Harrison and Lindsey, others to speak at GSCC dedication

Press Release

Incoming President of Gadsden State Community College Darryl Harrison is scheduled to take part in the dedication ceremony of Gadsden State Cherokee on Dec. 18.

Harrison, who will assume the presidency on Jan. 1, will deliver the closing remarks at the dedication of the complex, which was established to serve Cherokee County and the surrounding area.

Other speakers will include Alabama Community College System Chancellor Bradley Byrne, Rep. Richard Lindsey (D-Centre), State Board of Education members Stephanie Bell and Dr. Mary Jane Caylor.

Acting President Valerie Richardson will give the opening remarks and welcome those in attendance.

Construction on the $22 million complex began in August 2006. Financial support came from a number of sources including 28 acres of land from the city of Centre and $250,000 in site preparation from the Cherokee County Commission.

State funding was provided by Senator Larry Means (D-Attalla) and Rep. Lindsey through an economic development grant.

Gov. Bob Riley provided $5.5 million from the sale of general obligation bonds and the Alabama State Board of Education authorized the sale of $12.2 million in bonds.

There was also financial support totaling more than $5.2 million over the next 20 years from the Cherokee County Commission and local governmental entities. A local community partner, KTH of Leesburg Products, LLC, is also making a valuable contribution in financial support.

The Gadsden State-Cherokee complex is located at 801 Cedar Bluff Road in Centre.

The 39,000 square foot academic building offers an expanded list of courses to meet general studies requirements for the Associate Transfer Degree. It consists of learning laboratories in computer science, biology, testing, nursing and workforce development. The Gadsden State Division of Health Sciences is offering the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program with a high tech lab designed to challenge the students’ skills and clinical decision making capabilities.

In addition, the complex includes an Economic Development Center which is providing a successful model demonstrating how institutions like Gadsden State can partner with local communities to promote community, workforce and economic development. The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce also has offices located in the facility. The multipurpose arena was constructed with a seating capacity of 2,500. There are additional meeting rooms in the area designed to accommodate various size events including a hospitality/meeting room with a seating capacity of 300.

In August 2002, Gadsden State opened the Cherokee County Instructional Site in response to strong community and governmental support to meet the growing educational needs of the region. The center offered a number of evening courses ranging from English and history to computer science and eliminated the need for students to make the drive to the Gadsden campuses. Fall Semester 2008 welcomed students to the new facility.

“I am pleased to see this wonderful project come to fruition," Richardson said. "These facilities will have a long-lasting educational and economical impact on our communities. We are delighted to share in the partnership and anticipate a progressive and productive future.”