Cleveland State Community College

The Tennessee Board of Education authorized the establishment of one of the first three community colleges in Tennessee on June 22, 1965.[1] The name Cleveland State Community College was chosen by the board of education on February 11, 1966.[2] Bids for the first five campus building were announced on July 20, 1966, and the school's campus broke ground on September 11, 1966.[3] David F. Adkisson was named the first president on January 1, 1967.[2] Approximately 700 students enrolled for the school's first classes which began on October 2, 1967, and took place at North Cleveland Baptist Church, due to a delay in the completion of the campus.[3] At this time offices were held at 685 Broad Street N.W. in Downtown Cleveland.[3] The move to the current campus and permanent facilities took place on January 3, 1968.[3] At this time, the campus consisted of the Administration Building, Library, Science Building, Student Center, and Gymnasium. The official dedication ceremonies for the college took place on April 29, 1968.[2] The first graduation ceremonies were conducted on June 1, 1969.[2]