College buys additional acres for new campus

AUSTIN, TX.  January 21, 2009 – The Austin Community College District announces a groundbreaking ceremony 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, for the new ACC Round Rock Campus near University Boulevard.

The announcement follows recent approval by the ACC Board of Trustees to acquire an additional 25 acres near the site for $4.8 million. The purchase raises total plot size from 60 to 85 acres.

“The additional property gives us more space for future expansion of the campus,” says Ben Ferrell, executive vice president of finance and administration. “We’re in a great position to better serve the rapidly growing population of the community with this purchase.”

The ACC Round Rock Campus will be the college’s eighth campus. ACC’s presence in Round Rock will expand programs such as health sciences, university transfer, and workforce training in many emerging career fields, like renewable energy technology.

“Building the new campus aligns with ACC’s mission of providing greater access to higher education,” says Dr. Stephen B. Kinslow, ACC President and CEO. “Together ACC and Round Rock are fulfilling an immense education need, and positively impacting the business and economic landscape of the community.”

Slated to open in 2010, Phase One of the ACC Round Rock Campus will include five new buildings, with accommodations for 5,000 students. 1,260 parking spaces will also be provided.

When fully completed, the campus is expected to accommodate 11,000 students.

Media Advisory: Please contact Kersta Caliz with any media inquiries at 223.7626. If planning to attend please RSVP to [email protected] or 223.7626. Event parking is available at the Round Rock Higher Education Center, 1555 University Blvd. Shuttle service will be provided to the site of the new campus.                                                                       

###