By Steven Fletcher
Staff Writer
—
Endicott College of Beverly is planning to open Gloucester's first academic campus on Commercial Street in September.
The college announced today that it will open the satellite campus in the Chamber of Commerce building at 33 Commercial St.
Endicott will use the space for classroom, laboratory and administrative space, and plans on moving in June 1, with the first course offerings in September.
Mayor Carolyn Kirk said in a prepared statement that the move will further contribute to the city's renaissance.
"The city of Gloucester welcomes Endicott College with open arms," Kirks aid. "Endicott is a dynamic institution of higher learning, and having them as a community and educational partner will contribute greatly to Gloucester's renaissance."
The Gloucester is expected to allow the college to establish teaching and learning space for undergraduate and graduate courses, as well as in corporate education, workforce development, and community activities in the Gloucester area.
From the local site - on Pavilion Beach and the city's Outer Harbor — Endicott plans to offer courses in marine sciences, biotechnology, hospitality management, and the arts, as well as bachelor-degree completion programs for adults.
Graduate programs in business and education are also planned at a later date, with the finalization of program offerings to depend upon need and interest, Endicott officials said.
"We look forward to collaborating with Gloucester city officials, residents, and business leaders to provide educational leadership and innovative community activities on Cape Ann," Endicott College President Richard E. Wylie. said in a perpared statement. "I began my teaching career in this city and have an enduring appreciation for Gloucester and its people."
The college hopes to providing long- and short-term housing for students based in the Beverly campus, so they can live and work in Gloucester. This addition will allow for intensive programs in painting, oral history, and marine science, with students moving from Beverly to Gloucester for a few weeks of intensive study, then returning to the main campus.
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Steven Fletcher may be contacted at 1-978-283-7000 x3455, or sfletcher@gloucestertimes.com. Follow him on Twitter at @stevengdt.
