March 15, 2010
Partnership with NETC Helps Make New Library Possible
By: Densie Oliver, NETC Alumni

Northeastern Technical College (NETC) and Marlboro County joined forces in 2009 in an effort to bring more opportunities to Marlboro County citizens and NETC students. A year later, after numerous committee meetings and design concepts, their goal has become a reality in the completion of the Marian Wright Edelman Library.

Dr. Jerry Robertson, vice president of student services at NETC has been affiliated with this project from the start and firmly believes the partnership is an example of how state and local governments can work together successfully.

“This is a quality facility built through a partnership between a state and local government, “ he said.  “This economical approach has helped to lessen taxpayer impact in Marlboro County and provides a value added, information based service to its citizens.”

The opportunity to partner with Marlboro County on this project was the result of the college receiving a $740,000.00 grant from the Allied Health Care Initiative, a state-wide effort of the South Carolina Technical College System to enhance healthcare programs and training. A gift of $132,000.00 from the Marlboro County General Hospital Charity Trust to further education and train the healthcare workforce of Marlboro County also accompanied the grant to make this project possible.

According to NETC President, Dr. Ron Bartley, the creation of the Marian Wright Edelman Library will meet the needs of both Marlboro County citizens and NETC students.

“Northeastern students and citizens will now have a wide array of resources at their disposal that can contribute to success along their chosen pathway to a future,” he said. 

Some of those resources include new classrooms which will now make it possible for the college to expand services and classes to student who have chosen to pursue the education and training for a career in allied healthcare.  The college has also added a computer lab as part of the construction and expansion.

“Partnering with Marlboro County reinforces our mission to prepare the workforce of Chesterfield, Marlboro, and Dillon Counties through education and training” said Bartley.  “The completion of this facility brings forth new access to training and education and will continue to provide countless opportunities for our students and the citizens of Marlboro County”.