Alan Freeman and Jay Freeman Visit WEIS Radio to Discuss Exciting Things Happening at Gadsden State
Gadsden State Community College is entering its fall semester with a renewed emphasis on connecting education, public safety, and community engagement. President Alan Smith and Campus Police Chief Jay Freeman recently shared an update on the institution’s priorities, programs, and outreach efforts during an on-air interview which you can listen to here:
The fall semester officially begins Monday, with seats still available in multiple programs, including health sciences, workforce training, and heavy equipment operation such as bulldozer and skid-steer certification. Scholarship opportunities remain open, allowing more students to access affordable education. Gadsden State is encouraging participation from a wide range of learners, including high school students, adults returning to school, and those seeking to learn new skills for the workforce.
Smith noted that the Cherokee campus holds a special place in his vision for the college’s future. Plans are underway to expand facilities and program offerings there, reflecting the strong demand for health science programs and other workforce-related training. The campus is described as not only beautiful but also strategically positioned to serve residents across the region. Dual enrollment at Cherokee is expected to grow, and the college is actively working to increase those numbers.
As an alumnus of Gadsden State, Smith’s connection to the college runs deep. His own path included attending classes at night while working, an experience he believes is shared by many in the community. He emphasizes that the college has long been a place where working individuals, families, and veterans could gain the skills and credentials needed for better opportunities. Over its 100-year history, Gadsden State has supported countless stories of achievement, from veterans returning after World War II to learn trades such as welding, to recent graduates entering nursing, technical, and professional careers.
The upcoming centennial celebration will highlight those success stories. The college is inviting members of the community whose lives have been positively impacted by Gadsden State to share their experiences, with selected stories to be featured on the college’s social media platforms.
Chief Jay Freeman, now in his second year leading Gadsden State’s police department, has made campus safety and proactive engagement central to his mission. The department consists of 13 officers—both full-time and part-time—alongside public safety personnel. Many of these officers bring prior experience from other departments, allowing for strong collaboration and partnerships across law enforcement agencies in the region.
A key priority for the department is maintaining a high level of training and readiness. Officers not only focus on safety and security but also take part in initiatives to identify students who may be facing challenges early, with the goal of offering support before problems escalate. The department works closely with a designated mental health officer, and programs like the women’s self-defense course have been identified as highly valuable community assets.
Freeman also emphasized that the police department’s work extends beyond emergency response. Officers are present on every campus, interacting daily with students, faculty, and visitors. This visible presence fosters relationships and builds trust, creating a safer and more welcoming environment for thousands of people who visit Gadsden State facilities each day.
The college is also continuing to expand its athletic and extracurricular offerings. A new baseball and softball stadium is nearing completion, with plans for an open house and a possible fall game to introduce the facilities to the public.
Smith credited faculty and staff for their dedication, noting that many have been quietly doing exceptional work for years. Programs like the HASS Training Center, a 50,000-square-foot facility with strong enrollment, are producing skilled workers to meet regional industry needs.
Recruitment is ongoing for both students and staff. For Cherokee County residents, tuition is currently available at a reduced rate, allowing some students to effectively attend for half price. The college is also looking for both certified and entry-level law enforcement candidates who are a good fit for its community-oriented policing approach. Several students have expressed interest in careers in law enforcement, investigation, or federal agencies such as the FBI, and Freeman has been active in mentoring them toward those goals.
Looking ahead, Gadsden State’s focus remains on combining strong academic programs, workforce readiness, and active community involvement. Whether through classroom learning, skills training, public safety initiatives, or special events, the college is positioning itself as a hub of opportunity and a central part of the region’s growth.
More information on registration, scholarships, and upcoming events is available at gadsdenstate.edu.
About President Alan Smith
Alan Smith serves as President of Gadsden State Community College, where he leads initiatives in business and community engagement, advancement, campus culture, and student success. He has been with the college since 2019, first as Dean of Workforce Development, later as Vice President of Capital Projects, Community Relations, and Workforce Development, before stepping into the presidency.
Smith has overseen more than $38 million in career and technical education investments, including the creation of the Advanced Manufacturing and Workplace Skills Training Center. His leadership has guided multiple academic divisions, workforce initiatives, facility developments, and public relations strategies to align the college with regional economic needs.
With more than 30 years in education and workforce development, Smith’s career began as an agriscience teacher in Etowah County Schools, later expanding into construction business ownership, and then school administration. He holds degrees from Auburn University and the University of Alabama, and has earned numerous awards, including the Chancellor’s Award for Administrators (2023) and the Excellence in Post-Secondary Administration Award from the Etowah Chamber of Commerce (2024).
Smith has served on multiple governor-appointed workforce and credentialing committees and currently chairs the Workforce Commission for the Alabama Community College Association. His lifelong connection to Gadsden State continues to shape his vision of the college as a true community institution—one that transforms lives through accessible, high-quality education.
About Chief Jay Freeman
Jay Freeman is the first Chief of Police for Gadsden State Community College’s Police and Public Safety Department, a role he assumed in June 2023 after being hired the previous month. He is responsible for leading a growing department dedicated to ensuring safety, fostering community engagement, and enhancing the student and staff experience across all campuses.
Freeman holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia Southern University, a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration Management from Waldorf University, and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of West Alabama.
His law enforcement career includes extensive leadership training with the FBI–Law Enforcement Executive Development Association, where he completed the Command Leadership Institute and Supervisor Institute. He is also an active shooter instructor for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers and serves as an adjunct instructor at the Northeast Alabama Law Enforcement Academy.
At Gadsden State, Freeman’s priorities include building a strong, well-trained police force, investing in officer development, increasing the use of technology in safety operations, and expanding partnerships with local and regional law enforcement agencies. He is committed to proactive safety measures, early intervention for at-risk individuals, and offering valuable community programs such as women’s self-defense classes.
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https://weisradio.com/2025/04/23/gadsden-state-police-department-launches-chaplain-program/
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