A College for Our Communities: Gadsden State President Alan Smith Outlines Vision at Cherokee Chamber Breakfast
Centre – Gadsden State Community College President Alan Smith shared a detailed and inspiring vision for the college’s future during his keynote address at the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce’s monthly breakfast on Thursday morning, August 14. The event took place at the Chamber’s office on the Gadsden State Cherokee Campus and brought together Chamber members, community leaders, elected officials, and local residents.
The monthly breakfast, held on the second Thursday of the month at 8 AM, serves as an opportunity for community members to network, fellowship, and learn about developments impacting Cherokee County. Cherokee Chamber Executive Director Joy Perry opened the meeting by welcoming attendees and inviting Cherokee County Schools Superintendent Michael Welsh to the podium to offer prayer and a blessing over the breakfast. Following the prayer, the group recited the Pledge of Allegiance together.
https://cherokeecounty-al.gov/
After breakfast, Perry recognized the Chamber Ambassadors and board members in attendance, followed by acknowledgment of elected officials including Superintendent Welsh, Centre Mayor Mark Mansfield, Mayor-Elect Jay Howell, Leesburg Mayor Brandy Pierce, Commissioner Ronnie Shaw, and State Senator Andrew Jones. Kenny Hill from the Alabama Community College System was also recognized, along with Gadsden State staff members present with President Smith. Perry thanked Gadsden State for its long-standing relationship with the Chamber and noted that the Chamber’s office has been located on the Cherokee Campus since 2008. She then introduced Alan Smith as the keynote speaker.
President Alan Smith: Background and Career
Alan Smith became President of Gadsden State Community College on August 1, bringing more than 30 years of experience in education and workforce development. He first joined Gadsden State in 2019 as Dean of Workforce Development, later serving as Vice President of Capital Projects, Community Relations, and Workforce Development before assuming the presidency.
Under his leadership prior to becoming president, the college directed more than $38 million into career and technical education investments, including the creation of the Advanced Manufacturing and Workplace Skills Training Center. Smith has guided multiple academic divisions, overseen major facility development projects, and advanced public relations strategies to ensure the college meets the economic and workforce needs of the region.
Smith’s career began as an agriscience teacher in the Etowah County School System. He later became a construction business owner and a school administrator before moving into higher education leadership. He holds degrees from Auburn University and the University of Alabama and has earned numerous honors, including the 2023 Chancellor’s Award for Administrators and the 2024 Excellence in Post-Secondary Administration Award from the Etowah Chamber of Commerce.
He has served on multiple governor-appointed workforce and credentialing committees and currently chairs the Workforce Commission for the Alabama Community College Association. Smith is also personally connected to Gadsden State’s mission—he began his own college journey there, taking night classes toward a career in Agricultural Business before transferring to Auburn. He grew up near the Cherokee County line on Lookout Mountain and has deep family roots in Spring Garden.
https://weisradio.com/2025/07/09/alan-smith-appointed-president-of-gadsden-state-community-college/
The State of Gadsden State: A Community in Motion
Smith’s address, titled “The State of Gadsden State: A Community in Motion,” focused on the common themes of community engagement, opportunity, and accessibility. He emphasized the importance of “putting the community back in community college” and spoke about what the institution offers to citizens from all walks of life.
Gadsden State serves five counties through its five campuses: Ayers, Cherokee, East Broad, Valley Street, and Wallace. Smith spoke of plans for exciting future developments, including potential expansions at the Cherokee Campus. He reported that enrollment is on track to approach record levels, with the college currently serving nearly 5,000 students.
This period of growth coincides with Gadsden State’s centennial celebration—marking 100 years of serving local citizens in Alabama. Smith outlined upcoming events and activities planned across the campuses, including the Cherokee Campus, to commemorate the milestone throughout the coming year.
https://weisradio.com/2025/04/08/gadsden-state-celebrates-100-years-of-excellence-and-impact/
Smith also recognized and thanked State Senator Andrew Jones for his hard work in Montgomery, crediting him with making many of these opportunities possible through his strong advocacy for education and workforce development. He praised Jones’ dedication to advancing programs and resources that directly benefit students, the college, and the communities it serves.
Opportunities for Every Stage of Life
A significant portion of Smith’s address focused on the variety of educational and career pathways available at Gadsden State. The Adult Education Program helps individuals earn a GED, return to college later in life, improve ACT scores, or restart their higher education journey.
https://www.gadsdenstate.edu/programs-of-study/adult-education.cms
The college’s dual enrollment program allows high school students to begin their college careers early. Students with a 2.5 GPA can take free college-level courses, while those with a 2.0 GPA are eligible for technical programs that provide a jump start on workforce training. Smith credited Superintendent Michael Welsh for his active support of these initiatives, noting their benefit to Cherokee County students as well as students at the other campuses.
https://www.gadsdenstate.edu/programs-of-study/dualenrollment.cms
The Health Science program remains one of Gadsden State’s strongest assets, producing skilled nurses who enter the workforce with competitive earning potential. Smith shared a personal story about his niece, who took this pathway successfully. He reported an outstanding 99.7 percent pass rate for graduates taking the NCLEX RN exam on their first attempt.
https://www.gadsdenstate.edu/programs-of-study/health-science-programs.cms
Workforce Development and Industry Partnerships
Workforce training is central to Gadsden State’s mission. Smith acknowledged Andy Robertson, a Sand Rock graduate who now serves as Dean of Workforce Development, for his leadership in building partnerships with local employers seeking skilled graduates. These collaborations often result in graduates entering high-demand, well-paying jobs that can change lives.
