Tennessee Tech's College of Education & Human Sciences donates high-performance computers to Putnam County Schools
Tennessee Tech University's College of Education and Human Sciences, through its Jeffers
Learning Resources Center (JLRC) and VISION Lab, donated a set of high-performance
computers to Upperman High School in Baxter and Prescott South Middle School in Cookeville.
These systems support Upperman’s growing STEM and “Esports” (professional digital
gaming) programs. The new technologies will also enhance STEM learning experiences
for students at Prescott.
The college’s VISION lab uses advanced workstations to power virtual reality content
creation, mixed-reality research, immersive classroom recordings, and other emerging
technology projects, preparing Tech students for the future of teaching and learning.
Now, these systems are beginning a new chapter by serving students across the Upper
Cumberland.
“This expansion is exactly what the Jeffers endowment was created to do: support innovation,
expand access to high-quality systems and give learners hands-on opportunities with
technologies that connect directly to future-ready skills,” said Jason Beach, professor
and director of the JLRC and VISION Lab. “Our goal is to keep these resources in motion,
so they continue to benefit young people in our region.”
“The technology pipeline initiated by the JLRC and the VISION Lab inspires the strategic
goals of the Tech Tomorrow Strategic Plan," added Lisa Zagumny, dean of the College
of Education and Human Sciences. "It supports education for life from primary school
onward, nurtures an innovative and technologically savvy citizenry and strengthens
stewardship for even greater community impact. This is Tennessee Tech in service to
the Upper Cumberland and to Tennessee students."
The donation of this equipment allows local middle and high school students the access
and instruction to develop the same kinds of skills that drive modern STEM industries,
advanced manufacturing and digital media.
Upperman High School will use the computers to strengthen its Esports program, giving
students reliable hardware that supports competition, collaboration and real-world
technical problem solving. Prescott South Middle School will incorporate the systems
into its STEM program, supporting coding, engineering challenges, robotics and digital
design activities.
“These partnerships show the power of connecting the College of Education and Human
Sciences with the school systems we serve,” said Beach. “When we share resources,
we expand opportunities. When we invest in learners in middle school and high school,
we strengthen our entire community. The goal is simple. Keep high-quality technology
in the hands of students who can use it to grow, explore, create, and prepare for
the future workforce.”
For more information, contact Professor Beach in the Department of Curriculum and
Instruction at 931-372-3181 or email ci@tntech.edu.