The University of North Georgia is now less than a month away from the completion of the new stand-alone Blue Ridge Campus.
"This campus in Blue Ridge is a dream come true," UNG President Bonita Jacobs said during an informal 'beam signing' at the construction site on July 14. "Having a larger location means that we can serve more students and expand course offerings, which will further enhance educational opportunities and the economic development of this region."
Equipment and furniture are expected to be installed in time for the fall semester to begin on Aug. 17, according to information from university officials. Construction on the more than 12,000-square-foot building began in August 2019; ground was broken on the project in October 2018.
Enrollment for the UNG Blue Ridge Campus has increased more than 1,000% in five years, from 20 students upon opening in 2015 to an anticipated enrollment for fall 2020 of 225 students.
The new building, located off Ga. 515 about 3 miles from the current 2,800-square-foot Dunbarton Road facility, will have some 3,500 square feet of classroom space. Classrooms include a computer lab and a full biology lab that can be converted into a chemistry lab.
The Georgia General Assembly funded the $5.5 million project in the 2019 fiscal year. Georgia Speaker of the House of Representatives David Ralston, a UNG alumnus who represents Georgia District 7 that includes Fannin County, helped secure the funds.
