Dr. Kathy Murphy, president of Gadsden State Community College has announced Dr. Farrah Hayes as the new dean of Academic Programs and Services. She will assume the role on Jan. 3, 2022.  Current dean, Dr. Leslie Worthington, is retiring from Gadsden State on December 13.

“While we had many strong candidates for the position, only one could be selected,” Murphy said. “Dr. Hayes rose to the top because of her commitment and passion for our College and our students, her high-energy and enthusiasm and the numerous progressive ideas she shared. I am delighted to announce her as our new dean of Academic Programs and Services.”

As the dean of Academic Programs and Services, Hayes will execute leadership of all academic instructional programs, library services, online instruction, international programs and the Alabama Language Institute. She will manage faculty and staff in institutional effectiveness and be responsible for the academic instructional programs’ budget.

Hayes has been employed at Gadsden State since 2015. She has been the Division Chair of the Languages and Humanities department since 2019. Prior to that, she was an English instructor and director of the Cardinal Tutoring Center.

“I am honored to step into the role,” Hayes said. “I believe in the mission of Gadsden State and I am ready to continue to serve the College and the community in this capacity.” 

Hayes started her education at Jacksonville State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Spanish. In 2008, she earned a Master of Science in Education of English Language Arts from JSU. Two years later, she earned an educational specialist designation, also from JSU. In 2021, she completed her doctoral degree in Developmental Education Administration from Sam Houston State University.

She is a graduate of Leadership Etowah and the Gadsden State Faculty Developmental Institute. She also earned a Jewish Foundation for the Righteous Fellowship at Columbia University.

Prior to working at Gadsden State, Hayes was the lead teacher for English Language Arts instructors in the Etowah County Schools. She has also worked as an English and education adjunct professor at JSU and an English and Spanish teacher for Piedmont City Schools.

Hayes has received a number of honors, including a Chancellor’s Award for Academic and Technical Faculty, New Developmental Educator of the Year from the Alabama Association for Developmental Education, Outstanding Academic Faculty from the Gadsden State Alumni Association and Piedmont High School Teacher of the Year. She is an active member of the Gadsden Rotary Club and is a Loaned Executive with the United Way of Etowah County.

Hayes resides in Gadsden with her husband, Justin D. Hayes, an attorney in private practice.