Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC), along with event co-host, Georgia Chamber of Commerce, unveiled to an audience of industry executives, public officials and potential students, GPTC’s new Design and Media Production Technology (DMPT) and Recording Arts Technology (RART) programs and facility. The ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house, held at the DeKalb campus, provided guests the opportunity to meet students and learn first-hand of the cutting edge academic programs as they toured the Mac Lab and the television and production studio.
“Upon becoming president, I immediately realized we needed to establish a program — based on the number of movies, TV shows, music and video games produced in our service area — focusing on design, media production and recording technologies in order to meet the needs of this high-growth market. To me, the trajectory of this industry was evident,” said Dr. Jabari Simama, president of Georgia Piedmont Technical College.
The Georgia Department of Economic Development estimates film and television projects contributed an astounding $3.3 billion to our state’s economy last year.
Dr. Josephine Reed-Taylor, Deputy Commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and Chris Clark, president and CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, also delivered remarks and participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“I’m very excited to be here today on behalf of Ron Jackson, commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia, to show support for these dynamic academic programs,” said Dr. Reed-Taylor. “I applaud Dr. Simama’s vision for this college. We, at the Technical College System, are pleased that administrators here at Georgia Piedmont took the bull by the horns and got these programs up and running,” she continued. “We need your help in spreading the word about the Design and Media Production Technology and Recording Arts Technology programs,” she said to the standing-room-only audience.
Clark, who is also a Technical College System of Georgia Board Member, also praised Dr. Simama’s stewardship. “The mark of success is leadership, and Dr. Simama is a visionary leader, not only at the college level but also within the community and the state,” said Clark. “I’ve been an advocate of the film industry and its contributions to the economy for many years. The state needs programs such as Design and Media Production Technology and Recording Arts Technology because they are vital to our ability to grow,” he said. “We, at the Chamber, look forward to continuing our partnership with Georgia Piedmont Technical College,” Clark stated.
To learn more about the DMPT or RART programs at Georgia Piedmont Technical College, please contact Cory Thompson, Director of Program Development, at 404-297-9522 ext. 1118 or visit the college’s website, www.gptc.edu. Fall semester classes begin August 20, 2014.
