Atlanta - The state board that oversees the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) has voted to approve a motion to transfer the management of the College of Coastal Georgia’s technical education programs back to the TCSG.

The unanimous vote came yesterday during the TCSG state board’s monthly meeting in Atlanta.

As a result, Altamaha Technical College, which already serves Appling, Jeff Davis, Long and Wayne counties, will expand its service delivery area to include Camden, Glynn and McIntosh counties beginning on July 1, 2009.

“This is an exciting opportunity for everyone,” said TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson.  “Students will see more outstanding education benefits as the Technical College System of Georgia increases and enhances its presence in the area while Coastal Georgia College focuses on expanding its new four-year mission.”

Altamaha Technical College President Lorette M. Hoover noted that partnering with the coastal area’s business and industry will be a priority moving forward. "Altamaha Technical College achieves its mission of workforce development by working closely with the area’s healthcare, manufacturing, industry, and business communities to meet their workforce needs,” said Hoover. “The next step for the college is to conduct a feasibility study to determine those needs. We’ll also be looking to gain accreditation approval to provide programs and services beginning in July 2009."

Both colleges have been working to prepare for the transfer, including negotiations involving the transitioning of personal services and operating budgets to Altamaha Technical College.  

Governor Perdue has included $14.375 million in capital outlay funds in the FY 2010 budget for the construction of a Brunswick campus for Altamaha Technical College, which also operates campuses in Jesup, Baxley, Hazlehurst and Ludowici. Until those funds are appropriated by the state legislature and the project is complete, the colleges will share space on Coastal Georgia’s Camden County campus. Altamaha Technical College will also use classrooms in the new Golden Isles Career Academy.

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