Board votes to expand Madison College on south side, close downtown campus

The Madison College board voted Wednesday night to expand the college’s south campus and close the downtown location.

Madison College President Dr. Jack Daniels previously said they want to lease out the downtown site to expand services on the south side.

Daniels said expanding the school’s south side campus would serve the nearly 17,000 adults in that area who have high school diplomas, but don’t have a bachelor’s or associates degree.

Many at Wednesday night’s meeting agreed, saying Madison’s south side population is growing and needs resources like a college.

“I feel very good about it,” Daniels said. “I have to recognize the board for taking this step.”

For the expansion to happen, Madison College will close the downtown location, which a decision that didn’t sit well with some people at the meeting.

Madison College officials estimate the current downtown campus needs around $30 million in repairs and renovations.