In an effort to reduce costs, the Technical College System of Georgia recently announced that it will consolidate colleges in the coming months. At the end of the process, Georgia will have 26 technical colleges, as opposed to the 33 it currently boasts.

Mike Light with the Technical College System of Georgia noted that the consolidation, while it will reduce the number of technical colleges by seven, will not reduce the number of available campuses. It will basically consolidate administrative duties.

We applaud the folks with the Technical College System of Georgia for not closing any campuses as we believe doing so would have severely hindered some people’s ability to pursue an education. And the last thing anyone wants to do is keep someone from having the opportunity to better himself or herself, especially in this struggling economy.

Valdosta Technical College will merge with East Central Technical College in Fitzgerald, saving the state about $500,000 in administrative costs. In all the consolidation process will save the state some $3.5 million, which should help offset any budget cuts — while simultaneously maintaining teaching positions and instructional programs.

“Colleges that will be consolidated should be able to present a better product for the student,” said Ben Copeland, Technical College System of Georgia Board of Directors member. “That’s what it’s really all about — the student.”

We could not agree more.

Valdosta Technical College currently offers 143 technical certificate of credit, degree and diploma programs. East Central Technical College has 100. Between the two, we are confident the residents of Lowndes, Echols, Berrien, Brooks, Cook, Atkinson, Lanier, Coffee, Ben Hill, Irwin and Wilcox counties will find an area of interest to study.

Between now and July 1, 2010, as officials from both Valdosta Technical College and East Central Technical College prepare for the merger, we hope everyone in the respective communities finds it in their hearts to support their efforts. After all, they are preparing today’s youth for tomorrow’s world.