Odessa College Moves Forward
By: Jackie Smith
Updated: November 3, 2010
It was a rewarding election night for Odessa College, after recieving the 68.5 million dollar bond they were hoping for.
And now their three year plan is moving forward quickly.
Today they held a press conference where they gave all the details.
Now Jackie when do they plan on breaking ground?
Odessa College is wasting no time and they plan on starting construction in the spring.
Board members say they are just putting the finishing touches on their massive project.
and the school is excited for whats to come for the college and ector county.
"Thrilled, crazy happy, not only for Odessa College but the entire community," said Tanya Hughes, Chief of Staff Odessa College.
After 35 years, Odessa College will be getting that 68.5 million dollar makeover.
And they had faith that their community would provide it.
"No doubts, always concerned, but we didn't go into this unpreapred," said Hughes.
No they didn't.
And now that this bond has passed.
The school will start expanding in may, beginning with the nursing program.
"Not only will it expand their space but their facilities as well..things that mimick that of a real hospital," said Hughes.
Where portbale classrooms once stood, buildings will begin to sprout.
And Hughes says there going to be using the Permian Basins workforce.
"Our money will be deposited in local banks, we will use local construction companies, architects, we want this to have a finacial impact a positive impact on our community"
And as Hughes puts the final touches on the plans, she is happy about the possibilities it will give students for years to come.
"Our community believes in us. What were doing in the next 3 years will outlives my tenure hear at this insitution it will serve generations to come and that is exciting," said Hughes.
They will also start work on the new student life center.
Hughes said that they are trying to make the construction go as smoothly as possible.
She might have to move classrooms around from time to time, but she hopes that's the extent of it.
But what i got at the press conference was that the Odessa College community is excited to see yellow tape around campus.
