By Cheyanne Smith
IV Leader Staff, May 7, 2009
Plans are moving along in regards to the Technology Workforce Development Center on the Illinois Valley Community College campus to replace the temporary buildings, which now hold the massage therapy and yoga classes.
Cory Tomasson has put together focus groups made of student groups and student leaders to discuss what the new Tech Center should contain, as well as “curriculum, programmatic space needs and equipment needs,” said Jerry Corcoran, IVCC President.
Corcoran said “programs likely to be included in the center are manufacturing, HVAC, CNC, industrial maintenance, electronics technology, drafting, computer-aided drafting and design, computer network administration, computer repair, process operations, industrial electricity, wind turbine maintenance technology and adult education.”
Faculty and students alike are hoping that the Tech Center will free up room on the main campus for student space. Corcoran said, “the need for student life space has been communicated loud and clear so it’s a safe bet that we’ll do everything we can to incorporate that request into the overall master plan.”
The 52,000 square foot center is estimated to cost approximately $13 million, plus up to $2.75 million for equipment.
“The college’s share on the building would be approximately $5 million and we’d be looking to other sources to make up the difference,” Corcoran said. “The administration and several members of the Board of Trustees have communicated our needs with key legislators and the response has been positive.”
Corcoran also said “there has been no discussion by the Board about a tax increase to fund this project so far and [he’s] not recommending that we even consider it for now.”