Thursday, August 07, 2008
Published Friday, May 16, 2008 in Local
Atlanta Christian narrows search to Newnan, Peachtree City
By News Staff
The Times-Herald
Atlanta Christian College's board of trustees announced Thursday evening that Newnan and Peachtree City are the top two venues under consideration in the college's relocation process.
Atlanta Christian College announced in October 2007 that the school had outgrown the East Point location where the campus has been since its founding in 1937. "We are honored by the number of cities and communities throughout Georgia that have expressed interest in becoming the new hometown for Atlanta Christian College's main campus," said interim president Dean Collins, an organizational effectiveness consultant and 1979 ACC graduate.
"We want to choose the city that will not only be a great new location for Atlanta Christian College," Collins said, "but will also allow us to partner with a community to bring growth and educational opportunities."
Collins told the Peachtree City Council at a meeting on Thursday that, while he is continuing to receive regular inquiries from communities interested in hosting the campus, Peachtree City, along with Newnan, to date, have "made the most compelling cases to be our new home."
Atlanta Christian College is working with the city of East Point to discuss the best use of the college's current campus, including utilizing a portion of it to house the college's new adult degree completion program.
The Newnan Downtown Development Authority met last month to discuss a proposal to be made to Atlanta Christian. Proposals from interested communities to the college were due on April 30.
After the DDA meeting in April, Newnan Mayor Keith Brady said the city is looking at acquiring real estate if the college decides to come to Newnan. The arrangement is such that the city would not be obligated to purchase the property if Atlanta Christian chooses another location.
Collins also met with members of the DDA in April.
"It's no secret I think you have a beautiful city, and, sure, I could picture this as an ideal spot for our college," Collins told them. He also, however, informed the DDA he plans to remain "so neutral" that he may appear "apathetic" during the remainder of the selection process so he could get competitive proposals from each interested city.
Earlier this year Collins said he hoped a decision can be made about the college's new home by late summer. "That's kind of the target," he said.
Collins' emphasis, however, is on making the best choice rather than a speedy decision. "We've been here 70 years. The next place -- we hope to be there much longer," Collins stated.
Atlanta Christian College's mission is to educate students for Christ-centered service and leadership throughout the world, according to college spokeswoman Sarah Huxford. "The college's vision is to be the college of choice for students seeking a Christian learning community that is academically challenging, spiritually vibrant and globally engaged," she said.
ACC offers degree programs in seven areas of study, ranging from biblical studies to business, and currently enrolls approximately 400 students. The college is hoping to increase its enrollment to 1,000-1,200. In addition to relocating, Atlanta Christian is starting new programs aimed at non-traditional students.