GSC officially opens new academic building

OAKWOOD-Gainesville State College celebrated the official opening of its new academic building with a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony.

The 135,000 square-foot building took two years to complete and cost $37.5 million. The building is a five-story structure with 24 classrooms. There are also 12 learning labs for students to use, which according to Gainesville State's President Dr. Martha Nesbitt, will benefit students.

Nesbitt said, "As a commuter campus, students can't go back to their dorms to study so we need to provide space on campus so they can study while they are here."

Chancellor of the University System of Georgia Hank Huckaby was at today's ceremony and said that the new facility will have a tremendous impact on the learning at the college.

Huckaby said, "I hope it will be a great example of what we can do throughout the state on other campuses."

Chancellor Huckaby also said that he knows that more learning and better learning will take place at Gainesville State because of the new constuction.

Huckaby said, "The overall environment that it creates for learning...the classrooms they will be the highest quality...up to date modern in terms of technology."

The five-story building was also constructed with sustainability in mind with energy saving features.

He also recognized that the building and its impact on students is a testament to the leadership of President Nesbitt.

The building is known to students as Academic IV. It is now the home of the School of Humanities and Fine Arts and the School of Business, Education, Health and Wellness.

Bill Moody, Director of Plant Operations and Facilities and Tim Aldridge, Plant Operations Electrician gave tours of the building to those who attended the ribbon cutting.