This is an exciting project for the College and the community alike,” Wood said. “Students will have more opportunities locally, community members will have access to expanded programming and additional resources will be available to local employers and businesses.”

Southwestern Oregon Community College President Dr. Judith Hansen and Curry County Dean Jason Wood updated the Board of Education on progress toward construction of a new Curry Campus at its regular meeting on Monday night.

The city of Brookings Planning Commission last week unanimously approved the Detailed Development Plan and the College and master planning architects Crow/Clay and Associates are moving forward to plan the 20,500-square-foot facility, which will include community meeting areas, offices, ample classroom and laboratory space and a technology rich instructional environment for course and program delivery.

The new full-service Curry Campus – to be based on input received from community members at several focus group meetings in Curry County over the last two years, as well as student focus groups and faculty and staff input – will allow Southwestern to provide face-to-face Associate Degree, Practical Nursing and expanded Community Education programming on-site. It also will allow for distance connectivity for Associate Degree Nursing programming through Southwestern and baccalaureate degree programs through the Southwestern Oregon University Center. Southwestern also will be able to expand its economic and workforce development and transitional education offerings with the new space.

“This is an exciting project for the College and the community alike,” Wood said. “Students will have more opportunities locally, community members will have access to expanded programming and additional resources will be available to local employers and businesses.”

With approval of the DDP for the project, U.S. Borax – which generously is donating the land for the campus to the College – now can transfer ownership of the 10 acres along U.S. Highway 101 near Lone Ranch Beach to Southwestern.

“Southwestern is committed to its mission to ‘lead and inspire lifelong learning’ throughout the College District,” Hansen said. “Approval of our Curry Campus DDP is another step toward our ultimate goal of offering a full-service campus in Curry County. Our students in Curry County will be able to continue their education without leaving their communities.”