Lori Durden, President of Ogeechee Technical College (OTC), delivered her annual report to the Statesboro City Council on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, highlighting the college's record enrollment, robust programs, and the exciting development of a new industrial systems and robotics training facility.
OTC, part of the 22-college Technical College System of Georgia, primarily serves the Bulloch, Evans, and Screven County area, but also draws students from across the state. Durden proudly announced that OTC experienced record enrollment in the past academic year, serving over 3,000 students – the highest number since 2001.
This growth bucks the trend of declining enrollment during strong economic times, demonstrating the increasing value placed on technical education.
OTC saw a rise in student enrollment from 2,901 in 2023 to 3,182 in 2024. This increase reflects a broader trend within the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), which has seen system-wide enrollment grow to 148,746 students.
OTC’s growth is particularly evident in its industrial technologies programs, which boast 1,511 students. The college also serves a diverse student body, with 65.4% of students identifying as female and an average student age of 25.
The college’s diverse programs cater to a wide range of career paths. Industrial technologies, including welding, electrical work, HVAC, and construction, boasts the highest enrollment. OTC also offers a popular Associate of Arts degree in general education, designed for seamless transfer to University System of Georgia institutions like Georgia Southern University.
Health technologies, encompassing nursing, sonography, and phlebotomy, and personal service technologies, such as cosmetology and criminal justice, round out the program offerings. Last year, OTC awarded over 1,300 degrees and certifications to 774 graduates, achieving a remarkable 99% job placement rate, with 97% placed in their field of study.
Durden emphasized OTC’s commitment to community engagement, noting the college’s high ranking in serving its designated area. The college’s robust economic development program provides non-credit training, adult education, continuing education, and contract training. OTC also awards Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) credentials, nationally recognized certifications in industrial fields. Currently, the college hosts 120 Amazon industrial systems technicians for 12-week training programs, demonstrating its partnerships with local industries.
The highlight of Durden’s report was the announcement of OTC’s new industrial systems and robotics training facility. Currently under construction on Highway 301 South, the 40,000 square foot facility will triple the college’s capacity for industrial systems training.
The $24 million project, though facing initial budget overruns that are being addressed, aims to meet the growing demand for skilled workers, particularly with the arrival of the Hyundai plant and its associated suppliers.
Durden clarified that the robotics training focuses on industrial robots used in manufacturing, not consumer robots. Students will learn to program and troubleshoot these complex machines, preparing them for high-demand jobs. The facility is expected to be completed and offering classes by the fall of 2026.
An economic impact study by Georgia Southern University predicts the facility will generate approximately $14 million in its first year of operation.
Durden also addressed the community’s childcare challenges, mentioning the Statesboro Bulloch Child Care Task Force, which she co-chairs with Charles Wilson, Bulloch County Superintendent of Schools. The task force is exploring ways to expand childcare access, including supporting existing centers and exploring employer-sponsored childcare options. She noted that while there have been discussions with large employers about collaborative childcare initiatives, no concrete plans have been implemented yet.
The president concluded her report by reminding everyone that the college is in the middle of their annual iGot giving campaign and really needs the community's support. She also invited the council and community members to attend OTC’s annual fundraising and community celebration at the Market Downtown on April 3rd from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. The event will celebrate the partnerships between the college and the Statesboro community.
Oggechee Technical College's main campus is located at 1 Joe Kennedy Boulevard in Statesboro, Georgia.
