Appalachian Technical College

Since 1967,  Appalachian Technical College has served the citizens and businesses of Cherokee, Pickens, Fannin and Gilmer counties by providing career training and professional certifications to meet local industry demands. “Workforce development is central to the mission of the College,” says Dr. Sanford Chandler, president of Appalachian Technical College. “With Cherokee  among the fastest growing counties in our service area, we are committed to providing the highest quality of educational resources for individuals and business organizations of all sizes.”  

Canton Campus
Appalachian Technical College began the process of establishing a campus in Canton with the proposed donation of 25 acres in The Bluffs, off of Riverstone Parkway, by TPA Realty in 2004. This legislative year, thanks to the tremendous work of the Cherokee Delegation, the governor signed the bill which will fund the construction.  The selection of the architectural firm responsible for the design and construction of the 30,000-square-foot facility is near finalization.  A ground-breaking ceremony will take place August 14 with classes beginning January 2011. 

The Cherokee County Chamber is elated over the construction of the Appalachian Technical College Canton Campus and the continued growth of the Woodstock Campus.  “Residents, along with representatives from business and industry, will have even more opportunity to gain technical strengths from ATC through what will be offered in Canton.  From specific industry certifications, to certificate and degree programs, to continuing education courses, they will all be available right here in Cherokee County,” says Pam Carnes, Chamber president and CEO.

Woodstock Campus
College students have been roaming the halls of the former Woodstock Elementary School since the College took occupancy of the building three years ago. More than  250 students were enrolled  spring quarter at the Woodstock campus, which primarily offers programs of study in accounting, criminal justice, early childhood education and management.  Many ATC students formerly attended Woodstock Elementary School.  They say it is pretty special the school is still being used for education.

The community thinks it’s pretty special as well. “Today, thankfully, through the hard work of the Board of Education and Appalachian Technical College, the lights are on both in the old school building and in the minds of the students striving for excellence,” says Billy Peppers, executive director of the Woodstock DDA.  “Renovations have made the campus a lively place for furthering the goals and ambitions for a new line of pupils. ’

Business Resources
“Perhaps the greatest opportunities being afforded at the facility are focused at helping the businesses of downtown Woodstock and Cherokee as a whole. A growing entrepreneurial market in Cherokee County highlights the importance of supplying the tools necessary for success,” says Peppers.

In response to today’s business owners and managers seeking flexible, affordable learning and training opportunities to strengthen and grow their organizations, the College has launched a small business initiative beginning with creating a dedicated Web page on the College’s Web site.  The Small Business Web page includes:

Build Your Own Biz, a Web-based resource offered through the College designed specifically for small to medium-sized businesses. The program provides timely and expert advice on business operations, customer service, finance, human resources, sales and marketing.

On-line courses provide affordable, flexible instruction in a variety of business related topics.

Consulting Services are offered to address the specific needs of an organization such as strategic planning, creating policies and procedures in areas of safety and human resources, and developing training programs.

CORE FOUR® Business Planning Course is a nationally recognized curriculum addressing the fundamentals of business planning knowledge for anyone with a business idea, an existing business that they want to operate better, or simply the desire to become an entrepreneur.

Local entrepreneur Pilar Neal began her human resources experience with PolyCor/ Georgia Marble in Jasper. She decided to launch her own human resources firm and quickly realized that even though she was very knowledgeable about HR issues, she lacked the business management experience to help her be successful. Neal enrolled in the CORE FOUR Business Planning Course at Appalachian Technical College. “Taking the CORE FOUR class helped me to determine my strengths and weakness as a business owner,” says Neal. “I think one of the most important issues to face small business owners is accepting what you’re not good at and identifying resources to help you in that area.”  The CORE FOUR curriculum gave Neal another perspective on her business. “I’m learning to work on my business verses working in my business.” 

Life Enrichment
In keeping with creating an educational culture in Cherokee, the College is expanding learning opportunities to include digital photography, stained glass, and creative writing courses, to name a few.  Through on-line curriculum, individuals may choose from more than 250 courses in a wide variety of personal and professional topics. 

“It’s our vision that Appalachian Technical College is where Cherokee County turns for educational resources,” says Chandler. “Whether it is for professional, personal or community purpose such as association and business meetings, we intend to be the educational resource for Cherokee County.”

For more information contact Appalachian Technical College, 8371 Main Street, Downtown Woodstock (Across from Beverly’s Day Spa), 678.454.1800 or www.AppalachianTech.edu. 

Thanks to Pilar Neal of Superior Business Solutions ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ). Photography by Jack Tuszynski.