MSC Today - Macon State College

Bob Dixon talks about computer hardware and software concepts in his IT class, which meets in the Academic Services Building on the Warner Robins Campus.

That's how long it takes Connie Watts to drive from her home in northwest Houston County to Macon State College's Warner Robins Campus.

"Convenience. That's what I like best about the Warner Robins Campus," said the 20 - year - old Watts, who is a full - time student with a job. "The campus isn't far from my house, and it's close to my work. I'm getting a great education close to home. What more can I ask?"

This spring she has four morning classes, which end around noon. She then heads to her job at the Robins Air Force Base commissary. "That's about a three minute - drive," she said.

A sophomore studying computer science, Watts is among the more than 1,530 students taking classes at the Warner Robins Campus during spring semester. That figure represents a 23 percent increase over last spring when Macon State taught classes in leased space in the Advanced Technology Park.

MSC moved its classes from the center to the Warner Robins Campus, which opened last fall with an enrollment of more than 1,500. The new campus is located on Watson Boulevard, across from City Hall and just a half - mile from the main gate at Robins Air Force Base.

"This growth has exceeded our expectations and validates what we had always known, that Houston County was more than ready for a four - year college and a permanent Macon State campus," said Mike Hale, executive director of the WRC.

Dwana Smith of Fort Valley reviews her notes in the Student Lounge before heading to her next class.

"This is just a beautiful campus," said Dwana Smith of Fort Valley, who was surprised to learn that Thomas Hall, where her English and algebra classes meet, is, in fact, nearly 60 years old, making it the oldest public building in Warner Robins.

Following an extensive renovation, the former elementary school now houses classrooms, technology labs and a student lounge/study area. Adjacent to Thomas Hall is a new 24,000 - square - foot, two - story Academic Services Building that includes technology - driven "smart" classrooms, science labs, administrative and faculty offices, a bookstore, conference rooms and a multimedia lecture hall.

Most mornings, the Thomas Hall lounge is crowded with students, who are grabbing a quick snack, holding study sessions with classmates, watching the latest CNN news or reviewing their notes before heading to their next class. It's a nice place to either crack the books or take a break from them, said Carletta Duncan of Montezuma.

"When I was laid off from my job, I started looking for a career change, so I enrolled at this campus," said the 29 - year - old, who is interested in nursing or public service. "I really like the Warner Robins Campus because everything is right here. I can register for classes, get advised, buy my books and catch up on my studies in the lounge."

At the Warner Robins Campus, Macon State offers the entire core curriculum of the University System of Georgia as well as the bachelor of science degree in information technology and courses leading to the bachelor of science degree in business.

The campus also has an academic resource center and a slate of student activities, which this spring include a Georgia Shakespeare Company production, a film festival, health and career seminars and special lectures.

Macon State College junior Wade Griner, who is working toward a bachelor of science degree, does research at the Nola Brantley Memorial Library next door to the Warner Robins Campus. Macon State has partnered with the Library to enhance services to students.

At a dedication ceremony for the Warner Robins Campus last June, Mayor Donald Walker said he believed student enrollment would continue to thrive and the campus would grow in the years to come.

He also announced his intention to ask the Warner Robins City Council to donate approximately 72 acres of city - owned land adjacent to the campus to the University System's Board of Regents for the benefit of Macon State College. And with that announcement, he and MSC President David A. Bell unveiled a drawing of a master plan showing additional academic buildings, recreational facilities and a workforce development center.

In December, the Warner Robins City Council voted to transfer the property, located behind Thomas Hall and the Academic Services Building, to the Regents for the future expansion of Macon State's new campus. The Regents formally accepted the land, valued at more than $1.1 million, at their March 2004 meeting.

According to Bell, the land will be used to expand campus facilities to meet the academic and professional workforce needs of Houston County and Robins Air Force Base.

"Thanks to their wisdom and foresight, Mayor Walker and members of the City Council have ensured that Macon State College will serve as an educational and economic engine for this community for generations to come," Bell said.