Georgia Highlands College will be holding a special groundbreaking event at its Cartersville site on Wednesday (April 26) at 11AM for its new academic building.

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 Legislature and signed by Governor Deal.

GHC received a total $22.5 million in state funding to advance the project: $2.2 for design, $17.7 for construction and $2.6 for equipment.

The April 26th groundbreaking event recognizes the start of construction on the 52,000-square foot building, which is anticipated to be open for Fall 2018. It has been designed by the Stanley Beaman & Sears architecture firm and will be constructed by Juneau.

“The addition of this new academic building will include spaces for laboratories, classrooms, a lecture hall, study rooms and more,” he said. “This increases GHC’s ability to directly impact and support the community workforce through STEAM-based degrees, and it allows GHC to better serve as the University System of Georgia’s primary access institution in the region.”

Green added that the building will also contribute to raising GHC’s current $132 million economic impact in Northwest Georgia. GHC has five locations across Northwest Georgia in Rome, Cartersville, Marietta, Dallas and Douglasville. He stated that the building also strengthens and broadens GHC’s ability to maintain a strong relationship with K-12 school systems across Northwest Georgia.

“We would like to especially thank our legislators for all they do to support GHC, the USG and education in the state,” said Vice President for Advancement Mary Transue, who also serves in GHC’s Government Relations role. “Without their tireless support and dedication, this venture would not have been possible.”