Valdosta Technical College is experiencing the kind of problem that every institution of higher learning would like to have. From 1994 to the present, the school has experienced a 160 percent increase. That means that in 12 years, the student population rose from 1,700 to 4,500 — leaving Val Tech no choice but to expand to meet the needs of a flourishing community. Placing mobile units on campus served as a temporary fix, but even that solution has outlived its time. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day, Val Tech is forced to operate above its physical capacity.

Expansion is occurring, however. Anyone who has driven by the campus recently has seen big machinery clearing land in preparation for construction. In April, Gov. Sonny Perdue visited Val Tech and brought news that a new facility for the campus had been approved and would be funded through the state. The new building will provide much-needed class and office space and will help the college continue to prepare students for the challenges of the job market.

It is an exciting time for students and faculty as Val Tech expands to meet its mission of providing quality education. At the same time, the school is welcoming aboard new President Robert M. Abene, who has the credentials and experience to build on the foundation set by former President James Bridges. Val Tech is an important component in Metro Valdosta’s economic growth, so what’s good for Val Tech is good for the community as a whole. Find out more by visiting www.valdostatech.edu.