BridgeValley Community and Technical College and Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia proudly announce the naming of Toyota Hall

BridgeValley Community and Technical College (BridgeValley) and Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia are proud to announce the naming of Toyota Hall; this name will be the academic hall designation for the Advanced Technology Center of South Central West Virginia (ATC).

The unveiling of Toyota Hall will be the highlight of the March 20 Founder’s Day celebration of BridgeValley’s inaugural year.  This naming is in recognition of Toyota’s investment of over $1 million that will support the continued development and sustainability of the ATC’s mission and BridgeValley’s commitment to manufacturing education. 

In 2012, Toyota West Virginia and BridgeValley launched the Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) associate degree program, which combines cutting-edge curriculum, paid working experience, and best practices of a world-class manufacturer.  BridgeValley students selected for this program attend classes at the ATC two days per week and work three days per week at the Buffalo plant.  Additional manufacturers have also participated in the program.  Participants may earn more than $40,000 over the five-semester program.

 “Toyota is pleased to be a partner with BridgeValley in providing education and work experience for highly sought after multi-skilled employees of the future, “ said Millie Marshall, president of Toyota West Virginia.   “The education and training these students complete will lay the foundation for them to get a great, well-paying job anywhere in the United States.  Of course, we hope they establish their careers here in West Virginia,” she added.

“The key to economic development is strong partnerships, and Toyota has been an excellent partner to West Virginia and this investment is just further proof of Toyota’s strong commitment to the Mountain State,” U.S. Senator Joe Manchin said. “This announcement truly enhances  BridgeValley’s already top quality educational opportunities, and I am honored to join today’s ceremony as we recognize this exciting milestone for not only BridgeValley and Toyota, but for our entire state.”

“I truly appreciate Toyota’s continued commitment to improving our academic and workforce training programs,” Gov. Tomblin said. “Just last month, Millie and I spoke to governors from across the country about advanced manufacturing, 3D printing and other offerings available through the Advanced Technology Center of South Central West Virginia. I am committed to providing our future workforce with the resources, skills and training they need to be successful in the jobs we are creating, and Toyota’s partnership is a valuable part of that effort.”

“Partnerships between community colleges and industry are a tremendous benefit to colleges, students, and employers,” said Chancellor James L. Skidmore. “This program provides our students with an opportunity to enter into high-wage, long-term careers. I appreciate Toyota’s investment which will enhance BridgeValley’s capacity to deliver a high quality advanced manufacturing technical program.”

"Beyond providing a great opportunity for our students, Toyota has taken a leadership role in modeling the advantages of industry and education partnerships by helping develop the curriculum, contributing cutting-edge equipment, and investing funding to maintain high quality programming,“ noted Dr. Jo Harris, President of BridgeValley.  “Excellence is attained and maintained through such partnerships, and we are pleased to recognize Toyota on our first Founder’s Day event for their support as we worked together to create the AMT program and for their continued generosity during the ATC Capital Campaign.  They are an ideal industry partner.”

BridgeValley Community and Technical College, formed in 2014 with the merger of Bridgemont and Kanawha Valley Community and Technical Colleges, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. With campuses in Montgomery and South Charleston, the service region for the multi-campus consolidated institution includes Fayette, Kanawha, Clay, Putnam, Nicholas, and Raleigh counties.