Reposted with permission from NorthGeorgia.edu
CUMMING, GA (Jan. 17, 2012) – North Georgia College & State University and Gainesville State College celebrated the beginning of construction on a new instructional facility in Cumming, Ga., today.
Slated to open in fall 2012, University Center | GA 400 is being constructed on property near Ga. 400 at Pilgrim Mill Road. The instructional center will offer a range of two- and four-year undergraduate programs, graduate programs and professional development opportunities. Additionally, North Georgia's MBA program, currently located in the Cumming City Hall building, will move to the new facility.
Due to inclement weather, the ground breaking ceremony was moved indoors to the Cumming Aquatic Center, which is adjacent to the construction site. However, the rainy weather didn't dampen officials' outlook for the future of the University Center.
"North Georgia College & State University and Gainesville State College are each very strong, successful schools in helping students enter college and earn a degree. Jointly, through University Center GA 400, we will expand students' pathways of opportunity and enhance the economic development and quality of life in this community," said Dr. Bonita Jacobs, president at North Georgia College & State University.
The University System of Georgia has identified the Cumming and Forsyth County area as an "underserved region" of the state for higher education, and Cumming officials have been seeking to expand higher education opportunities for the fast-growing community for years.
"We are looking forward to being part of the project to bring higher education to a permanent location in Cumming. As a partner with North Georgia College & State University, Gainesville State College through its 'student focused, learning centered' environment will play an important role in this location. I see this as just the beginning of an exceptional opportunity for the citizens in the region," said Dr. Martha T. Nesbitt, president of Gainesville State College.
University Center | GA 400 site will not be residential and is expected to alleviate some of the capacity pressure at the existing campuses of North Georgia College & State University and Gainesville State College. With nearly 6,100 students, North Georgia is nearing capacity at its Dahlonega campus and Gainesville State's capacity has exceeded 100 percent on the Oakwood campus since 2000. In fall 2011, more than 1,500 students from Forsyth County were enrolled at both schools -- 782 at North Georgia and 806 at Gainesville State.
More information about University Center | GA 400 is available online at www.universitycenterga400.org.
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