Gadsden, AL — Gadsden State Community College has proudly named Alan Smith as its interim president, effective June 1. A respected leader in higher education and workforce development, Smith brings over 30 years of experience and a deep personal connection to the college to his new role.
“This is an incredible honor that I embrace with great enthusiasm,” Smith said. “My connection to this college spans more than three decades, beginning with my time as a business student at Gadsden State.”
Smith joined Gadsden State’s leadership team in 2019 as Dean of Workforce Development, where he quickly became a driving force behind the college’s strategic growth. He has since helped secure and manage over $38 million in career technical education investments, including funding for the college’s Advanced Manufacturing and Workplace Skills Training Center.
Currently serving as Vice President of Capital Projects, Community Relations, and Workforce Development, Smith oversees several major operational divisions and provides direct supervision to the Dean of Student Services, Dean of Academics, Dean of Health Sciences, Dean of Workforce Development, and the Director of Capital Projects.
He is also at the helm of $20 million in capital improvements, which include the construction of state-of-the-art baseball and softball fields and the renovation of historic Wallace Hall, an effort aimed at enhancing opportunities for both student-athletes and the Fine Arts Division.
“It’s been a true honor to work alongside Dr. Kathy Murphy and help drive some remarkable achievements during her tenure as president,” Smith said. “As we look ahead, I am committed to leading Gadsden State as a hub of opportunity—where students find clear pathways to four-year institutions or high-wage, high-demand careers in technical and healthcare fields.”
A two-time graduate of Auburn University with degrees in agricultural business and economics and education, Smith also holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Alabama. His work has earned him numerous honors, including:
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2024 Excellence in Post-Secondary Administration Award from the Etowah Chamber
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2024 Chairperson of the Year, Etowah Chamber
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2023 Chancellor’s Award for Administrators, Alabama Community College System
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Most Outstanding Young Agriscience Technology Teacher in Alabama (2000)
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Etowah County Schools Teacher of the Year (2001)
Smith has also been appointed by Governor Kay Ivey to several key statewide committees, including the Region 2 Workforce Development Committee and the Alabama Committee on Credentialing and Career Pathways. He currently chairs the Workforce Commission for the Alabama Community College Association.
“I place strong emphasis on our role as a community college—where serving every stakeholder in our region is critical to our mission,” Smith said. “We are here to educate, empower, and uplift the communities that count on us.”
He added, “I believe a student is a student—whether they’re enrolled through dual enrollment, workforce development, adult education, technical training, health sciences, academic transfer, or continuing education. Our job is to meet them where they are and help change their lives for good, forever.”
For more information about Gadsden State Community College, visit www.gadsdenstate.edu.
