How does the new Higher Education Center benefit the city of Medford?
The SOU/RCC partnership and co-location supports greater integration between education and the local business community. HEC enhances coordination of resources with business partners by serving as a one-stop location for workforce training, internships, and research. These elements contribute to the economic development of Medford and the region. In addition, the RCC-SOU joint facility allows the City of Medford to fulfill its goal of providing educational opportunity to the region’s workforce for economic development. Being central in the Rogue Valley, Medford’s economic and educational health is critical to the region’s future. Lastly, the new HEC campus contributes to the revitalization of downtown Medford. This revitalization began with the renovation of the Craterian Ginger Rodgers Theater and the historic Montgomery Wards Building (now RCC’s G Building), and continues with development of Lithia Plaza.
