Athens Technical College celebrated the grand opening of its state-of-the-art Industrial Systems Technology Building, a 40,000 sq. foot facility that embodies a commitment to cutting-edge education and innovation. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on Dec. 15, marks a significant milestone for the institution and the community it serves.

The new building, a $17.2 million project, will be a hub for various crucial programs designed to prepare students for careers in industries vital to the region's growth. The following key programs will find a home in the facility.

Air Conditioning Technology: Led by Program Chair Coleman Simmons, this program prepares students for careers in the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration industry. The expanded space more than triples the capacity and allows for new equipment.

Mechatronics: A multidisciplinary field essential for contemporary automated manufacturing, Mechatronics provides the foundation for expected growth in automation and manufacturing. Program Chair Jonathan Swinsburg will lead this cutting-edge program.

Industrial Systems Technology: This program, also led by Swinsburg, focuses on maintaining and repairing various machines used in industry. These technicians play a critical role in keeping automated machines and robots in good working order.

Economic Development Services: Under the leadership of Vice President for Economic Development and Elbert County Campus Al McCall, this team provides non-credit workforce development programs and lifelong learning opportunities to businesses and individuals within the 11-county region.

Dr. Andrea Daniel, President of Athens Technical College, expressed her excitement about the completion of the project, stating, "This building was one of my first priorities after becoming President, and it's so exciting to see it come to fruition. It wouldn't have happened without an incredible team."

The project's success is attributed to the collaborative efforts of numerous companies and individuals. President Daniel extended special thanks to the funding partners, the office of Governor Brian Kemp, and the Georgia General Assembly, as well as the GSFIC Project Team, Technical College System of Georgia Facilities Team, Carroll Daniel Project Team, Jericho Design Group, Architects, and other project partners.

The ceremony featured esteemed guest speakers, including Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz, Georgia State Representative Houston Gaines, and 10th District U.S. Representative Mike Collins. Each speaker highlighted the significance of the Industrial Systems Technology Building and its positive impact on education and workforce development in the community.

“This morning, and I think [this building] has been eight years in the making,” said Gaines. “When I first got elected and went through the facility, we saw the need on campus for a facility. It wasn’t because we needed a new building, it was because we needed these instructional classrooms so students can get good-paying jobs. When I look back on what I’ve worked on over the past five years, I can’t think of anything I’m more proud of than this building.”

Collins complemented the work of all officials on the project and echoed the need for the building.

“This is right in my wheelhouse, I absolutely love the technical colleges,” he said. “When people come by our office to talk to us about issues, this is one of the number one things that they talk about— we need folks that know how to work and work on the tools that we need going forward. It’s great to be able to tell people we’ve got an incredible technical college system throughout the state of Georgia and they’re meeting those needs, and it’s one of the reasons that businesses are coming to the state of Georgia.”

The event concluded with a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony, including representatives from the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, signifying the opening of doors to education, opportunity, and progress for the College.