COLUMBIA, Tenn. – Oct. 8, 2026) — The Southern Regional Technology Center — a partnership between Columbia State Community College, TCAT Hohenwald and TCAT Pulaski — serves as a regional hub for education and training to meet the needs of both citizens and employers.
Through strong partnerships built around internships, apprenticeships, program development and job placement, pathways include diplomas, technical certificates and associate of applied science degrees.
“This is the first of three introductions to some of the opportunities that exist within the SRTC,” said Bethany Lay, Columbia State vice president for advancement and executive director of the Columbia State Foundation. “We want students and the community to benefit from this facility!”
TriStar Bank Community Room
The TriStar Bank Community Room serves as a welcoming, versatile space for students, faculty, staff and the community. Featuring modular and moveable furniture, its multipurpose elements mean it can be used as a space to host everything from a student study group to workshops, as well as community gatherings and celebrations. This helps to strengthen ties between Columbia State and the community.
The Tristar Bank Community Room is located to the left of the first floor entrance of the Southern Regional Technology Center.
Landmark Ceramics Hall
Landmark Ceramics Hall is the first dramatic view of the SRTC as one enters the front door. It features gathering and study spaces complete with beautiful tile that is found throughout the SRTC. It serves as a hub for students, faculty, staff and community members to connect with one another.
The Landmark Ceramics Hall is on the first floor of the Southern Regional Technology Center.
Dr. Gary and Zobeida Podgorski Radiology Suite
Within the Dr. Gary and Zobeida Podgorski Radiology Suite, students gain practical, real-world experience in essential radiology techniques and skills, from imaging procedures to equipment operation, helping them be fully prepared to enter the radiology profession with confidence.
Located in close proximity to the Radiologic Technology program is the Veterinary Technology program, training students to support veterinarians, biomedical researchers and to grow skills necessary for clinical pathology, radiology and surgical assisting within the office/animal hospital setting. The two programs are able to share the X-ray equipment.
Pictured (left to right): Dr. Gary Podgorski; Zobeida Podgorski; and Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division, at the grand opening of the Southern Regional Technology Center.
Maury County East-West Government Hall
Stretching the full length of the building from east to west, the Maury County Government East-West Hall houses state-of-the-art training labs for a variety of programs including Veterinary Technology, Engineering Systems Technology, HVAC, Welding, and Automotive Systems — equipping students across multiple fields. Students have excellent opportunities for employment given the high demand for these skills in the workforce.
BMC Metalworks, LLC Welding Lab
The BMC Metalworks, LLC Welding Technology Lab houses state-of-the-art equipment for instruction. It provides necessary hands-on learning using various welding processes such as gas metal arc welding (MIG), gas tungsten arc welding (TIG) and shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), leading to high-demand careers.
Jimmy Phillips, BMC Metalworks, LLC president and CEO, tours the welding technology lab with his family.
Information and assistance are found immediately to the right of the main entrance. There is a large interactive monitor with room locations, campus events and many other helpful directions. Additionally, TCAT Hohenwald, TCAT Pulaski and Columbia State Health Sciences have offices with staff ready to assist. There is also a conference room.
The Industrial Development Board of Maury County Conference Room is located on the first floor of the Southern Regional Technology Center.
To learn more about the Southern Regional Technology Center, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/SRTC.
Columbia State is a comprehensive community college serving southern Middle Tennessee, dedicated to nurturing success and positively changing lives through teaching, learning and service. Established in 1966 as Tennessee’s first community college, Columbia State has grown to five campuses, including Columbia, Williamson, Lawrence, Lewisburg and Clifton. The college was named the 2021 Community College of the Year at the annual TBR SOAR Awards, and was recognized as a finalist in 2020 and 2023.
Columbia State has also been recognized by the American Association of Community Colleges as a finalist in their Awards of Excellence in the following categories: Outstanding College/Corporate Partnership, 2022 and 2018; Advancing Diversity, 2020, 2018, and 2014; and Student Success, 2018. In addition, the college was named one of the Top 150 U.S. community colleges by the Aspen Institute for 2019 and 2017. Visit ColumbiaState.edu to learn more.
The College System of Tennessee is the state’s largest public higher education system, with 13 community colleges, 24 colleges of applied technology and the online TN eCampus serving approximately 140,000 students. The system is governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.
