Grand Strand residents can begin or continue their college education at the new Coastal Carolina University Higher Education Center, which recently opened in Myrtle Beach. Located in Myrtle Square Mall, the center features two 24-seat classrooms, a computer classroom and a student workroom, which includes computers with Internet access.

Beginning with the fall 2001 semester, Coastal faculty members will teach courses at the center in business, Spanish, theater and philosophy.

Coastal's Division of Extended Learning and Public Services will also use the center to offer a variety of non-credit and professional development courses.

"Coastal Carolina University has long been interested in having a presence in Myrtle Beach," said Richard Weldon, director of continuing education and external services for Coastal's E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration. "This new facility gives Coastal a great opportunity to reach so many more people who are interested in obtaining their bachelor's degree. Courses will be conveniently offered throughout the day and evening to meet the needs of individuals who work full-time."

According to Weldon, many of the courses offered at the center are ideal for students interested in Coastal's interdisciplinary studies degree program, which focuses on skills and knowledge essential in today's workplace such as management, organizational behavior, business and professional writing, human resources, public relations and interpersonal communications. Students can earn a bachelor's degree at their own pace around their work schedules, says Weldon.

Also located in the new facility is Coastal's Small Business Development Center, which had been housed in the E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration building on campus. According to Weldon, the majority of businesses that use the services offered by the Small Business Development Center are from the Myrtle Beach area.