Gadsden, AL – Today, Gadsden State Community College celebrated the grand opening of its new Advanced Manufacturing and Workforce Skills Training Center on the East Broad Campus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event drew a crowd of approximately 200 attendees from Etowah and neighboring counties, highlighting the community’s support for the institution’s latest venture.
“Seeing all of your faces makes me realize the great support we receive from the communities we serve,” remarked Dr. Kathy Murphy, president of Gadsden State. “This center is one that you support and because of your support, lives are going to change for good, forever.”
The state-of-the-art center aims to provide a high-tech, hands-on learning environment for students pursuing careers in high-demand, high-wage industries. It will host programs in Mechatronics, Industrial Automation, Precision Machining, Mechanical Design Technology, Additive Manufacturing, and Electronics Engineering. Additionally, it will house the second cohort of FAME (Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education) students, an apprenticeship-style program for Industrial Automation majors.
Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy Baker commended Dr. Murphy and Alan Smith, dean of Workforce Development, for their dedication to bringing the center to fruition. “They made the right decisions and worked really hard to make all of this happen,” Baker said. “They worked with their local officials, with industry, with municipalities to make sure this center was built at Gadsden State. They are committed to this College.”
The new facility was identified as a crucial project under the ACCS ASPIRE 2030 initiative. ASPIRE, which stands for “Achieving Systemwide Potential through Increased Resources and Engagement,” stemmed from a statewide bond issue passed by the Alabama Legislature in 2020. This initiative aims to provide funding for educational facility upgrades and new constructions across Alabama. The center’s development was guided by committees comprising Gadsden State employees and partners from K-12 education, government, business, industry, nonprofits, and economic development organizations.
“When we were considering ASPIRE projects, we were told to ‘dream big,’” Smith recalled. “I want to say that we listened.”
Construction of the center began on February 21, 2023, and cost approximately $24 million. Funding came from the statewide bond issue and an additional $12 million granted to Gadsden State last June through the Education Supplemental Appropriation Bill, approved by Alabama legislators and signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey. The money was allocated for construction costs and equipment for the center.
The Advanced Manufacturing Center features 10 laboratories, seven classrooms, 11 offices, a multipurpose room, 10 tool and storage rooms, a storm shelter, a testing suite, a kitchen and serving area, a break room, and six restroom areas. It also includes glass viewing areas for prospective students and industry partners to observe laboratory activities during tours, a secure entrance for students being dropped off or picked up, and digital displays providing information for students.
Several local entities contributed financially to the project, including the Etowah County Commission, City of Attalla, City of Glencoe, City of Southside, City of Ridgeville, Rainbow City, Etowah County Schools, Sardis City, the Etowah Chamber of Commerce, Etowah County Sales Tax, and the City of Gadsden.
“Everybody bought into the idea of having this building at Gadsden State,” Smith noted. “Everyone was on board and supported the vision that helps us change lives for good, forever. That’s what we do at Gadsden State.”
The inauguration of the Advanced Manufacturing and Workforce Skills Training Center marks a significant milestone for Gadsden State Community College, promising to equip students with the skills needed for thriving careers in today’s advanced manufacturing sectors.
*Photos Courtesy of Gadsden State
