MTSU satellite discussions continue

During a meeting Thursday of county employees, County Mayor Eugene Ray said discussions are continuing with Middle Tennessee State University over the possibility of MTSU holding satellite classes in the old Central High School / Harris Middle School building on Elm Street.

Ray said Bedford County is "working hard" to make the project happen.

A satellite campus could be used for a variety of course offerings. Universities like MTSU which are trying to keep up with increasing enrollment can use a satellite campus as a way of serving non-traditional or adult students without putting as much of a burden burden on main campus infrastructure such as dormitories, parking or food service.

Ray had first mentioned the possibility last year while talking about another issue to MTSU President Sidney McPhee, and discussions have been underway since that time.

The discussions are about use of the main building by MTSU. The former HMS annex is now being used by the county school system for alternative education and out-of-school probation programs, and the gymnasium is being used by the city for recreation programs.

The school system will spend $45,000 this year to maintain the old HMS campus. That includes security and just enough heating and cooling to keep the main building from deteriorating. It also includes operation of the gym.

MTSU is under the control of Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR), which oversees all state universities and community colleges except the University of Tennessee system. TBR also oversees the Tennessee Technology Centers.