Columbus State Will Open New Technology Center

The facility will support workforce development and STEM education for students in Columbus.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Scholarships

Columbus State Will Open New Technology Center

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Columbus State University will open the Jack and JoRhee Pezold Center for Emergent Technology in the fall of 2028. The university officially announced plans for the new facility on October 12, 2026.

Why it matters

The center is designed to drive economic development and local industry recruitment by preparing students for high-demand careers in STEM fields. It intends to bridge the gap between academic training and the professional workforce.

The Jack and JoRhee Pezold Center for Emergent Technology is funded by landmark donations from its namesakes. The facility will integrate a workforce pipeline through collaborations with K-12 schools, military partners, and regional industry.

The players

Columbus State University

This is a public university located in Georgia that serves as the site for the new technology center.

Jack and JoRhee Pezold

The couple provided the landmark donations that made the construction of the center possible.

The details

The facility aims to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities through strategic partnerships with local organizations. By connecting academia with industry and military sectors, the center seeks to streamline student entry into modern technical roles.

October 12, 2026: University officials announced the future facility.
Fall 2028: The new center is scheduled to open to students.

Culture Shift

The project follows the broader national trend established by the National Science Foundation's focus on regional innovation engines, which encourages universities to act as anchors for local economic development. This shift prioritizes creating specialized technical hubs to stimulate growth in specific geographic markets.

Students and job seekers in the area can expect new hands-on training opportunities that align with the requirements of local industry partners and the military. These programs are intended to shorten the time needed for graduates to transition into professional STEM roles within the region.

The takeaway

This development highlights the increasing importance of direct partnerships between higher education and the private sector to bridge skills gaps. Prospective students should monitor university updates to identify when specific technical programs become available for enrollment.