Dr. Gail Thaxton, OTC Board of Directors, Foundation Trustees, and the administrative staff hosted the local delegation and state technical college board members on December 13^, 2007, to bring them up to date on programs, facility projects, and the needs of the college and its state-affiliated agency – the Technical College System of Georgia.

According to Thaxton, when the allied health building is completed in 2009, 19,000 square feet will be vacated on the main campus. This space, along with an additional 11,000 square feet also impacted by the move, will need major renovations before new or existing programs can occupy the classrooms and labs.

“Unfortunately, we cannot just move people out of these classrooms and labs and then move other students into them,” stated Thaxton. “All the spaces need work with flooring, lighting, remodeling, etc. Without assistance from the state, the project exceeds the scope of our maintenance staff and our budget.”

Staff members took this opportunity to describe the renovation challenges presented by the move to the new building and the specific needs of programs slated to be relocated.

The Chair of the OTC Board of Directors, Ola Smith, and OTC Foundation Chair Larry Paulk were among those in attendance for the meeting. Dr. Thaxton commended both Smith and Paulk for their support and leadership this past year.

Others attending the event included Senator Greg Goggans’ representative, Dominic LaRiccia; OTC board members Bonnie Davis, Troy Mattox, and John Pharr; OTC foundation board members Marion Davis, Judge Sam Edgar, and James Willis.

Prior to the tour, everyone enjoyed a hot, southern-style breakfast and a short program.

Photo: Dr. Gail Thaxton, OTC President, explains to state board members and local legislators the renovation work that will be necessary in the current Radiologic Technology lab once the program equipment is moved to the new Allied Health Building. 

Those touring the OTC Waycross Campus included (L to R) Dr. Gail Thaxton, State Board member Ben Copeland, Executive Committee member; Dr. Jewell Sweat, OTC Dean of Academic Affairs; State Board Member Mary Flanders, Chair of Facilities and Real Estate Committee; Rep. Mark Hatfield; and Rep. Mark Williams.