Local officials and business leaders welcomed Clayton State University to Fayette County Tuesday night in a ceremony at the school’s new Fayette campus, on the second floor of an office building at 1200 Commerce Drive in Peachtree City.

Clayton State President Dr. Thomas K. Harden said the school may eventually be used by as many as 1,000 students, but at some point the facility would likely be outgrown. Clayton State has had a presence here before in shared space at the city’s tennis center and also at the LaFayette educational center in Fayetteville.

“This is bigger, this is grander, this is tremendously exciting for me,” Harden said.

Courses for all of the University’s undergraduate majors will be available starting in January, says Assistant Vice President of Academic Outreach Dr. Kevin Demmitt, a Fayette County resident. The university also will provide students access to admissions and financial aid counselors, along with other student services, Demmitt said.

The campus will feature four classrooms and offices in a total of 9,000 square feet.

The school is targeting nontraditional students who have some college credits and high school juniors and seniors who are qualified to take joint-enrollment college courses, Demmitt said.

Fayette County Commission Chairman Jack Smith was one of several officials welcoming Clayton State-Fayette, calling it “a dream come true.”

The effort to secure a university campus for Peachtree City has been a goal of local leaders since the 1980s

“It’s been a dream and a desire of the Development Authority since I’ve been on the board,” noted Randy Hayes, chairman of the Fayette County Development Authority.

“You’ll be surprised at the number of potential students out there,” said Pat Murphy, chair-elect of the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce.

Clayton State’s Fayette relationship began in 1995 when continuing education classes were offered across the street from the Fayette County Courthouse.

Also speaking at the ceremony was M. Allan Vigil, chair of the Board of Regents of the University System, and a long time Fayette County resident and businessman.

“We’re making higher education more accessible in Fayette County, thanks to the Board of Commissioners, the Development Authority and the Chamber of Commerce,” he said. “This is a great day for Clayton State University and Fayette County.”