Dalton State dropping auto tech program

markmillican@daltoncitizen.com As of the end of December, there will no longer be an automotive technology program at Dalton State College. Officials say it has nothing to do with the recent directive within the University System of Georgia to cut budgets by 5 percent. The number of students in the auto tech program has been falling: 22 students in 2005, 19 in 2006, 12 in 2007 and “8 or 9 to finish out the program in 2008,” said Charles Johnson, the new dean of the school of technology at DSC. “Students want a higher demand program now,” said Scott Bailey, vice president for fiscal affairs. “They’re moving away from that area and going into other programs.” Those include the health-related side of vocational curriculum such as the licensed practical nurse school, radiology technology, respiratory therapy and X-ray technology,... [read full story]