One such initiative is the CoMeT program—Consortium of Machining Education Training—a hybrid work-based apprenticeship where students attend classes two days a week while working for an industry partner. This “earn while you learn” model combines advanced manufacturing training with paid work experience, preparing students for long-term careers.
Smith also highlighted the CREATE Technology and Innovation Center in Oxford, which offers free 12-week evening programs in commercial construction trades, including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and welding. Funded by grants and supported by the Alabama Power Foundation, CREATE equips adults 18 and older with the skills needed for high-demand careers. Smith expressed his desire to bring a similar program to the Cherokee Campus.
Gadsden State’s training programs are extensive, covering:
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Advanced Certified Nursing Assistant with Phlebotomy – Prepares students for certification in both nursing assistant and phlebotomy, with employment opportunities in hospitals, clinics, home health, hospice, and laboratories.
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HVAC (Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) – Teaches repair, installation, and maintenance of climate control systems.
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Medication Assistant – A five-week program training students to administer routine medications in healthcare facilities, assisted living, and other environments.
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Office Careers – Provides training in Microsoft Office, data entry, medical office procedures, records management, accounting, and business calculations.
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Phlebotomy – Six-week training for blood collection techniques and eligibility for national certification.
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Skills for Success Programs – Free, rapid training programs blending online learning with hands-on labs to simulate real work experiences.
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Truck Driving – Prepares students for Class A CDL licensure.
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Welding – Covers multiple welding techniques and equipment, leading to industry-ready skills.
Many of these programs allow students to complete coursework online before attending hands-on labs, learning to operate specialized equipment such as skid steers or practicing culinary skills. Several short-term programs also offer tuition reimbursement upon graduation, enabling students to quickly transition into high-paying jobs.
Athletics and Fine Arts Development
Athletics play a major role at Gadsden State. Smith credited outgoing President Kathy Murphy for her dedication to student-athlete success and pledged to maintain that focus. He announced several exciting projects, including new baseball and softball facilities along the Coosa River in Gadsden, with a public open house scheduled for September 16. Smith hopes to host games that same day.
https://weisradio.com/2025/05/14/dr-kathy-murphy-leaving-gadsden-state/
Plans are also underway for an NCAA-approved 5K running track capable of hosting sanctioned high school and NCAA events. Smith praised Athletic Director and baseball coach Dr. Blake Lewis, recently named Alabama Community College Coach of the Year, for his contributions to the program.
Fine arts are also receiving significant investment. Renovations are nearly complete at Wallace Hall, where the new Wallace Hall Fine Arts Center will soon open. This state-of-the-art venue will not only serve students pursuing performance careers but also provide training for those interested in the technical aspects of production—creating a clear pathway from education to professional opportunities.
Capital Investments and Future Partnerships
Gadsden State has recently invested more than $50 million in capital projects aimed at improving facilities, expanding programs, and benefiting students and the surrounding communities. Smith stressed that these enhancements position the college to meet workforce needs while attracting new students.
Partnerships with four-year universities, such as Auburn University, are creating seamless transfer pathways, allowing students to begin their education at Gadsden State and finish at a university. Smith reiterated his belief that there is “no reason a student should not come to a community college” given the affordability, flexibility, and quality of education offered.
A Commitment to Leading Together
In closing, Smith emphasized his leadership philosophy, saying he does not wish to lead from the top or the bottom but “together” with the community. His goal is for Gadsden State to be known as “a college for our communities”—visible, accessible, and deeply engaged with the people it serves.
After a century of service, Gadsden State is entering a new era of growth and opportunity under Smith’s leadership. With expanded programs, industry partnerships, new facilities, and a renewed emphasis on community connection, the college is well-positioned to transform lives and ensure that the “community” remains at the heart of community college.
https://www.gadsdenstate.edu/programs-of-study/comet.cms
https://www.gadsdenstate.edu/about-us/cherokee.cms
Other recent WEIS Coverage of Gadsen State:
https://weisradio.com/2025/08/05/gadsden-states-cardinal-foundation-to-host-2025-cardinal-gala/
https://weisradio.com/2025/07/02/gadsden-state-hosts-free-stem-career-camp-for-local-students/
https://weisradio.com/2025/06/10/gadsden-states-cardinal-foundation/
