Coastal Carolina University has renovated and opened a new satellite campus in Myrtle Beach at 79th Avenue North and U.S. 17 Bypass.

The Myrtle Beach Education Center (MBEC) is now open for credit courses, noncredit courses through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Coastal Carolina University, and professional theatre produced by the University's Department of Theatre in collaboration with the Atlantic Stage Theatre Co.

Formerly the Academy of Arts, Sciences and Technology, the 36,427 square foot building has six classrooms, faculty offices, a lab, a dance studio and space for theater productions, as well as an auditorium. A large lecture room is available for community groups. Prior to the Academy, the building was the Myrtle Beach Career Center.

Coastal Carolina University is leasing the building from Grand Strand Regional Medical Center, LLC for a five-year term. To move in, the University had to paint, replace ceiling tiles, repair air conditioning and thoroughly clean the space. The theater is still being renovated. "We are very excited," said David Evans, assistant provost for Academic Outreach and director of the Bridge Program. "The intent is to take some pressure off the main campus and provide professors with spacious classrooms and lots of parking. It's a very accessible site; it's a much needed short term solution for our current room crunch."

Only seven credit courses are being held at MBEC this semester due to last-minute repairs, but 20 courses are planned so far for the spring semester. OLLI classes for the community are being held at MBEC and the Waccamaw Higher Education Center in Litchfield.