February 23, 2011

Gwinnett Tech Now Reviewing Proposals for North Fulton County Campus

Gwinnett Technical College is now reviewing proposals for a potential campus location in North Fulton County. In June of last year, the state board of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) voted to re-assign North Fulton County into the service area for Gwinnett Tech.

The proposals were invited by the Workforce Development Committee of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) to provide municipalities and other groups the opportunity to formally present private investment options for consideration. Proposals were due on Jan. 31, 2011.

GTC's review committee is now evaluating the proposals, reviewing criteria and sites, and conducting site visits, a process that is anticipated to take about six weeks. From there, GTC will forward its ranked assessments to the TCSG. The final decision on a campus location and facility will ultimately be made by the TCSG state board.

Proposals were submitted by:

• The City of Sandy Springs – two possible sites

• Land Investment Partners, LLC-24 and TPA Realty Services, LLC

• Duke Realty

• The City of Roswell/City of Alpharetta – four possible sites

In September 2010, the TCSG state board voted to place a Gwinnett Tech campus in North Fulton on a list for future consideration, the first step in a multi-step process. At present, there's no state funding for the campus. However, it remains a high priority on the TCSG list for future college projects.

To make the campus a reality will require a combination of both state funding and private investment, and economic development and business leaders in North Fulton are moving forward on that aspect of the project.

"We're excited about the opportunity to serve the residents and business community of North Fulton and are pleased that these necessary initial actions are underway. While the evaluations and ultimate decision about a physical campus works through the TCSG process, we are focused on determining which program offerings will match the needs of students and employers, and in meeting the change documentation required by the Commission on Colleges," explains Sharon Bartels, Gwinnett Tech president.

Gwinnett Tech's first programs in the North Fulton area will likely be continuing education offerings, with college credit courses in general education and targeted programs, including business, computer information systems and early education, following.

GTC offers more than 45 degree, diploma and certificate program options that can be finished in two years or less.  For more information, visit www.GwinnettTech.edu or call 770-962-7580.

Get the latest news about Gwinnett Tech:  http://www.gwinnetttech.edu/news

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