Atlanta – The state board that oversees the Technical College System of Georgia today endorsed Commissioner Ron Jackson’s decision to include Appalachian Technical College in the merger of the administrations of Chattahoochee Technical College and North Metro Technical College. 

Appalachian Tech and its service delivery area of Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer and Pickens counties had been slated to merge with North Georgia Technical College in Clarkesville.  Under this new plan, only Fannin County will become part of North Georgia’s service delivery area.

“I’m most appreciative of the input that I’ve received from the civic leaders and  people from throughout the Appalachian Tech community,” said Jackson.  “We all agree that this move improves the program opportunities for our students and enhances workforce and economic development throughout the area.”   

The merger of the three will create the largest technical college in the state with seven campuses and more than 15,000 students enrolled in certificate, diploma and degree programs.  Thousands more students will take part in the college’s adult education, continuing education and workforce training programs.

Dr. Sanford Chandler, formerly the president of Appalachian Tech and now the president at Chattahoochee Tech, will become the president over the three combined colleges when the merger becomes official on July 1, 2009.

A new name for the combined colleges will be announced later this year.

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