Virginia College in Jackson Announces Plans to Move to Larger Campus

JACKSON, Miss., May 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Virginia College in Jackson today announced that as a result of continued growth, the college will move to a larger 65,000 sq.-ft. facility located at 5841 Ridgewood Road. The announcement was made by Virginia College President Milton Anderson and Education Corporation of America's CEO Tom Moore at a news conference at the college's current location. A rendering of the new campus was unveiled following their remarks.

"It's a pleasure to announce our new location in Jackson today," said Moore. "We have signed a 15-year lease because of our confidence in a continued bright future serving the students and employers in Jackson, Hinds County and Mississippi with a first-class facility and team."

The private institution of higher education outgrew its 50,200 sq.-ft campus located at 4795 Interstate 55 N. The new campus represents an investment of $5.1 million in construction, furniture, equipment and signage costs. Renovations are scheduled to begin in July with the new campus opening in April 2013. A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for later this summer.

"The students, faculty and staff are eager to move to our new campus," said Anderson. "The transition to a larger and better-equipped campus will improve the programs offered to our students and help us better serve employers who hire our graduates. We are continuing our commitment to be an outstanding corporate citizen here in the city of Jackson."

The new campus will be located in a building that was formerly occupied by Brookshire's Grocery. Like other Virginia College campuses, the school chose to renovate an existing building to beautify the area and give back to the local community. Education Corporation of America's Facilities Design team will complete the exterior and interior design of the campus.

"I am delighted that our citizens will benefit from the continued long-term investment that Virginia College is making in Jackson," said Mayor Harvey Johnson, Jr. "Their efforts will bring revitalization to the neighborhood, benefiting our community, and providing a well-trained workforce for our area employers. Most importantly, Virginia College will offer students the opportunity to develop and expand career options."

Initially opened in 2000, Virginia College in Jackson offers programs including administrative assistant, business administration (associate degree), Cisco network associate, cosmetology, medical assistant, medical billing and coding, medical office management, network engineering, office administration, pharmacy technician and surgical technology. The school also employs a staff to manage a student-operated salon, V's Student Cosmetology and Barbering at Virginia College which is open to the public. 

For more information about Virginia College in Jackson, the campus or programs, visit www.vc.edu/jackson or contact the school directly at (601) 977-0960.

About Virginia College and Education Corporation of America

Birmingham, Ala.-based Education Corporation of America (ECA) is a leader in the post-secondary career school market with current enrollment of over 19,000 students. Holdings include Virginia College, founded in 1983, a private institution of higher education that offers non-degree and associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs in the areas of Health and Medical, Business, Information Technology, Interior Design, Computer Design, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts and more with locations in 24 different cities. Virginia College campuses are located in Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery and Mobile, Ala.; Jackson and Biloxi, Miss.; Pensacola and Jacksonville, Fla.; Chattanooga and Knoxville, Tenn.; Augusta, Savannah, Columbus and Macon, Ga.; Greenville, Spartanburg, Columbia, and Charleston and Florence, S.C.; Richmond, Va.; Baton Rouge and Shreveport/Bossier City, La.; Tulsa, Okla.; and Austin, Texas. The Virginia College website is www.vc.edu. Virginia College also offers classes worldwide via the Internet, and operates Culinard, the Culinary Institute of Virginia College, with campuses located in Birmingham and Mobile, Ala.; Savannah, Ga.; Jacksonville, Fla.; and Richmond, Va. ECA also owns and operates the Golf Academy of America schools in San Diego, Calif.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Fla.; as well as the Ecotech Institute in Denver, Colo., which is the first and only college focused on preparing students for careers in renewable energy and sustainable design.

ECA schools are accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).

SOURCE Virginia College