Guilford Industrial Education Center's status was changed to a technical institute. The Board sought this change because of the increase in enrollment and the need for additional funds at the industrial center. It was in May 1965, at the request of the Board of Trustees and at the recommendation of the Department of Community Colleges and the approval of the State Board of Education, that Guilford Industrial Education Center became a technical institute. The Board requested that the status of the center be changed to a technical institute offering technical, trade and general adult and community service programs. This also authorized the the school to grant the Associate in Applied Science degree in those areas approved by the State Board.
Dr. Franicis F. Marco was appointed the first president and an eight member Board of Trustees was established. The name of the center was changed to Guilford Technical Institute. August 19, 1965 the school was dedicated in a formal ceremony officiated by then North Carolina Governor, Dan K. Moore. At this same ceremony the first graduate, Virginia Bangiola, was awarded the Associate Degree in Applied Science.
During this period GTI's curriculum, facilities and staff underwent comprehensive reorganization. Also it was during this period GTI’s curriculum programs attained accreditation. The campus saw the addition of campus buildings, an increase and upgrade in faculty and staff and a significant increase in student enrollment. The school reestablished itself and its role within the Guilford County community. A 1971 bond referendum did much to help show the support of the community for GTI’s building and curriculum program.
