Volunteer State Community College is a public, comprehensive college offering quality, innovative programs and robust support for a diverse mix of students. The college collaborates regularly with businesses, nonprofits, and universities to deliver programs aligned with workforce needs, provide professional development, and support university transfers. Vol State encourages participation in service learning and civic initiatives, and contributes to regional economic growth through workforce training and community partnerships. Our goal is to prepare students for career success, educational advancement, and meaningful engagement in a global society.
The Gallatin Campus is home to The Parris Powers Memorial Arboretum, a Certified Level II Arboretum dedicated to promoting environmental awareness, scientific learning, and community engagement through the appreciation of trees. Spread throughout the Gallatin campus, the arboretum features over 60 labeled tree species, with new plantings and discoveries continuing to expand its diversity.
The Beginning
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) approved the formation of a college campus in Sumner County in 1969. Groundbreaking for Volunteer State Community College was held on a cold and blustery day in November of 1970. It was culmination of three years of preparation by Dr. Hal R. Ramer, who helped to form the Tennessee community college system as Assistant State Education Commissioner, and then went on to create a community college in Gallatin. He became the founding president of that college in 1970 and served for 33 years.
Vol State opened for classes in October of 1971. At first, classes were held in an old hotel in Gallatin, and wherever else they could find space throughout Sumner County. John Newman and Joni Steinhauer, both of Hendersonville, were the first official students. In the first quarter, 581 students enrolled. The Gallatin campus opened in the winter of 1972. The first commencement ceremony was held on June 9, 1973 with 57 students graduating.
Campus Information
Address
Open Hours
- Monday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tour
- Call (615) 230-3688 for center tour availability
- Gallatin Campus Tours
Library Hours
- Monday - Thursday, 7:45 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Friday, 7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Business Office/Cashier Window
- Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Campus Offerings
Vol State has more than 120 areas of study in 6 major divisions. We offer hundreds of classes in a variety of times, locations, and formats.
Academic Divisions
- Business & Technology
- Health Sciences
- Humanities & Fine Arts
- Mathematics & Science
- Nursing
- Social Science & Education
Workforce Training and Continuing Education
The Division of Workforce Development facilitates lifelong learning by providing relevant, quality non-academic credit learning opportunities for a diverse and evolving population.
Student Resouces
Testing
- By appointment only
- Monday - Friday
Schedule an exam at the Volunteer State Testing Center on the Gallatin Campus
Learning Commons
In Person
- Monday - Thursday, 7:45 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Friday, 7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Scholarships
Ready for you at Volunteer State Gallatin!
Student Services
