USDA Rural Development Acting State Director Harriet Cannon, along with Hiwassee College President Dr. Robin Tricoli, today announced a $7.7 million funding award to Hiwassee College.
“We are excited about Rural Development’s role in the renovations that will take place at Hiwassee College,” Cannon said. “This award provides the funds necessary to assist the college in providing students a state-of-the-art environment for learning.”
As the recipient of a Community Facilities Direct Loan, Hiwassee College will begin renovation of a dormitory and the campus library early this summer.
“This award provides Hiwassee College with the opportunity to create a high technology teaching and learning facility, which will replace our traditional stacks library that was constructed in 1955,” Dr. Tricoli said. “The old dormitory will be transformed into a contemporary living and learning community. Students with the same majors will be in close living proximity to one another, which will enhance their learning and entire college experience. This model has been highly successful on many campuses. Hiwassee will continue to adapt and change based on the successful learning styles of our students.”
Hiwassee College was founded in 1849 and is known for its academic excellence, its focus on liberal arts, and its promotion of intellectual pursuits and social and personal responsibility. The college offers seven baccalaureate programs.
Others participating in the event include Senator Bob Corker Field Representatives Tristan Hightower and Rhonda Smithson, Congressman Chuck Fleischmann Field Representatives Tammy Merritt and Maxine Gurnert, Monroe County Mayor Tim Yates, Madisonville City Mayor Glen Moser, Monroe County Economic Developer Bryan Hall and Keller McIntyre and Associates Principal Tom Keller.
USDA Rural Development is moving investments to rural America with housing, business and infrastructure loans and grants to create jobs and strengthen rural economies with an emphasis to assist areas of persistent poverty.
For more information on USDA Rural Development programs available in East Tennessee contact the Knoxville Area Office at 865.523.3338 x 4. Visit us online at www.rd.usda.gov/tn.