GADSDEN, AL — Gadsden State Community College President Alan Smith is marking the completion of his first year leading the institution, a year the college says has centered on expanding student opportunities, developing partnerships and advancing academic and workforce initiatives.
Smith has identified three priorities — people, partnerships and progress — as guiding principles for his administration. He said those priorities connect to a broader mission of helping students and the communities served by Gadsden State.
“Everything we do comes back to helping people,” Smith said. “Whether it’s helping a student earn a degree, preparing someone for a new career, supporting our local workforce or strengthening our communities, that’s why Gadsden State exists. If we’re focused on helping people, everything else falls into place.”
Expanding opportunities for students
Among the initiatives launched during Smith’s first year was Cardinal Promise, a program designed to cover tuition and required fees for qualifying students after eligible financial aid has been applied.
The college also introduced new internal and community communication efforts. The Monday Mission newsletter was developed to provide information to faculty and staff, while a quarterly newsletter and college podcast are also in development.
“Education changes lives, but it’s the people who make that transformation possible,” Smith said. “Our students inspire us every day, and our faculty and staff are committed to helping each student reach their full potential. That’s what makes Gadsden State such a special place.”
Trudy Guffey, a psychology and sociology instructor at Gadsden State, pointed to Smith’s visibility across the college’s campuses and his interactions with employees and local schools as notable aspects of his first year.
“Growth and national recognition are outstanding accomplishments for Gadsden State,” Guffey said. “However, it is President Smith’s character that is of great value to our college and community.”
Building regional partnerships
Gadsden State also expanded relationships with school systems, colleges and universities during the year.
College officials met with high school principals and guidance counselors throughout Gadsden State’s service area, while new transfer agreements were established with Jacksonville State University and Talladega College. Additional partnership agreements with Drake State Community and Technical College and Auburn University are in development, according to the college.
Douglas Brasier, dean of workforce at Drake State, said discussions between the two institutions are already leading to potential new opportunities, including an entrepreneurship course intended to provide students with experience in developing business plans, establishing LLCs and using social media for business growth.
Gadsden State also continued working with business and industry representatives, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and workforce partners.
The college’s partnership with the City of Gadsden includes development of a new athletic complex and plans for a tennis complex intended to serve both Gadsden State athletes and the community.
Keith Blackwell, superintendent of Gadsden City Schools, said the partnership between the school system and college has created additional opportunities for students to explore higher education and career options.
“No college succeeds on its own,” Smith said. “Our partnerships make us stronger and allow us to better serve our students and our communities. When education, business, industry and community leaders work together, everyone benefits.”
Facilities, programs and enrollment
Gadsden State also completed or advanced several projects during Smith’s first year.
The college opened a new Surgical Technology facility at the Ayers Campus in Anniston, providing a new healthcare training environment for students. Renovations were also completed at Wallace Hall, and the college reported continued growth in its Esthetics program while planning for future nursing and STEM initiatives.
Enrollment increased in several areas. The Cherokee Campus welcomed what the college described as the largest nursing class in its history, while Adult Education served more than 2,300 students. Overall fall enrollment exceeded 5,500 students, which the college described as one of its strongest fall enrollments in recent years.
Coleman Lett, Calhoun County Schools career and technical education coordinator, cited the partnership between Gadsden State and the Calhoun County Career Academy as another area of growth.
“During his first year in this position, he wasted no time being boots on the ground and creating opportunities,” Lett said. “We are thankful for the strategic partnership between Gadsden State and the Calhoun County Career Academy, which provides countless opportunities for our students.”
The college also concluded its yearlong Celebrate Gadsden State campaign recognizing its 100th anniversary and introduced the institutional message “A College for the Community.”
“Progress isn’t just measured by new buildings and capital projects,” Smith said. “It’s measured by the opportunities we create and the lives we impact. Every improvement we make is about ensuring Gadsden State continues to meet the needs of our communities today while preparing for tomorrow.”
Looking to the second year
Smith said his second year will continue to focus on access to education, partnerships and opportunities for students.
“The accomplishments of this past year belong to our students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners,” Smith said. “I’m grateful for everything we’ve accomplished together, but we’re just getting started. There is tremendous opportunity ahead, and I believe the best days for Gadsden State are still to come.”
As Smith begins his second year as president, the college plans to continue building around the three priorities established during his first: people, partnerships and progress.
