Horry-Georgetown Technical College

Not to be confused with Georgetown University or Georgetown College.

Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) is a public technical college in Conway, South Carolina. It is a part of the South Carolina Technical College System.

Horry-Georgetown Technical College

Type	Public community college
Established	1966
Parent institution	South Carolina Technical College System
President	Marilyn Murphy Fore
Students	8,137 [1]
Location	Conway , South Carolina , United States
Colors	Blue   and   Green [2]
Nickname	Gators
Mascot	Chomp the Gator[3]
Website	www.hgtc.edu/

HGTC is the fourth largest technical college in the state,^[4] and offers over 65 degree and certificate programs in Golf & Sports Turf Technology, Arts & Science, Business, Engineering & Industrial Technology, Health Science, Information/Computer Technology, and Public Service Technology.^[5] Tourism programs that have been added help the local economy. 90 percent of graduates stay in the area.^[4]

HGTC currently has three campuses. In addition to the main campus on U.S. 501 next to Coastal Carolina University in Conway (33.7964°N 79.0033°W / 33.7964; -79.0033 (Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Conway Campus)), the school has campuses in Myrtle Beach (33.6591°N 78.9416°W / 33.6591; -78.9416 (Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Grand Strand Campus)) and Georgetown (33.3205°N 79.3213°W / 33.3205; -79.3213 (Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Georgetown Campus)). Students can also take classes online. The Conway campus has 13 buildings on 50 acres (20.2 ha).^[6]

The Grand Strand Campus Conference and Business Center near The Market Common has meeting space that includes the Thomas C. Maeser Auditorium, a 3,650-square-foot (339 m²) ballroom.^[7]

History

In 1961, the Technical Education System in South Carolina began. In 1963, the South Carolina General Assembly created the Horry-Georgetown Commission for Technical Education. Horry-Marion-Georgetown Technical Education Center began with 123 students in 1966. In 1975, the name changed to Horry-Georgetown Technical College as a result of growth and changed emphasis.^[8] Horry-Georgetown Technical College now serves Horry and Georgetown Counties, while Marion County is served by Florence-Darlington Technical College.^[9]

In 2000, as buildings were torn down at the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, HGTC claimed the Officers Club and Non-Commissioned Officers Club.^[10]

The former base hospital became the Dr. Robert E. Speir Jr. Health Education Center on the Myrtle Beach campus,^[11] which held its grand opening July 11, 2008.^[12] In 2009, HGTC announced the center would get a 20,000-square-foot (1,900 m²) addition for dental programs.^[13] The $7.4 million facility was substantially complete when Myrtle Beach City Council toured it May 8, 2012.^[14]

On June 15, 2012, the dedication of the Fred Fore Wildlife Pavilion was held at the Georgetown campus. Fore served as president of Florence-Darlington Technical College for 29 years, and his wife Marilyn Fore, the current HGTC President, worked to develop the pavilion as a forestry classroom.^[15]