Oxford, AL – On Wednesday afternoon, Dr. Eric Mackey, Alabama State Superintendent of Education, visited the newly-opened Choccolocco Research Education Arts and Technical Experience (CREATE) Center in Oxford. Accompanied by members of the state board and his staff, Dr. Mackey explored the innovative programs designed to prepare high school students for successful careers.
The visit began with a lunch prepared by Oxford High School’s event planning class, offering a glimpse into the students’ culinary skills. Following the meal, Dr. Mackey and his team were guided through the CREATE Center, where students from Oxford Elementary School showcased their practical skills with a paper airplane assembly line.
The highlight of the visit was a series of demonstrations by high school students in specialized areas such as engineering, computer science, modern manufacturing, Greenpower, and robotics. These hands-on projects illustrated the advanced opportunities available at CREATE, one of Alabama’s pioneering regional workforce development centers for high school students.
Dr. Shannon Stanley, superintendent for Oxford City Schools, expressed her enthusiasm about the visit, saying, “We are incredibly proud of the CREATE Center and the remarkable work our students and staff are doing here. It was an honor to host Dr. Mackey, the state board, and his staff. Their support is invaluable as we continue to provide our students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s workforce.”
Reflecting on his visit, Dr. Mackey shared, “Our visit to CREATE cemented our core belief that anything is possible for our students when entities work together with a shared vision and clear understanding of the intersection where student engagement and community development meet. Our students want meaningful, engaging work that leads to solid careers. Our businesses and community leaders want to provide those good jobs in hometown communities. CREATE is a vision for the future but it’s working today, right here in Northeast Alabama. We are excited to visit today but more excited to see the phenomenal growth the future is sure to hold.”
Currently, CREATE Center is operating in Phase 1, serving 275 students daily from Oxford High School. Phase 2, which will commence with the 2025-2026 school year, will see the center expand to serve students from five counties, introducing new pathways in criminal justice, cybersecurity, electrical and industrial maintenance, transportation, distribution, logistics, and STEM research and technology development. Phase 3, slated for 2026, will include the implementation of an aviation pathway.
CREATE director Lorie Denton praised the collaborative efforts that made the center possible, stating, “We could not do any of this without the incredible support from our partners. Thank you to the Calhoun County Economic Development Council, the city of Oxford, our other local municipalities and school districts, our regional community, business, and industry leaders, our local workforce council, and our local and state elected officials.” Denton also highlighted the crucial role of Oxford City Schools Superintendent Dr. Shannon Stanley, noting her leadership as a key factor in uniting regional superintendents and preparing the next generation of the workforce.
The CREATE Center continues to set a benchmark for educational innovation in Alabama, creating a dynamic learning environment where students can explore and develop skills across various trades and technologies, ultimately preparing them for successful careers.
