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.
What We Think
Val Tech is good for the community
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Don’t jettison landmark
While we respect the request to relocate the F-86 aircraft from outside Mathis City Auditorium to the new Moody Air Force Base Airpark, we would hope the city and MAFB would reconsider moving it.
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Shame in Berrien County
Unfortunately for Sherrie Williams of the Berrien County school-based health clinic, she talked to The Times and praised the program that she oversees. This pride in her work led to the loss of her job.
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Grading policy: A second chance?
In clarifying the Lowndes County Schools’ controversial grading policy, Superintendent Dr. Steve Smith spoke of second chances.
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Be up to any weather challenge
Georgia’s Severe Weather Awareness Week starts today and runs through Friday. The idea behind the week is to prepare Georgians for weather emergencies and how to keep these situations from becoming tragedies.
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Parents and schools
There is a lot of talk lately about school systems and grading policies, and how all of a child's problems come back to a lack of parenting. But is it really that simple? Can it be a case where the school systems are so focused on the problem few that the majority of students are ignored?
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To Brooks County High School engineering and technology teacher Don Morgan and his students. They recently received national attention for their work with biodiesel fuel. They collect used cooking oil from area fast-food restaurants then process this oil into biodiesel. Morgan hopes to next interest the Brooks County school buses into running on the fuel created in his class. This classroom not only prepares students for the future but may prepare all of us for an alternative energy source.
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Take me out to the ball park
The Valdosta State baseball season begins today. The Blazers host Lindenwood at 2:30 p.m. Nothing beats quality baseball played in warm weather with a great venue like Billy Grant Field.
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What We Think: Signing Day
Wednesday was National Signing Day, the day when high school athletes across the country make official announcements about what school they’ve chosen to sign with.
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School policy fails expectations
Lowndes County Schools recently implemented new grading guidelines for students. These guidelines have left many parents upset ...
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Just the facts, please
The Times has taken some hits this weekend following the reporting of the Rev. Floyd Rose’ rally on Saturday concerning the car which drove into a home, killing an infant on New Year’s, and an incident at Pinevale Learning Center. Some police officers think the VDT is not being fair, and Rose accused the VDT of not printing the facts, but the facts are as follows:
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Don’t jettison landmark
