New owners hope a new building and a new philosophy will make Provo College the first choice for students wanting quick and efficient job training.
Provo College was founded in 1984 and has provided technical certification for dental assisting, medical transcription and real estate licensing. Last year, a group of local and national educators purchased the school and moved to a new building at 1450 W. 820 North."It's a real upgrade from the school we acquired," Provo College President Keith Poelman said.
School owners have remodeled and refurbished the school and added several state-of-the-art computer and dental labs, Poelman said. The school has added courses in graphic design, office administration and court reporting. The college offers night classes in word processing, spreadsheet and key-boarding.
"We're very excited about becoming a strong member of the educational community in Provo," said Veston Thomas, vice president of student relations. "With new facilities and a new administration, we can offer students a quality, professional education that is integrated with important life-management principles."
Even more important, however, is the school's new philosophy to teach character skills as much, if not more, than technical skills. The school is associated with the educational division of the Covey Leadership Center and plans to offer courses in career and life management.
"We want to send out students who are skilled technically but also have the capacity to be a valued employee with good personal and interpersonal skills," Poelman said. "People are hired for their technical skills but let go because they can't work with people. We know the business and industry community is crying out for people who can be trusted and work in teams."
Currently, the school has about 100 students. Poelman said school officials hope to have enrollment up to about 400 by fall. Tuition for nine- and 10-month courses is between $4,000 and $4,500. Certification takes between nine months and three years. Poelman said graduates go through a placement office, and most find jobs when they complete the course.
"Many students want a college education, but they want a focused, concentrated approach," he said. "Provo College provides students with an excellent, hands-on skills education and helps each student develop his or her talents and abilities to contribute to society in a meaningful way."
Poelman says the college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Career Schools and College of Technology.
The college will have a grand opening celebration Thursday at 12:30 p.m. After a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Provo Mayor George Stewart will speak. The school will be open for tours from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. The open house will include demonstrations and workshops for students interested in attending the college.