Northwestern Technical College first opened its doors in October 1966 to 150 students, of-fering only eight programs. How long ago is 1966? One of the first programs offered was TV/Radio repair. Now, economic times in the state of Georgia have led to the merging of Northwestern and its sister school, Coosa Valley Technical College in Rome. On July 1, the colleges will form “Georgia” Northwestern Technical College.

However, the times are changing. GNTC will face an enrollment of well over 6,000 stu-dents attending online or on one of its four campuses across a seven-county service area in Northwest Georgia. From the digital sign on U.S. 27, which screams at passing motorists to the voices of the college who speak on behalf of the ability and commitment of the faculty and staff, GNTC is making strides to keep the communities and the people of the region prioritized first.

“This coming together of our colleges will make us the largest college in Northwest Georgia,” said King. “For those applying for our next quarter, they will be able to choose from one of more than 200 programs we are now offering.”

The provost of what will be known as the GNTC Walker campus, Jeff King, has been reaching out by speaking about the latest moves and what lies ahead for our students and our companies. King spoke to the Ringgold Rotary Club on May 26 at Ringgold City Hall. The week before, King was the guest speaker for a G.E.D. graduation in Chattooga County.

On June 19 at the Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center in Dalton, Georgia, Northwestern Technical College will observe its last graduation ceremony for NTC. Gradua-tions for GNTC will be held twice a year: one in Rome and one in Dalton.

Summer quarter classes begin on July 6 on the GNTC Walker campus. For more informa-tion about “Georgia” Northwestern, call the GNTC Walker campus at 706.764.3510.