TBR & TCAT Morristown honor Phil & Martha Bachman with naming ceremony at new TCAT at Greene County
The new $34 million building, located at the former Greene Valley Developmental Center site, is now known as the Phil and Martha Bachman Center, honoring the couple for their steadfast support of technical training and education, service, and their significant investment in Greene County and the surrounding northeast Tennessee region.
“Phil and Martha Bachman have inspired generations of students, and their profound benevolence has transformed lives and changed the trajectories of countless individuals and families,” said TBR Chancellor Flora W. Tydings. “Naming this new building in their honor preserves their remarkable legacy for generations to come. We are so grateful to the Phil and Martha Bachman Foundation, as well as our state’s elected leaders, for this beautiful facility and for prioritizing student success and workforce development in this community and across Tennessee.”
For more than 50 years, the Bachman family has served as a local automotive industry leader, building a successful network of automotive dealerships in northeast Tennessee. The Phil and Martha Bachman Foundation continues to honor the couple's mission of advancing education, strengthening communities and supporting nonprofits.
Through the generosity of the Phil and Martha Bachman Foundation, $12.85 million in additional funding is committed for a state-of-the-art automotive training facility to be built on the campus. An additional $250,000 in scholarship funding annually over the next three years will support automotive students as they pursue their education and prepare for rewarding careers.
“The Bachman family has spent more than 50 years helping drive the economy of northeast Tennessee, and now their legacy will help prepare the next generation of skilled workers,” said State Rep. David Hawk. “What makes this investment especially meaningful is the partnership between our state and a family with such deep roots in this community. From hands-on automotive training to scholarships that open doors for students, the opportunities created here will extend far beyond this campus. That’s a fitting way to honor Phil and Martha Bachman and their lifelong commitment to Greene County.”
Rep. Hawk and State Sen. Steve Southerland secured funding for the new campus as part of Gov. Lee’s historic $1.5 billion investment in career and technical education and training.
TCAT at Greene County is home to seven programs offered at the Phil and Martha Bachman Center. These include nursing, cosmetology, industrial electricity and welding, among others. Visit the TCAT Morristown website for more information about opportunities at the college.
The College System of Tennessee is the state’s largest public higher education system, with 13 community colleges, 22 colleges of applied technology, and the online TN eCampus serving approximately 170,000 students. The system is governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.