The Ben Hill-Irwin Vocational Institute opened its doors 50-year years ago this week. Pictured at the door l-r College supporter and Business Owner Charles Harris, and Governor Lester Maddox.

Fitzgerald, GA— On September 21, 1970 the doors opened at Ben Hill–Irwin Vocational-Technical Institute and for 50 years the employees have been serving our local communities through workforce development. As the world has changed, so has the campus. Often called the local “Vo-Tech” school, the college has seen many names over the years. It became Ben Hill-Irwin Technical Institute in 1987. Then almost 10 years later the name changed to East Central Technical Institute in 1996 and again in 2001 when “College” replaced “Institute.” During that time the college opened a second campus in Douglas. The college continued to grow and in 2010 the Technical College System of Georgia merged Valdosta Technical College and East Central Technical College to become Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. For a decade now, what started off as a “Vo-Tech Institute” on the Ben Hill-Irwin county line has grown into a four-campus college serving 11 counties in South Georgia. Last year the college as a whole had enrollment of almost 7,000 students. “It’s amazing to reflect on the vision that inspired many great leaders from Irwin and Ben Hill counties over 50 years ago, and see how it is still impacting the lives of so many today,” shared Wiregrass Tech President Dr. Tina K. Anderson. “The communities’ support and love for the Ben Hill-Irwin Campus has always been evident and inspires us as a college to continue their dream.”

Over the years the college has been under the direction of many great leaders. Mr. Lewis Brinson was the first Director followed by Director Dr. Ed Greene, President Dr. Diane Wright, with the position title change, and President Dr. Ray Perren. “These leaders were pioneers in the field which allows Wiregrass’ Ben Hill-Irwin Campus, 50 years later to prepare students for successful careers in an ever-changing workforce,” shared Dr. Anderson.

When the college opened 50 years ago the programs areas included office occupations, skilled program, health occupations and related studies. Students enrolled in courses like accounting, clerical secretarial, automobile mechanics, radio and television repair, machine shop, welding, cosmetology, food service management, drafting, and licensed practical nursing. Today the campus still has six out of the original programs, although they look much different than they did then.

Today the college is still a vital part of the communities it serves. Many high school students will tell their children of the high school dances and/or awards programs they participated in at the Charles Harris Learning Center. Parents have saved millions of dollars in college expenses by enrolling their high school student in the college’s Dual Enrollment program earning college credit. Many teenagers have learned how to drive through the college’s Drivers Education program through the Economic Development department. Graduates are employed as health care professionals in local hospitals, and doctors’ offices. Automobile dealerships across South Georgia have hired Automotive Technology graduates. Telecommunication graduates are working locally as well as across the country with the increase in fiber optics in our nation’s communication fields. Business Technology students have been hired in professional offices in our communities along with welding graduates who filled open positions in our local industries. Many locally owned businesses are graduates that are operating successful hair salons, and other businesses. The college’s adult education department serves many local residents in providing free classes to help prepare them to take their GED®. Wiregrass continues to promote community, educational, and economic development by providing a trained workforce locally and throughout the State of Georgia.

The college had planned for a celebration event with the community, but due to the pandemic it was not possible. WRDO radio station will be doing trivia questions during the week with giveaways from the college. The college has scheduled social media posts on their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts of old photos from over the years as well as special videos from community leaders, Past Presidents, alumni, and friends of the college. The college’s Foundation North sold commemorative bricks that will be placed at the college. To purchase a brick or donate to the foundation, contact Mona Paulk, Executive Director for Academic Success at mona.paulk@wiregrass.edu or call 229-468-2102. To learn more about the programs offered or enroll visit, www.wiregrass.edu.