Oct 08, 2026 | Foundation , Health Sciences , Featured , Advancement

Columbia State Introduces the First Floor of the Southern Regional Technology Center

Columbia State shield logo

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.

A large room with white walls with the words "TriStar Bank Community Room" written on it.
The Tristar Bank Community Room is located to the left of the first floor entrance of the Southern Regional Technology Center.

 

A person in a red shirt shakes the hand of a person wearing a white and green shirt.
Pictured (left to right): Ted H. Williams, TriStar Bank CEO, shakes hands with Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president, at the grand opening 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.

A long hallways leading to an entrance with windows has gray tile floors and white walls with the words "Landmark Ceramics Hall."
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.

Three people wearing formal attire stand and smile outside for a photo.
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.

 

A white wall in a hallway says "Dr. Gary and Zobeida Podgorski Radiology Suite."
The Dr. Gary and Zobeida Podgorski Radiology Suite is on the first floor of the Southern Regional Technology Center.

 

An anatomical manikin lays on an X-ray table in a classroom.
An anatomical manikin lies on the X-ray table in the Dr. Gary and Zobeida Podgorski Radiology Suite.

 

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.

An entranceway to a hallway has tet above it that says, "Maury County Government West Hall."
The Maury County Government West Hall is located on the first floor of the Southern Regional Technology Center.

 

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.

Three people stand behind a wall of glass smiling for a photo.
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.

A conference room has a table, chairs and a computer.
The Industrial Development Board of Maury County Conference Room is located on the first floor of the Southern Regional Technology Center.

 

A group of people standing in a group in front of a building all cut through a large white ribbon banner.
Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president; Tennessee State Senator Joey Hensley; Tennessee State Representative Scott Cepicky; Dr. Kelli Kea-Carroll, TCAT Hohenwald president; and Mike Whitehead, TCAT Pulaski president, all join the community to cut the ribbon on the Southern Regional Technology Center.

 

To learn more about the Southern Regional Technology Center, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/SRTC.