Columbus State University has buildings picked out for its West Point campus and went a long way Thursday night in getting students to attend.

More than 100 area residents turned out at the West Point Depot to hear from everyone from admissions counselors to department deans to student ambassadors talk about Columbus State’s class offerings. The school had announced plans in the spring to open a campus in time for fall and worked quickly to make it happen - classes will start Aug. 15.

“I’m overwhelmed by the turnout,” said Kathy Carlisle, dean of enrollment services.

She’s been working out of temporary offices downtown and has seen about five people a day come in to inquire about enrolling.

“We’re ecstatic to be here,” said Angela Robinson and her daughter Gabrielle, 18, who just graduated from Troup High School.

Three of Gabrielle Robinson’s siblings have graduated from Columbus State and a fourth will graduate next year. She admits to looking at other schools but likes the option of going to college in her hometown - the Robinsons live in West Point.

“With transportation costing as much as it does, it’s great that it’s so close,” Angela Robinson said.

A number of the open house attendees Thursday night were from Chambers County; the Alabama residents are being offered Georgia tuition prices. Stephanie Hodge, a Cusseta, Ala., resident and fifth-grade teacher in Lafayette, Ala., at East Side Elementary School, is looking to continue her education. She just received a master’s degree in reading.

“I’ve been taking classes online, but I’d rather be in a class,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity.”

Jennifer Shrader may be reached at jshrader@ lagrangenews.com or at (706) 884-7311, Ext. 236.