by Julie Lineback
The University of West Georgia will continue to hold classes in its current Newnan location at the Shenandoah Industrial Park throughout the 2014-2015 academic year after identifying new funding opportunities for the continued renovation of the historic Newnan Hospital. The new campus will be ready for classes in August 2015 and may offer limited classes in mid-summer based on demand.
“The additional financial support allows us to enhance our equipment and programming, and it really sets the stage for maximum growth,” says Assistant Vice President of Campus Planning and Facilities Brendan Bowen. “This will give us the ability to fulfill our original vision and deliver the building we promised we’d deliver. The decision is a win-win for everybody involved.”
Funding, contributed by the City of Newnan in the amount of an additional $1.6 million for Phase 2, will provide more parking lots, sidewalks, a campus green and landscaping. In addition, $1 million in year-end funding has been identified from UWG, in tandem with the generosity of donors, to purchase the equipment to fully equip the nursing and science labs.
"Since construction began, we have experienced true collaboration with the City of Newnan and a heightened sense of anticipation in the Newnan community as many UWG supporters have given of their time and resources to help advance this wonderful project,” UWG President Kyle Marrero adds. “As we approach the final months of construction and prepare for transition into our new space, we want to ensure that nothing stands in the way of the progress we are experiencing."
Officials at the university remain grateful to the City of Newnan for its continuing commitment to fund this ongoing project. The parties have agreed to invest available funds beyond the original contract to ensure that the project provides the highest possible return for the students and the community.
“Together, we look forward to a new era of opportunity when this first-rate facility opens for classes next summer,” Marrero continues.
Newnan Mayor Keith Brady says, “The City of Newnan is delighted to join the University of West Georgia and the University System of Georgia in increasing the scope of the Newnan Hospital Redevelopment Project, which will provide current and future UWG students with a more complete educational experience.”
In January 2013, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia voted to approve the acquisition of the real property at 80 W. Jackson Street, the site of the historic Newnan Hospital facility. UWG currently serves approximately 500 students in Newnan. Once construction is complete, UWG Newnan is projected to have 1,000 students enrolled at the new Newnan center.
Do you have a comment or opinion about this story's topic? Perspective Online wants to hear from you. Submit a letter to the editor today.
