UT Martin, Gibson County Special School District announce partnership

UT Martin, Gibson County Special School District announce partnership

MARTIN, Tenn. – Students in the Gibson County Special School District will have more opportunities to earn college credits and broaden career options thanks to a new partnership between the special school district and the University of Tennessee at Martin. The partnership was announced Nov. 11 at Gibson County High School during an event attended by school administrators, faculty members and UT Martin officials.  

MARTIN, TENN., Nov. 26, 2025 – PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCED – Students in the Gibson County Special School District will have more opportunities to earn college credits and broaden career options thanks to a new partnership between the special school district and UT Martin. The partnership was announced Nov. 11 at Gibson County High School. Pictured at the partnership sign are (l, r) Todd Sheppard, principal, Gibson County High School; Kevin Turner, high school instructional supervisor and director, Career and Technical Education; Dr. Wes Totten, professor and chair, UT Martin Department of Agriculture, Geoscience and Natural Resources; Eddie Pruett, director of schools, Gibson County Special School District; Dr. Yancy Freeman, UT Martin chancellor; Lyndsey Norman, agriculture teacher, Gibson County High School; Erica Bell, executive director, UT Martin Regional Centers and Online Programs; Emily Pitt, director, Innovative School Model, and CTE coordinator; and Carly Robinson, career advising specialist. Learn more at outreach@utm.edu.

Eddie Pruett, director of schools, opened the program and described how Gibson County students can earn simultaneous credits in high school in partnership with the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Jackson and UT Martin. High school students enrolled in the special school district’s agriculture programs can accelerate progress toward a bachelor’s degree by taking courses with TCAT Jackson and expanded dual-enrollment course opportunities with UT Martin. 

This flexibility can come at a critical time for certain students.

“Something may happen in their life, and they need to just take that TCAT certificate and have a job,” Pruett said. “But then they may want to get back onto that ramp and go on and continue their four-year degree.”

Pruett also sees the partnership improving the teacher pipeline to Gibson County through a special grow-your-own, dual-enrollment program. Students can earn up to 30 UTM credit hours and pursue work-based learning opportunities, while getting paid to work in the classroom. Once students complete their UT Martin degrees, they can return to help fill the need for teachers in Gibson County. 

“What we’re able to do is identify high-potential students that have a love for learning and a love for kids and keep them in our local communities and keep them here working with our students,” he said.

UT Martin Chancellor Yancy Freeman followed Pruett in the program and told how access to education changed his own life as a first-generation college student and graduate. 

“This provides accessibility for students at this school to be able to take advantage of a premium education through the TCAT and also, hopefully, continued education with UTM,” Freeman said. “So, this partnership advances two real main goals for us, overall.”

The partnership also intends to reach younger students to create excitement for learning before they reach high school. 

“We are committing to expanding STEM programs and hands-on learning for grades K-8, sparking curiosity, creativity and early exploration among our youngest learners,” he said.

Freeman closed with a commitment that the partnership will benefit not only students but all of Gibson County.

“It is not just good enough for us to enroll them (students),” he said. “We have to help them graduate, and then we want them to return to their community so that they can continue to provide value to their community overall. 

“Above all, this agreement supports our shared mission to serve West Tennessee by preparing the next generation of leaders, educators and innovators.”

For information about the partnership, contact the UT Martin Office of Regional Centers and Online Programs at outreach@utm.edu. 

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