GHC Breaks Ground On New Academic Building at Cartersville Campus

CARTERSVILLE, GA -- More than 250 people came together April 26 for a groundbreaking ceremony commemorating a new academic building at Georgia Highlands College's Cartersville Campus.

GHC employees, elected officials, the GHC Foundation Board, USG Chancellor Steve Wrigley, community members, and more spent time at the site learning more about what the future holds for GHC.

The 52,000-square-foot structure is scheduled to open in fall 2018. It was designed by Stanely Beaman & Sears and will be constructed by Juneau. President Don Green opened the event and was followed by Chancellor Steve Wrigley. Other speakers included Vice President of Advancement Mary Transue, Vice President for Academic Affairs Renva Watterson, Campus Dean Leslie Johnson, and Student Government President Lucas Lester.

“This new academic building helps us maintain quality two-year and four-year degree programs that are affordable for students across Northwest Georgia, which remains one of GHC’s highest priorities,” Green said. “I’m glad we can continue to offer a full associate degree for less than $8,000 and a four-year bachelor’s degree for less than $16,000. Not only is this a great return on investment for our students, it also fuels a growing Georgia economy with much-needed college graduates who will become career-ready with little to no debt upon completion.”

After holding the third highest enrollment increase in the state in 2015 and witnessing a consistent swell in enrollment, GHC pursued funding for the construction of a new academic building with a focus on STEAM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) areas of study at the Cartersville site. GHC was approved for funding under the fiscal year 2017 state budget, which was approved by Georgia legislature and signed by Gov. Nathan Deal.

Image via Georgia Highlands College