Our Mission     

Walters State Community College, a public two-year higher education institution, is a component of the State University and Community College System of Tennessee governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents. The mission of Walters State is consistent with the college's shared vision for guiding the college into the twenty-first century and with the values expressed within the Campus Compact. Walters State is a learning centered, comprehensive community college established to provide affordable and quality higher education opportunities for the residents of upper East Tennessee. The college offers programs of study that lead to the Associate of Science, Associate of Arts, and Associate of Applied Science degrees.

The college has degree programs built on a general education foundation that emphasize learning outcomes and provide information technology instruction across the curriculum. Students may receive a certificate of credit for programs of study of one year or less; students may also receive a certificate of recognition for non-credit programs and services.

Walters State provides:

university parallel programs that prepare students to transfer to senior institutions;

programs and courses in business, technical education, health, public safety, and arts and sciences that prepare students for immediate employment in support of workforce development or prepare them to transfer to another college or university;

continuing education and community service programs in support of professional growth, personal enrichment, and lifelong learning;

cultural enrichment programs and activities that promote the arts and heritage of East Tennessee and celebrate global diversity;

public service programs in support of economic, workforce, and community development;

advanced, honors, and developmental education programs for academic enrichment;

programs, services, and activities designed to enhance student opportunities, achievement, personal development, sense of civic responsibility, leadership skills, and general welfare;

research and development activities for continuous improvement of institutional effectiveness; and

access that utilizes traditional and non-traditional delivery systems including the institution’s virtual college.

To facilitate student learning and transfer, the college maintains articulation, collaboration, and partnerships with public schools, technology centers, colleges, and universities. Service to business and industry is facilitated through the utilization of partnerships, networks, and customized programs and courses supporting the development of competitive products, services, and operations.  The college provides faculty and staff of the highest quality dedicated to excellence in teaching, student learning, and service.

As a comprehensive community college, Walters State provides leadership to a geographically large and diverse service area. The primary service area includes the counties of Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Sevier, and Union. The college has a TBR approved expanded service area including other East Tennessee counties for Public Safety and Health programs. The college's strategic planning and continuous improvement system is designed to promote maximum accessibility and accountability and to enhance overall institutional effectiveness. The college assesses and responds to changing community needs and provides opportunities for enhancing the quality of life throughout the service area. Walters State remains committed to the education of a non-racially identifiable student body and promotes diversity and access without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.