LSC Magnolia Center Grand Opening

**Lone Star College Prepares for Grand Opening of State-of-the-Art Magnolia Center, Poised to Serve Growing Community**

**Magnolia, TX** – Lone Star College is set to significantly expand its educational footprint and workforce training capabilities with the grand opening of its new Magnolia Center. A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for **Wednesday, January 15, 2025**, marking a pivotal moment for accessible higher education in the rapidly growing Magnolia area. The impressive 60,000-square-foot facility, located at **30435 FM 1488, Magnolia**, will officially welcome students for the spring 2025 semester.

This $29.5 million project, a cornerstone initiative funded through the successful 2014 Lone Star College System bond referendum, represents a substantial investment in the region’s future. Ground broke in September 2023, with construction commencing the following month, culminating in a modern educational hub designed to meet the evolving needs of students and local industries.

Once fully operational, the new center is projected to serve up to 2,000 students, a significant leap from the previous, smaller 17,000-square-foot facility, which accommodated approximately 800 students. This expansion underscores Lone Star College’s commitment to providing quality, affordable education closer to home for residents of Magnolia and surrounding communities.

“This expansion is absolutely crucial for equipping our local workforce with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s economy,” stated Dr. Kristen Girault, Vice President of Instruction at Lone Star College-Tomball. “The new Magnolia Center will offer state-of-the-art labs and classrooms specifically designed to prepare students for high-demand careers right here in Montgomery County.”

The new center is strategically designed to address specific local workforce needs, offering a comprehensive mix of credit, non-credit, and continuing education programs. Students will find a strong focus on high-demand fields vital to the regional economy, including HVAC, welding, petroleum services, medical assisting, cosmetology, and culinary arts. Alongside these specialized programs, the center will also provide essential academic transfer courses, allowing students to complete core curriculum credits before transferring to four-year universities.

Inside, the facility boasts 16 modern classrooms, five dedicated technical labs, and two computer labs, providing ample space and cutting-edge resources for a diverse range of studies. These purpose-built environments are equipped to deliver hands-on training and theoretical instruction, ensuring students gain practical experience alongside academic knowledge.

Dr. Lee Ann Nutt, President of Lone Star College-Tomball, highlighted the facility’s direct response to the area’s explosive growth. “Magnolia is experiencing unprecedented economic development and population increase,” Dr. Nutt explained. “This new center directly answers the community’s demand for expanded educational opportunities, ensuring our residents have access to the training and education necessary for personal and professional advancement, and supporting the growth of local businesses by providing a skilled labor pool.”

The 2014 Lone Star College System bond referendum, approved by voters, has been instrumental in funding critical infrastructure projects across the entire system, ensuring LSC can continue to serve its rapidly expanding student body and regional workforce demands.

Prospective students interested in enrolling for the spring 2025 semester or learning more about the programs offered at the new Lone Star College Magnolia Center are encouraged to visit the Lone Star College-Tomball website at www.lonestar.edu/tomball or the main Lone Star College website at www.lonestar.edu for details on admissions, program offerings, and upcoming information sessions. This new facility promises to be a vital asset, fostering economic prosperity and educational attainment for generations to come in the Magnolia region.