News Article

Lt. Governor Meets with Heads of New College Institute

Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Staff
WSET-TV 13

Martinsville, VA - Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling made a stop on the Southside to talk about the future of a Martinsville School.

Several major universities and colleges have expressed interest in becoming a branch campus at New College Institute. Among them, VCU, George Mason, Radford and Virginia State.

Bolling expressed his interest in helping the branch campus come into existence. Martinsville and Henry County have of course struggled with economic uncertainty.

Officials hope bringing the name recognition of a major school might boost area spending and growth.

"Any higher education institution is an economic engine so as we grow, the economic development in this area will increase and for students it means they will have access to a broader range of degree programs and more resources than what we are about to provide now as a stand alone," said Dr. Barry Dorsey, Executive Director at NCI.

A branch campus would have to be approved by the 2012 General Assembly.

For additional information contact Ibbie Hedrick at 804-225-2487 or ibbie.hedrick@ltgov.virginia.gov.