Dr. Kirk Nooks Visits TCAT Dickson for Leadership Motion Tour

Dr. Kirk A. Nooks, President and CEO of the Council on Occupational Education (COE), visited the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Dickson on Monday, October 26, 2026. The visit was part of the Presidential Leadership in Motion Tour, designed to allow Dr. Nooks to observe technical instruction, workforce preparation, and the use of emerging technologies.

During the visit, Dr. Nooks was welcomed by TCAT Dickson President and COE Commission member Laura Travis. The itinerary included a briefing with senior leadership and a tour of the college’s educational programs and training facilities to examine the environments supporting students in technical and skilled fields.

Robotics Competition Shows Students Applying Technical Knowledge

A central feature of the visit was a robotics competition, which served as a demonstration of how students apply classroom knowledge in a practical setting.

“Visiting TCAT Dickson was an opportunity to see the many ways technical education continues to evolve alongside the industries it serves,” said Dr. Nooks. “I especially appreciated the opportunity to observe the robotics competition and see students applying their technical knowledge in a practical setting.”

Dr. Nooks noted that such experiences highlight the range of skills in career and technical education and the role of schools in preparing people for a shifting workforce.

COE Visit Affirms College Efforts to Meet Workforce Demands

Laura Travis stated that the visit served as an affirmation of the efforts of the college’s students, staff, and faculty to maintain educational excellence and meet workforce demands.

Travis said it was an “honor” to have Dr. Nooks on campus to showcase programs that create career opportunities.

The visit is part of a broader effort by the COE to maintain an ongoing dialogue with member institutions. This includes discussions regarding the realities of providing high-quality career and technical education. By observing training activities and engaging with leadership, Dr. Nooks gathers perspectives to inform the agency’s understanding of the students and institutions it serves.