Gwinnett Tech to begin construction on Alpharetta campus in 2014

by Caitlin Wagenseil

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October 11, 2013

ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Gwinnett Technical College will soon begin construction on a campus in Alpharetta that officials say could accommodate up to 10,000 students when completely developed.

The 25-acre North Fulton campus will be at the intersection of Old Milton Parkway and Ga. 400, across from the Avalon development.

David McCulloch, vice president of economic development for Gwinnett Tech, said that while the construction schedule is still being decided, it's expected to begin in mid-2014.

McCulloch said that there's no doubt the addition of the new campus will generate positive impact and begin a ripple of positive effects for the community.

"The presence of a highly skilled workforce attracts new business and industry, and supports the expansion of current enterprises — an additional economic impact to the community and residents alike," McCulloch said.

The college's operations spending and payroll will also be a plus to the area, McCulloch added.

And the addition of a technical college campus in Alpharetta will bring many benefits to students in the area.

"For individual students, the new campus will make college and career education much more accessible in terms of a physical location," McCulloch said.

Gwinnett Tech also offers dual enrollment options for high school students, which McCulloch said has been eagerly embraced in North Fulton.

While initial course offerings for the new campus are still being determined, officials expect programs to include computer information systems, logistics, accounting, business management, marketing management, patient care technician, early childhood education and more.

The first classes are anticipated to begin at the Alpharetta campus in January 2016, and in its first year, should serve approximately 1,500 students.

"This is great for our community because it offers opportunities for our young people to get certification and training in different fields to prepare them for quality, high paying jobs," said state Sen. Brandon Beach. "We need to constantly be on the cutting edge of technology, and this campus is going to do that for us."

For more information, visit www.gwinnetttech.edu or call 770-962-7580