, 1969.

Photo of Vol State in the 1970's The new college was named Volunteer State Community College, and this was approved by the board on July 2, 1970. Ground-breaking ceremonies for the first four buildings were held on November 5, 1970. Pending completion and occupancy of the initial campus facilities in early 1972, temporary operations were located in the Cordell Hull Hotel building in Gallatin. Utilizing the hotel and the educational facilities of several Gallatin churches, the College began instruction in the fall of 1971 with 581 students. In 1972, the General Assembly established the Tennessee Board of Regents as the governing board for the State University and Community College System, at which time the central control of the College transferred from the State Board of Education to the Regents System.

Graduation Volunteer State has experienced phenomenal growth in enrollment, curricula, staff, program, public service, facilities, and quality throughout its operation. The main campus of Volunteer State now comprises eighteen buildings, and the Volunteer State campus at Livingston continues to grow in every aspect as well. Numerous off-campus operations extend the College's instruction and public service roles throughout its multi-county area. Since the college's inception in 1971, more than 192,750 students have taken classes at Vol State (as of the end of the Spring 2023 semester).

Quick Facts

Accreditation

Volunteer State Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees. Volunteer State Community College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Volunteer State Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website.

At-A-Glance

Founded in 1971
Serving an 11-county area from Metro Nashville to the Cumberland Plateau
18 buildings on 100 acres in Gallatin
Campus locations in Springfield, Cookeville, and Livingston
More than 100 areas of study in five major divisions
An enrollment of more than 7,500 students for the average semester
Average student age: 23
Females - 63%
Males - 37%
Instructor to student ratio: 1 instructor for every 24 students
Factbook

Student Support

Vol State students receive more than $13 million in Financial Aid each school year
The College Foundation provides more than $200,000 a year in student scholarships

Economic Impact

Volunteer State contributes more than $117 million a year to the local economy.
Volunteer State is the third largest employer in Sumner County.
More than 830 full and part-time employees
$28 million annually in wages
$11 million in operating expenses
Economic Impact Report

Our Locations

Our main campus is located in Gallatin, TN, 27 miles northeast of Nashville.

The Cookeville Center has state-of-the-art facilities, a spacious interior design, and a beautiful outdoor terrace.

Vol State at Livingston is a full service degree-granting location, offering more than 20 associate of science degree programs.

Vol State, along with UT-Martin, offers classes at the Highland Crest site in Springfield, TN.

Contact Us

We welcome the opportunity to answer your questions about Volunteer State Community College and invite you to reach out to us or visit.

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