Gadsden State Cherokee Campus to Host Centennial Celebration Event on August 27

GADSDEN, AL –Gadsden State Community College will host a special celebration recognizing the Cherokee Campus and its vital role in the college’s 100-year legacy. The event will commemorate 23 years of excellence, growth, and educational impact in Cherokee County.

Gadsden State Cherokee, located in Centre, Alabama, stands as a symbol of the college’s longstanding commitment to expanding access to higher education across northeast Alabama. What began in the 1970s with evening classes at Cherokee County High School continued to grow in response to local demand for accessible, affordable education.

In 2002, Gadsden State opened the Cherokee County Center, a 4,000-square-foot leased facility that offered evening classes in disciplines such as computer science, mathematics, biology, and the humanities. This milestone marked the first time the college had a standalone instructional site in Cherokee County and laid the groundwork for an even stronger presence in the years to come.

By 2008, Gadsden State had relocated its Cherokee operations to a newly constructed, state-of-the-art campus on Cedar Bluff Road. The 85,000-square-foot facility features a 2,500-seat arena, advanced learning labs, a 300-seat conference room, and multiple meeting spaces. It’s also home to the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce.

Today, Gadsden State Cherokee offers associate degrees, university transfer pathways, a standalone Registered Nursing program, and a variety of workforce and adult education programs. The campus continues to play a vital role in driving economic development, supporting student success, and building a stronger future for Cherokee County.

Join Gadsden State in celebrating decades of impact at the Cherokee Campus.

Celebrate Gadsden State: Cherokee Campus Celebration
Wednesday, August 27 at 1:30 p.m.
Cherokee Campus Academic Building
801 Cedar Bluff Road, Centre, AL 35906

The event will include:

• Guest speakers
• Campus tours
• Historical exhibits
• Light refreshments
• Opportunities to reconnect with alumni, faculty, and community leaders

This celebration is part of the “Celebrate Gadsden State” Centennial Campaign, marking 100 years since the college’s founding in 1925.  Please RSVP by August 22, 2025 at www.GadsdenState.edu/celebrate.