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Midla rd goes to school to boost economic development I Charlotte Business Journal 6/24/1112:23 PM School property in Midland. The property had been vacant for at least five years, with little outside interest, says Jay White, chairman of the Cabarrus Board County of Commissioners. -ts just a matter of finding the right buyer at the right time," he says. The southeastern Cabarrus County site will become a ready -made campus for the university when the transaction closes in September. certainly think it would be a good fit, any time we can increase the educational level of our population, or any population," White says. He believes the university has a good chance for success, given the detailed plans and goals of its leadership. The former elementary- school site will serve as the university s main campus, called Woodson University- Old Bethel Campus. Five buildings, the oldest dating to 1927, are already on the 10.5 -acre parcel. It also has three athletic fields. Renovations of the Bethel site are expected to start as early as this fall. Total cost is estimated at $3.5 million. That work will take up to 36 months, bringing the first students to campus in 2014. The university is exploring different avenues for financing the project, including private investments, grants and donations. Students are now taking classes online at local churches. Fleming expects up to 100 temporary full -time positions will be created as part of the campus renovation and construction projects. Woodson will play a role in the town of Midlands economic - development strategies, says David Pugh, town administrator. The town has roughly 3,000 residents. That could mean helping attract business and industry to the area, providing jobs or work -force training opportunities. -We don t have a lot of stable industries within town limits," he says. Fleming estimates Woodson could have an economic impact of up to $5 million on the town during the next decade. The university anticipates it will create 115 jobs during the next seven years. That includes administrative, faculty and part -time employees to provide academic support and student services. -Were looking to help grow the academic and economic landscape of southeastern Cabarrus County and Midland," he says. Over the next decade, Fleming envisions a residence hall, student - activity space and athletic fields. 4 have a dream for a football team,' he says with a smile. A 10 -year capital campaign to raise $5 million is already under way. Fleming expects to exceed that timetable, based on early interest and support. 4n the early days of starting a college, it takes deep pockets," says Rick Voorhees, principal with Voorhees Group, a Colorado -based higher - education consultant. just think its an uphill battle in this economy. But I really salute that zeal. fittp: / /www,Wjournals_com /charlotte /print - edition/ 2011 /06/24/ Midland - goes -to- school -to- boost - economic, html ?s -print Page 2 of 3