'This is a big step for Santa Rosa County'

MILTON — Locklin Technical Institute is continuing its mission to prepare students for current and high-demand careers as it prepares for its first semester as Locklin Technical College. The name change will become official August 1, according to the letter of approval from the Council on Occupational Education.

Principal Maria LaDouceur announced the name change at the May graduation ceremony.  

“This is a big step for Santa Rosa County and our state as we continue to provide high-quality, affordable, career-in-a-year technical programs to our students,” LaDouceur wrote in an email. “All of our programs focus on meeting the needs of Florida's workforce.”   

In her letter requesting the name change, LaDouceur wrote that the name change would enhance the school's ability "to compete with local public and technical schools offering the same post-secondary education and credentials.” LaDouceur wrote that she is confident that the name change will allow the school to attract a younger demographic of students.

The Santa Rosa County School Board approved the name change April 5 followed by the Council on Occupational Education Approved May 9.  

Since Locklin’s approval for a name change, LaDouceur said George Stone Technical Center in Escambia County has also been approved by its school board to become a technical college.  

Currently, Florida has 49 public institutions. Locklin is now one of 41 technical colleges in the state.  

Visit www.Locklintech.com for more information.  

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: 'This is a big step for Santa Rosa County'