Not formally trained in paper science, early workers in the industry generally relied on apprenticeship programs.
[6] Plantz envisioned workers from local paper mills teaching specialized classes, and a program that would include a partial liberal arts curriculum to create a "well-rounded individual".
[7] There were delays in starting the school, primarily financial in nature; Plantz had estimated that it would require $200,000 to $250,000 to construct a building, purchase equipment, and hire professors.
On July 1, 2003, the IPST merged with Georgia Tech; and on September 1, 2003, the institute received a new director, William J. Frederick Jr., who received a corresponding faculty appointment in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering in the Georgia Tech College of Engineering.
[9] It was re-envisioned as a more direct link between the paper industry and Georgia Tech faculty and researchers.