Grayson College: Higher Education at its Best

Access to higher education brings vitality to a community. Conveniently located in the hills of southwest Denison, Grayson College provides that vital link not only to citizens of Denison but to area residents as well. Established in 1965, GCC is the community’s college.

Central location and extension sites make it easy for high school graduates to complete an affordable education right here at home; for others, GC is a great beginning to an academic odyssey that leads to additional education at a transfer institution. The College also is an attractive option for adults who want to begin or continue a college-bound track and/or meet professional licensing requirements. Numerous continuing education courses have broad appeal for lifelong learners, children and adults.

Area students are recognizing the benefits of the local college. Enrollment has grown steadily over the last few years. People are looking for value closer to home, and GC offers that value at a fraction of the cost of four-year institutions.

GC’s greatest strengths are its small classes for personalized instruction, affordable tuition, caring professional instructors, and the convenience of day, evening or Internet classes. The College provides a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities for its students and the community. The Viking Baseball team has a successful history, adding a third National Championship title in Spring 2008 to its reign of glory. The Lady Viking softball team is building its own legacy by continually placing high in conference and regional competitions.

GC has just completed a major renovation and renewal plan for its facilities, which began in 2003 with its Administrative Services Center. The renewal and expansion project was the first major new construction on the campus in more than 30 years. Students praise the convenience of one-stop admissions, career planning, financial aid, housing and more.

Students also are excited about the new learning environment at GC. The classroom buildings on the Main Campus have been updated to include technology that enhances teaching and learning. The newly refurbished Cruce Stark Auditorium and classroom complex offers learning labs that rival universities. The renewed Sports and Recreation Center provides a convenient Fitness Center, and the College’s new Career and Technology Center offers a modern training facility for students in Cosmetology, Welding, Heating/AC and Auto Collision Repair. A new Culinary Arts Center includes a student-run restaurant that is getting rave reviews. All projects were completed within budget and are expected to serve area citizens for generations.

GC’s physical plant isn’t the only update that benefits students. Technology continues to expand as Internet courses, iPod casts and iClicker bring new technological options to students. Current students also enjoy such conveniences as online registration and access to their unofficial transcripts, class schedules, grade reports, financial aid status and much more.

Unique course and program offerings are among the College’s diverse curriculum. GC offers a highly respected nursing program (registered and vocational) as well as traditional one- and two-year degrees in general academic, business, science, education, vocational and other health-related fields. Students may select courses in more than 60 academic and technical programs. Viticulture and Enology (grape growing and wine making) attracts students from across the state and nation.

The Main Campus and West Extensions are located midway between Sherman and Denison on Highway 691, with an extension center in Van Alstyne. The comprehensive college offers a multitude of academic and vocational programs to more than 5,000 students annually. Grayson’s reputation is highly respected by surrounding universities and industries as an excellent source of quality graduates who bring specialized, skilled and much-needed talents to the workplace. The community college also has a dormitory, computer laboratories and modern health science labs.

The College’s South Campus in Van Alstyne is perfectly situated to better serve the growing population of the county’s southern rim. Opened in January 2004, this multi-purpose facility provides classroom space, science and computer laboratories, and an area that is versatile enough to accommodate community activities as well as college-sponsored events.

Also on GC’s Main Campus is the Center for Workplace Learning – a distinctive partnership between private industries, local economic development entities, the College and other educational institutions – works to provide customized training for employees of existing and new businesses. Plus, area residents are encouraged to utilize the free services of the Small Business Development Center, or rent college facilities for events of all sizes. The public also is invited to play the College’s 18-hole golf course, one of the only public courses in the area, adjacent to the North Texas Regional Airport.

For more information on the educational opportunities at Grayson College, call the college at 903-465-6030 or look for us at www.grayson.edu.