Feb. 28, 2025
South College welcomed more than 150 Knox County high school students to its Parkside campus on Feb. 28 to explore potential career pathways in healthcare and criminal justice/paralegal through the Knox County Schools 865 Academies initiative.
The students from Fulton, Karns and Powell high schools and Hardin Valley Academy toured the campus and learned about professional options and educational opportunities available through South College.
“We’re always excited to showcase our campus and spend time with the next generation of students,” South College Chancellor Steve South said. “It’s also a great opportunity for these young people to see firsthand what college instruction looks like and if one of these fields of study is right for them.”
This was the second annual 865 Academies student visit to the college. The Academies initiative provides career-themed academies at all 14 traditional KCS high schools and connects public and private partners to provide high school students with opportunities to explore different career possibilities and engage in authentic work-based learning.
Approximately 100 students signed up to explore the Health Science pathway and received introductions to Health Science, Imaging Science, Medical Assisting, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant, Respiratory Therapy and Surgical Technology programs. Students also toured the college’s advanced laboratories with modern equipment.
Another 60 students expressed interest in the Criminal Justice and Paralegal pathway and spent the day learning about South College’s Criminal Justice and Paralegal Studies programs.
“We are proud to partner with the 865 Academies and feel privileged to offer students a glimpse into what is possible,” said Dr. Neil Heatherly, Knoxville campus president. “While we do hope the students choose to pursue program areas offered by South College, we also are happy to offer practical exposure to the fields, so these teenagers can make an educated decision about their future.”
South College offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online and Competency-Based Education (CBE).
To learn more about South College, visit south.edu.
About South College
South College serves more than 14,000 students and is proud of its more than 17,000 graduates. The institution offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online and Competency-Based Education (CBE). South College focuses on ensuring high standards and quality educational offerings, maintaining multiple authorizations and accreditations.
South College’s programs span diverse fields such as business, criminal justice, dental hygiene/assisting, diagnostic medical sonography, nursing, occupational therapy, paralegal studies, physical therapy, radiography, respiratory therapy, physician assistant studies, pharmacy and surgical technology. The institution is dedicated to preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for the professional opportunities ahead of them. For more information, visit south.edu.
