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PAGE 2A May/June 2025 Print Edition
Driver's Education Courses Offered Gadsden State
In addition to the Gadsden classes, the course will also be available in Calhoun, Cherokee and Etowah counties: These locations and dates include: • Ayers Campus in Anniston: June 9-12 and July 14-17 • Cherokee Campus: June 23 – June 26 • East Broad Campus: July 7 – July 10 All sessions run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The course is ideal for teens preparing to earn their driver’s license, as well as for individuals seeking a refresher on safe driving techniques. The curriculum covers road rules, defensive driving strategies and responsible driver behavior in a structured, supportive environment. Gadsden State’s Continuing Education and Corporate Training Division provides non-credit courses for personal and professional development. These programs serve traditional and non- traditional students, along with individuals in business, government, professional organizations and social services.
Community College is now enrolling students in upcoming driver’s education courses through its Continuing Education and Corporate Training Division. Designed to equip new drivers with essential knowledge and hands-on experience. The remaining upcoming session dates are scheduled for May 3, May 10 and May 24. Classes will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bevill Center Lecture Hall on the East Broad Campus. The four- session course is $210 per person. “This driver’s education course offers students valuable driving experience, and the required instruction time needed to earn a certificate of completion,” said Dana Cordell, manager of Continuing Education and Corporate Training. “The certificate can help qualify participants for up to 20% off auto insurance with companies that offer student driver discounts.” Class size is limited to nine students. Students must attend all four sessions to receive credit from instructor Greg Hall.
Dr. Kathy Murphy, president of Gadsden State Community College, has announced that she has accepted the position of president at Wallace Community College in Dothan, Alabama. Murphy will begin her new role at Wallace Dothan on June 1. “It has been my honor to serve as President at Gadsden State since January 2021, and I will miss our wonderful college, our exceptional faculty and staff, and, of course, our amazing students,” said Dr. Murphy. “During the past four years, we have experienced so many successes including increased scholarships, increased enrollment, increased credit hour production, increased retention, additional apprenticeships and worked-based learning opportunities, and enhanced security." Dr. Murphy Leaving Gadsden State for President Job at Wallace State in Dothan Submitted Photo Alan Smith named interim president of Gadsden State Community College
Gadsden State Community College has appointed Alan Smith as interim president, effective June 1, 2025. Smith is a proven leader in higher education and workforce development. “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.” Since joining Gadsden State’s leadership in 2019 as Dean of Workforce Development, Smith has played a critical role in guiding the college’s strategic growth. His leadership has been instrumental in securing and managing over $38 million in investments in career technical education— including the Advanced Manufacturing and Workplace Skills Training Center. In his current role as Vice President of Capital Projects, Community Relations, and Workforce Development, Smith oversees key college operations and provides direct supervision for the Dean of Student Services, Dean of Academics, Dean of Health Sciences, Dean of Workforce Development, and the Director of Capital Projects. Smith is currently overseeing $20 million in capital improvement initiatives, including the construction of new state-of- the-art baseball and softball fields and the renovation of historic Wallace Hall, which will enhance opportunities for both student-athletes and the college’s Fine Arts Division. “It’s been a true honor to work alongside Dr. Kathy Murphy and help
Submitted Photo
New Gadsden State Interim President Alan Smith
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.” Smith holds degrees in agricultural business and economics and education from Auburn University, as well as a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Alabama. His contributions to education have earned him numerous accolades. The Etowah Chamber presented him with the 2024 Excellence in Post- Secondary Administration Award and named him the 2024 Chairperson of the Year. He also received the 2023 Chancellor’s Award for Administrators from the Alabama Community College System. Earlier in his career, Smith was named the Most Outstanding Young Agriscience Technology Teacher in Alabama in 2000 and the Etowah County
Schools Teacher of the Year in 2001. Appointed by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey to serve on multiple statewide committees, including the Region 2 Workforce Development Committee and the Alabama Committee on Credentialing and Career Pathways, Smith also 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.” “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,” Smith said. “Our job is to meet them where they are and help change their lives for good, forever.” For more information about Gadsden State, visit www.gadsdenstate.edu.
Photo Courtesy of Snead State
Snead State Community College’s newly formed Math Team made an impressive debut at the AlaMATYC (Alabama Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges) Math Team Tournament held on Friday, April 11, at Shelton State Community College. Representing Snead State in its first-ever showing were students Alex Watts of Boaz and Jaxon Dendy of Albertville. Both students competed in the Calculus Division — a step above the typical Pre-Calculus competition level. Dendy earned fourth place in the individual calculus category, while the duo secured third place in the team competition for the Calculus Division. Math Team Competes
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