Chester Center Relocates to Former Duke Energy Office

August 14, 2007

CHESTER—Even before its new state-of-the-art Chester Center is built, York Technical College is taking advantage of an opportunity to expand its current operations in Chester by moving its Center to the former Duke Energy Office at 127 Saluda Street in downtown Chester.

Renovations have been completed at the facility and the Center will open on August 15.

At 3,800 square feet, the Saluda Street building is significantly larger than the current Chester Center on York Street. It includes space for a large classroom that can accommodate 25 students, a computer lab/classroom for 15 students, a distance learning classroom, an assessment center, a library area with PCs for student use, and plenty of parking.

The Saluda Street location will enable the college to provide Chester County residents with a wider range of learning opportunities and services. As an example, Center Director Beth Blackwell said that 10 additional credit classes have been added to the schedule for the fall semester utilizing the additional classroom space. The computer lab will make it possible for the Center to offer office systems technology and other computer-related courses. The college also plans to expand its Continuing Education course offerings in Chester, and the dedicated assessment center will provide more opportunities for students to complete tests for distance learning classes without having to drive to Rock Hill. Once classes begin on August 20, the hours of operation will expand to 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Fridays.

The college will continue to use the distance learning room at the TruVista offices on York Street. The facility enables the college to deliver teleclasses from the campus and other locations to the Chester community.

York Technical College President Dr. Greg Rutherford acknowledged the generous support of partners like TruVista, the Chester County School District, and the Chester County Career Center for making it possible for the college to expand its course offerings for the residents of the county. And he also thanked the Chester County Council, Senator Linda Short and the legislative delegation for their substantial support.

York Technical College ^. 452 S. Anderson Road ^. Rock Hill, SC 29730