Construction Projects Underway at Vol State 

By: Benjamin Smith
Staff Writer

Volunteer State Community College is undergoing multiple construction projects on its Gallatin campus, including the replacement of aging water lines and the development of a new health science building. 

According to William Newman, Director of Facilities, the existing fire and domestic water lines between the Humanities Building and the Thigpen Library have surpassed their life expectancy. To address this, Vol State has begun a two-phase replacement project. Phase One involves installing a single eight-inch water line to all campus buildings, along with adding individual cutoffs and control valves. Phase Two will update domestic water supply lines in the Pickel Building and is scheduled to begin in mid-2026. 

In addition to infrastructure improvements, Vol State is planning a new 50,000-square-foot health science building, in accordance with the college’s 2017 Master Plan. The facility will be constructed where the current tennis courts are located and will house programs such as EMT, Dental, Nursing, Medical Technology (MTA), and Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). Adult Education will also move to the first floor of Wallace South. Once completed, these programs will relocate to the new building, and the existing structures currently housing them will be demolished. 

Newman noted that the tennis courts, which require resurfacing or replacement, will be relocated and rebuilt as part of the college’s long-term athletics improvements. 

Vol State is also pursuing expansion beyond Gallatin, with plans to establish a Wilson County campus. The college has already purchased land and is seeking capital funding from Governor Bill Lee in the fiscal year 2026–27 budget to build a shared campus with TCAT Hartsville. 

Vol State’s Vice President of Finance Brett Stoller stated that these construction and expansion projects will not affect tuition or student fees. “Funds have been saved for these projects over the last several years so as not to affect tuition and fees that students pay,” Stoller said.