Mission Statement

The Educational Opportunity Center provides comprehensive support for adult learners that includes career and academic counseling, post-secondary application assistance, and support for completing the financial aid process. We meet students where they are and promote their individual education goals by helping them understand and navigate the landscape of higher education. The mission of the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) is to increase the number of adult participants who enroll in postsecondary education institutions.

Vision Statement

Our vision at EOC is to create a thriving community of service providers, fostering empowerment for adult learners from all walks of life. We envision a future where we seamlessly meet our participants where they need us most, whether it’s in high schools, AJC centers, transitional housing, or other community settings. Together, we are committed to making a lasting impact, equipping our participants with the necessary tools, resources, and unwavering support to fulfill their educational aspirations and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

Program History, Background, and Evolution

The Educational Opportunity Center at the University of Tennessee has been dedicated to supporting college-going adults in our community since 1991. It all began when Dr. Ernest Brewer authored the original TRIO grant, which received approval from the Department of Education, setting the foundation for our impactful work. Dr. Brewer’s commitment and leadership as the Center Director spanned over two decades, shaping the success of our center.

Continuing this legacy of excellence, Vee McGahey served as the Project Director for EOC for an impressive 28 years. Under her guidance, our center flourished, consistently securing the federal TRIO grant every five years, a testament to the unwavering quality of our programs and services. Today, we are proud to have Stephanie Langley as our esteemed Project Director, leading the charge to empower individuals in their pursuit of higher education. With Stephanie’s visionary leadership and dedication, we are poised to continue making a lasting impact on the lives of our participants.

Since 1991, EOC has proudly served 50,000 participants, with an impressive enrollment rate of at least 70% in post-secondary education. Our influence extends across 27 counties in three states: North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee.

At EOC, our dedicated staff members are committed to meeting participants wherever they are on their educational journey. You’ll find our team working tirelessly in a diverse range of settings, including American Job Centers, Community Colleges, Technical Schools, High Schools, prisons, transitional housing, and women’s centers. We believe in leaving no stone unturned when it comes to providing support and guidance to adults aspiring to earn a degree.

Central to our success are the deep-rooted partnerships we have fostered within the community. Whether collaborating with the Cherokee Higher Education Center in Swain County, NC, Blue Ridge Community College in GA, or the United Way in Knoxville, we serve as trusted allies to our community partners. Our program staff’s wealth of knowledge and expertise in financial aid processes and higher education options is highly respected among colleagues and participants alike. As a result, we are consistently sought after to assist Community Colleges, Technical Schools, and other institutions in supporting students who face unique barriers.

Join us as we continue to build bridges and break barriers, empowering individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve their educational dreams. At EOC, we are proud advocates for higher education, offering unwavering support and expertise to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.