WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Members of the Friends of the Garnett Library will tour the Greater Ozarks Center for Advanced Technology (GOCAT) and learn more about the programs offered there by Missouri State University-West Plains during the group’s first meeting of the new academic year.

Friends will gather at GOCAT, 395 Jackie D. Garrett Dr., at noon Friday, Sept. 14, to hear from Sheila Barton, the university’s director of workforce development programs, as well as Dr. Dennis Lancaster, dean of academic affairs at Missouri State-West Plains.

“We’re excited to host the Friends of the Garnett Library’s first meeting of the new school year,” Barton said. “After a short program about the development of the center and its technical education programs, we’ll tour the facility and visit with instructors and, if available, students.”

The GOCAT is a partnership between Missouri State-West Plains, the West Plains R-7 School District’s South Central Career Center, and the City of West Plains. Its mission is to provide for the workforce development needs of the citizens of south-central Missouri and beyond.

“Those who attend the program and tour will get to see the latest in teaching technologies that provide the education and training needed by workers in many, if not most, of our area industries,” Lancaster said. “If you haven’t been to the GOCAT before, this is a great opportunity to learn about this collaborative program, as well as to find out more about the Friends of the Garnett Library.”

Cost of the meal is $10, payable at the door. Those wishing to eat should make a reservation by calling 417-255-7940 or emailing FriendsofGarnettLibrary@MissouriState.edu by Tuesday, Sept. 11.

For more information about Friends of the Garnett Library and how you can join, visit the organization’s website or call 417-255-7940.