UT Martin Regional Centers & Online Programs

The Parsons Center, UT Martin's fourth off-campus site, began classes in January 2007. The center offers a variety of undergraduate courses supporting bachelor’s degree requirements in more than 80 specialized programs, including education, nursing, criminal justice, history, social work, political science, psychology, and interdisciplinary studies. The center also offers a variety of general education undergraduate courses designed to accommodate students who wish to begin working toward a degree close to home.
The center's home is a new 29,000 sq. ft. technologically advanced facility that includes general classroom space, nursing lab, conference room, computer lab, student lounge, bookstore, science lab, administrative offices, library and distance-learning classroom. The Parsons Center was the result of the joint construction project by The Ayers Foundation, the City of Parsons, and Decatur County.
For more information on the UT Martin Parsons Center and their degrees, visit www.utm.edu/parsons

Where did you earn your degrees?
I earned all of my degrees from Union University, including a Bachelor of Music in Music Education, M.Ed., Ed.S., and Doctorate in Educational Leadership. I also became a National Board-Certified Teacher and taught at West Carroll and Caywood Elementary before joining UT Martin.

Why did you choose the Parsons Center?
I became Director in 2012 after encouragement from family and much prayer. I was inspired by the community’s commitment to providing local access to higher education and helping students earn degrees close to home.

What do you love about your community?
I love the community’s strong support for education and student success. It’s inspiring to see students, faculty, staff, board members, and community partners work together to make a difference.

What excites you most about the future?
Seeing students succeed is the most rewarding part of my job. I’m excited about the continued growth of the UT Martin Parsons Center, new academic opportunities, and celebrating future graduates as they pursue their dreams.

Learn more at www.utm.edu/parsons

The UT Martin Jackson Center has been offering classes and programs in the Jackson area since 1992 and is conveniently located in the Ned R. McWherter Center on the campus of Jackson State Community College. This partnership allows students to begin and graduate at Jackson State Community College and then enroll at UT Martin to complete a baccalaureate degree without leaving the Jackson State campus, and improves transfer pathways and four-year graduation success. Adults wanting to complete their degrees also find the flexibility they need to balance school, work and family.
The center offers a variety of undergraduate courses supporting bachelor's degree programs in agriculture, business administration, criminal justice, education, history, social work, political science, psychology, interdisciplinary studies, and the university’s Military Science and Leadership Program, of which ROTC is a part. A number of graduate-level courses also are available, and the center offers a wide variety of non-credit youth, personal enrichment, and professional development courses and programs.
Whether returning to school or continuing your education to the next level, the UT Martin Jackson Center can help you achieve your goals.

For more information on the UT Martin Jackson Center and their degrees, visit www.utm.edu/jackson

🎉Meet the Jackson Center Director: Anita Cannedy🎉

Anita has earned a master’s in education focused on curriculum design from York University and a bachelor’s in humanities with an emphasis in Arts Administration from St. Edward’s University, her passion for education is rooted in connection and impact. Drawn to the Jackson Center’s mission of linking higher education with the needs of West Tennessee, she values the strong sense of community in Jackson-Madison County and the region’s commitment to growth and opportunity. Looking ahead, she is excited to expand programs, strengthen partnerships, and help more students achieve their academic and career goals—continuing to make higher education accessible and meaningful across West Tennessee.

If you are interested in learning more about the Jackson Center, please visit their website at www.utm.edu/jackson.

🎉Happy Birthday to our Somerville Center Director, Kara Tapp🎉

Your leadership, dedication, and positivity make such a difference every day. Wishing you a year filled with happiness, success, and all the things you love! 🎂💙🧡

Kim Fisher, the UT Martin Parsons Center Nursing Administrative Specialist, was one of the three Skyhawk Spirit Award recipients for the month of April. Please help us congratulate her for her continued dedication to our students!🎉

View the excerpt from the UT Martin Addenda below:

Fisher was praised in her award letter for her dedication and performance at the UT Martin Parsons Center. “In addition to your regular responsibilities, you have taken on new initiatives to ensure students have access to food, resources and support through the blessing box, student lounges and the UTM Parsons Food Pantry,” the letter stated. “Your partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank and willingness to assist with nursing student applications further reflect your compassion and leadership.”

Congratulations to Kelli Deere on graduating from the 2025–26 Inaugural Chancellor’s Leadership Academy! 🎉

What an incredible group of University of Tennessee at Martin leaders. We’re so proud of their dedication, growth, and commitment to making a lasting impact on our campus culture and community. 💙🧡

The future of UTM leadership is bright, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!

Our office proudly participated in Denim Day on April 29 💙

Together, we can continue building a safer, more compassionate campus through unity, understanding, and advocacy. Thank you to everyone who joined us in showing support and making a difference.

Read more about the History of Denim Day:

National Denim Day originated in 1999 as a campaign to raise awareness about sexual violence and support survivors. It was established by Peace Over Violence, a nonprofit organization, in response to a controversial court case in Italy. In 1992, an 18-year-old woman was r***d by her 45-year-old driving instructor. Although the perpetrator was initially convicted, the Italian Supreme Court overturned the ruling in 1998, arguing that because the victim was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped remove them, thereby implying consent.

The verdict sparked outrage worldwide. In protest, female members of the Italian Parliament wore jeans to work, igniting a movement that soon spread globally. Inspired by this act of solidarity, Peace Over Violence declared the last Wednesday of April as Denim Day, urging people to wear denim to challenge misconceptions about sexual violence and to support survivors.

We’re proud to celebrate another outstanding student achievement from the UT Martin Jackson Center! 🎓✨

Congratulations to Elizabeth Mann on being awarded the Jackson Area Business and Professional Women Scholarship! Elizabeth is currently pursuing a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Law Policy and is on track to graduate in August 2026. She joined us as a transfer student through our partnership with Jackson State Community College, where she earned her associate degree in Political Science in August 2025.

This marks the second consecutive year a Jackson Center student has received this prestigious scholarship—following last year’s recipient, Krystal Taylor, who now serves on the UTM Jackson Board.

The Jackson Center continues to thrive, shaping the next generation of skilled, driven professionals. We’re excited to see all that Elizabeth will accomplish!

🌟 Student Spotlight: Benjamin Malin 🌟

Benjamin Malin is a K–5 Education major at the UTM Parsons Center who chose the program for its outstanding professors and close-to-home convenience. A consistent Chancellor’s List honoree (with highest honors most recently), he’s committed to excellence.💯❗️

Benjamin hopes to teach with purpose, coach cross country, and inspire the next generation—while cherishing every moment with his son, Zayden 💙