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.
What We Think
OUR OPINION: A better product for the student
- What We Think
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Elections: Creating a two-party region?
Twenty years ago, most area elections were decided during the primaries. Then, almost every candidate qualified as a Democrat. While there may be plenty of challengers on the ballot, many seats were decided in July or a few weeks later during the primary run-off.
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To South Georgians making fine impressions on television singing competitions. Phillip Phillips of Leesburg won “American Idol” this week. Meanwhile, Lowndes High School graduate Stacia Watkins participated in the new ABC show “Duets.” Well done!
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Farewell to the vanishing ace
Donald S. “Bush” Bryan was not only a rare individual. He was part of a vanishing breed.
An Adel resident for the past 30 years, Bryan was a World War II flying ace. Not just an ace but a double ace. A pilot must down five enemy aircraft to become an ace; Bryan downed 13.3 enemy planes in Europe. The fractions represent planes downed with other pilots. -
A widespread mosquito alert
In announcing the discovery of a mosquito carrying the West Nile Virus strain, city and health officials did not include the specific location of the discovery.
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Of Guantanamo Bay and a Founding Father
Some readers may wonder how a Valdosta High School graduate could bring himself as an attorney to represent a Guantanamo Bay prisoner charged in connection to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
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Congratulations, VSU Softball!
This weekend, Valdosta State University Blazers Softball became the latest team to add to Valdosta’s TitleTown legacy.
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School’s out so watch out!
Summer is a time of rest, vacations and trips. It is a time when school is out, when people take time off from work, when people may stay out a little later. It is a time of swimming, trying new things, and seeking adventure.
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Qualifiers are next leaders
While the national media focuses attention on the presidential election, it should be remembered that we will also choose our local leaders this year.
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Thumbs up
THUMBS UP: To the 2011-12 arts season. Theatre Guild Valdosta’s rollicking comedy, “Caught in the Net,” officially brings to a close a magnificent schedule of shows ranging from theatre to opera to concerts to art exhibits and more from a variety of area venues. Theatre Guild will also open the 2012-13 season this summer with the musical “Into the Woods.” Until then, arts lovers can soon enjoy a new series of exhibits from the year-round Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts and three musicals starting in two weeks from Peach State Summer Theatre.
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Events that get things done
Finding something that repeatedly attracts the public is difficult enough, but finding an event that accomplishes that feat while also promoting your organization and helping others … well, in many places, that’s a rarity.
Not so for the Valdosta area. - More What We Think Headlines
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Elections: Creating a two-party region?
