Walters State is a learning centered, comprehensive community college established in 1970 to provide affordable and quality higher education opportunities for the residents of East Tennessee. We offer associate degrees and technical certificates that prepare students to transfer to four-year colleges and universities or enter the workforce.

Walters State has been named Tennessee's Community College of the Year two years in a row: 2022 and 2023

Walters State Community College Vision
Walters State will be the leader in transforming our community through education.

Walters State Community College Mission
Through a focus on student success and innovative teaching, Walters State enriches the lives of our students and our community.

Expanded Mission Statement
Through a focus on student success and innovative teaching, Walters State enriches the lives of our students and our community. The college:

• Provides affordable, convenient access through multiple campuses, innovative technology, and distance education
• Collaborates with other educational institutions to promote access, completion, and transfer
• Partners with community businesses and organizations to meet specific educational and workforce needs
• Offers programs of study leading to associate degrees or certificates
• Provides pathways to institutional support services that improve student engagement and success
• Fosters an inclusive campus community through cultural awareness, diversity and open dialogue
• Delivers public service and non-credit programs in support of workforce training and personal development
• Invests in highly qualified faculty and staff
• Creates a culture of continuous improvement and accountability
• Seeks external sources of support and funding to further educational opportunities
• Provides resources to support community engagement and initiatives.

The College System of Tennessee, governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR), is Tennessee's largest higher education system, governing 40 post-secondary educational institutions with over 200 teaching locations. The TBR system includes 13 community colleges, 27 colleges of applied technology, and TN eCampus, providing programs to students across the state, country, and world.