A new staff person and a new approach means more continuing education opportunities at both Walters State's Greeneville center and the Greeneville-Greene County Center for Technology.

"The new delivery method is based on a geographic model, with a director in each campus," said Rick Saint, who has joined Walters State recently as the director of continuing education for Greene, Cocke and Hawkins counties.

"In this particular area, it's really unique because of our partnership with the Center for Technology. That partnership enables us to offer a tremendous number of vocational and technical courses because of the equipment and facilities that are available," Saint said.

New offerings will range from cosmetology to certification courses for insurance agents. Saint plans to continue offering a wide range of computer courses, management courses and technical skill courses like welding and computer design. A dental radiology course also is in the works.

"Many of the programs we offer will be new for this area. Currently, real estate agents have to drive to another area to receive the continuing education courses they need. It will be more convenient for them to take it here. We also want to bring more career-oriented programs to this campus," Saint said.

He added that the college's Institute for Business and Industry currently contracts with several area businesses to provide on-site training.

"We begin with a free needs assessment. Some companies know exactly what training they need and others aren't sure exactly what training is needed to solve a program. What we offer is always tailored to the company.

"We do a significant amount of corporate training. One of the biggest issues I've seen here is the need for supervisor training. Often people are very skilled in a particular job and move up into management. We can provide those new managers with the leadership and management skills they need for those new positions," Saint said.

He said local residents can also choose from a wider assortment of personal enrichment courses that are just for fun.

"It's great, especially for senior citizens who want to stay active. We'll also be offering new programs for children and teens."

Saint can be reached at 639-3790.