Senate backs Gwinnett college plan

<p>Gwinnett County would become home to a four-year college under a plan approved by the state Senate on Tuesday.</p><p>The resolution is backed by the state's higher education leaders and would bring a state institution to Georgia's fastest-growing county.</p><p>"There's obviously a great need for this and a great demand for it," said Sen. Don Balfour, R-Snellville, the plan's sponsor.</p><p>Gwinnett County has 676,000 residents and its population is predicted to reach one million by 2020.</p><p>Currently, the Gwinnett University Center, located in Lawrenceville, houses classes for the University of Georgia, Georgia Perimeter College, Southern Polytechnic State University and the Medical College of Georgia.</p><p>The center would eventually become Gwinnett State College under the plan, and could later achieve university status.</p><p>The plan already has been endorsed unanimously by the university system's Board of Regents. It now goes to the House.</p>

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