Anniston, AL – Gadsden State Community College’s Ayers Campus has celebrated the completion of significant renovations to the Cheaha Center, transforming it into a modernized hub for student and community services. The upgraded facility now houses the new Gadsden State One Stop Center alongside the Anniston Career Center, which continues to provide critical employment resources.
“The renovation brings significant upgrades to the center’s functionality and aesthetic, benefiting both students and community members who rely on the services offered at the facility,” said Pam Johnson, dean of Institutional Effectiveness and acting director of the Ayers Campus.
The One Stop Center serves as a centralized location for essential student services, now conveniently relocated from the original Ayers Campus Administration Building. Updated features include luxury vinyl flooring, fresh paint, modern furniture, and a new computer corral. Walls were added to better delineate the two centers, improving organization and space efficiency.
Relocated services at the One Stop Center include:
- Advising and Retention
- Dual Enrollment
- Admissions and Records
- Financial Aid
- Enrollment Services
- Technical Advisement
- Educational Opportunity Center
- The Business Office
Additionally, office spaces for the Gadsden State Police and Public Safety Department and visiting college leaders have been incorporated.
“These changes make the One Stop Center a centralized location where students can easily access multiple services in one location, streamlining the process for students as they pursue their education,” said Andy Green, dean of Student Services.
The Anniston Career Center, which has been a cornerstone resource on the Ayers Campus for 22 years, continues to serve residents of Calhoun and Cleburne counties. It provides job placement assistance, career evaluations, work-based learning opportunities, and access to vital state programs.
“The renovations to the Cheaha Center are a true asset for our students and community members,” Johnson said. “This project helps us better serve our community while fostering a welcoming and efficient environment for those who rely on student services.”
Shari Vickers, the regional manager for the Department of Labor’s Area 2, emphasized the collaborative benefits of the co-location. “By being located so close to student services, we can maintain closer contact with students as they prepare to enter the workforce with new or updated skills,” she said.
Employers also gain from the enhanced space, which facilitates job postings, online job fairs, recruitment activities, and access to labor market insights and tax credits.
The renovation complements the Cheaha Center’s annex, built in 2020, which supports nursing and academic courses. Offices for Institutional Effectiveness, Upward Bound, and other administrative functions remain in the original administration building.
Katrina Herring, manager of the Anniston Career Center, praised the renovations for enhancing the center’s ability to support workforce development. “The Career Center continues to support individuals in their journey from education to employment, and these upgrades will help us do that even more effectively,” she said.
The Cheaha Center renovations reflect Gadsden State’s commitment to fostering a seamless connection between education and employment while serving as a vital resource for the surrounding community.
