Horry-Georgetown Technical College

Not to be confused with Georgetown University or Georgetown College.

Horry-Georgetown Technical College

Type	Public community college
Established	1966
Parent institution	South Carolina Technical College System
President	Marilyn Murphy Fore
Students	8,137 [1]
Location	Conway , South Carolina , United States
Colors	Blue   and   Green [2]
Nickname	Gators
Mascot	Chomp the Gator[3]
Website	www.hgtc.edu/

Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) is a public technical college in Conway, South Carolina. It is a part of the South Carolina Technical College System.

HGTC is the fourth largest technical college in the state,[4] and offers over 65 degree and certificate programs in Golf & Sports Turf Technology, Arts & Science, Business, Engineering & Industrial Technology, Health Science, Information/Computer Technology, and Public Service Technology.[5] Tourism programs that have been added help the local economy. 90 percent of graduates stay in the area.[4]

HGTC currently has three campuses. In addition to the main campus on U.S. 501 next to Coastal Carolina University in Conway (33.7964°N 79.0033°W / 33.7964; -79.0033 (Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Conway Campus)), the school has campuses in Myrtle Beach (33.6591°N 78.9416°W / 33.6591; -78.9416 (Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Grand Strand Campus)) and Georgetown (33.3205°N 79.3213°W / 33.3205; -79.3213 (Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Georgetown Campus)). Students can also take classes online. The Conway campus has 13 buildings on 50 acres (20.2 ha).[6]

The Grand Strand Campus Conference and Business Center near The Market Common has meeting space that includes the Thomas C. Maeser Auditorium, a 3,650-square-foot (339 m^2) ballroom.[7]

History

In 1961, the Technical Education System in South Carolina began. In 1963, the South Carolina General Assembly created the Horry-Georgetown Commission for Technical Education. Horry-Marion-Georgetown Technical Education Center began with 123 students in 1966. In 1975, the name changed to Horry-Georgetown Technical College as a result of growth and changed emphasis.[8] Horry-Georgetown Technical College now serves Horry and Georgetown Counties, while Marion County is served by Florence-Darlington Technical College.[9]

In 2000, as buildings were torn down at the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, HGTC claimed the Officers Club and Non-Commissioned Officers Club.[10]

The former base hospital became the Dr. Robert E. Speir Jr. Health Education Center on the Myrtle Beach campus,[11] which held its grand opening July 11, 2008.[12] In 2009, HGTC announced the center would get a 20,000-square-foot (1,900 m^2) addition for dental programs.[13] The $7.4 million facility was substantially complete when Myrtle Beach City Council toured it May 8, 2012.[14]

On June 15, 2012, the dedication of the Fred Fore Wildlife Pavilion was held at the Georgetown campus. Fore served as president of Florence-Darlington Technical College for 29 years, and his wife Marilyn Fore, the current HGTC President, worked to develop the pavilion as a forestry classroom.[15]

References

1. "Horry-Georgetown Technical College Fast Facts".
2. "Horry-Georgetown Technical College Brand Guidelines". Horry-Georgetown Technical College. Retrieved March 29, 2019.
3. "Living Local Carolina: HGTC has a new Mascot".
4. Byun, Claire (2016-03-27). "Half a century of growth: Horry Georgetown Technical College celebrates 50 years". The Sun News.
5. "Horry-Georgetown Technical College". braintrack.com. Archived from the original on 2010-07-31. Retrieved 2010-08-24.
6. "Horry-Georgetown Technical College: Conway Campus". Retrieved 2010-08-24.
7. "Horry-Georgetown Technical College: Conference and Business Center". Retrieved 2010-08-24.
8. "College Catalog & Student Handbook" (PDF). 2005–2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2007-12-15. Retrieved 2010-08-24.
9. "SC Technical College System". Retrieved 2010-08-24.
10. Zane Wilson, "Demolition Begins on Former Base," The Sun News, 2000-08-25.
11. "Editorial: Progress at HGTC: College stretches to meet the area's medical needs," The Sun News, July 11, 2007.
12. "The Website for the Horry Georgetown Technical College Foundation". Retrieved 2010-08-24.
13. Huff, Christopher (2009-07-31). "HGTC's healthcare programs continue to grow". Alternatives News Magazine. Retrieved 2010-08-24. ^[dead link‍]
14. Anderson, Lorena (2012-05-08). "Myrtle Beach City Council gets look at new Speir building; OK's Street Reach event". The Sun News. Archived from the original on 2012-06-14.
15. Jones, Steve (2012-06-15). "HGTC pavilion dedicated to technical college pioneer". The Sun News. Archived from the original on 2012-06-18. Retrieved 2012-06-16.

External links

• Official website