News

Ribbon Cutting Is Scheduled For New Classroom Building

News from Office of Marketing and Public Information             
Jamestown, NC 27282

Contact: Bob Burchette 336-334-4822, Ext. 2566                                 ROBurchette@gtcc.edu

Coretta Montague 336-334-4822, Ext. 2487

(Released: 9/7/10)

RIBBON CUTTING IS SCHEDULED FOR NEW CLASSROOM BUILDING

HIGH POINT - Two years after breaking ground for a much-needed classroom building, Guilford Technical Community College officials have set a ribbon cutting ceremony for the $8 million project for 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept.16.

Among those participating in the ribbon cutting will be High Point and Guilford County government officials and GTCC leaders.

This is the fifth building on the campus at 901 S. Main St. and will help solve a space crunch, according to Janette McNeill, dean of the High Point campus.

Funding for the building was provided by a 2004 bond referendum. J.S. Clark Co. of Mount Airy was awarded a $6,234,800 construction contract for the three-tier building on July 17, 2008.

The total price of $8 million for the project included design fees, parking facilities, landscaping and equipping the building. Harrell, Saltrick and Hopper, PC, of Charlotte was architect.

"The opening of the new curriculum building has generated much excitement for our students, faculty and staff," McNeill said. "This beautiful facility provides 20 new classrooms, including 12 regular classrooms, four computer labs and four specialty labs.

"The building provides a large student commons area for quiet study between classes, something that is much needed by students. Student feedback has been incredibly positive."

McNeill said the building adds 553 more seats to the campus, increasing total seating to nearly 2,000 seats, a 28 percent increase in capacity. The campus, which serves 5,000 to 6,000 students, has had a space crunch for some time, McNeill said.

There is more room for developmental education classes, and a biology lab and a physics lab - labs that previously were not available on this campus, she said.

"Once fully operational, we hope to provide any student who majors in any of our curriculum programs housed on the High Point campus - Entertainment Technology, Human Services Technology, Simulation and Gaming, Pharmacy Technology and Upholstery - the opportunity to take all the classes they need to graduate right here on this campus," she said.

Previously, students had to attend some classes at GTCC campuses in Jamestown or Greensboro to get all of their necessary courses for graduation.

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