GADSDEN- Gadsden State Community College President Alan Smith is marking his first year in office by highlighting new scholarships, partnerships, enrollment gains and campus improvements.

Smith became the college’s permanent president on Aug. 1, 2025, after serving as interim president since June. His connection to Gadsden State began more than 35 years ago when he attended the college as a student.

Since taking office, Smith said his leadership has centered on three priorities: people, partnerships and progress. He has tied those goals to a simple mission of helping people.

“Everything we do comes back to helping people,” Smith said. “Whether it’s helping a student earn a degree, preparing someone for a new career, supporting our local workforce or strengthening our communities, that’s why Gadsden State exists.”

Expanding Access for Students

One of the college’s major first-year initiatives was the Cardinal Promise, which reduces tuition costs for qualifying students.

Current guidelines offer 50% off in-state tuition for eligible high school graduates and GED recipients entering college for the first time. In addition, qualifying 2026 graduates who completed at least six dual-enrollment hours can receive 75% off tuition.

Smith said the program reflects the college’s effort to remove financial barriers and make higher education more accessible.

The college also expanded communication with employees through its Monday Mission newsletter. Meanwhile, officials are developing a quarterly publication and college podcast for students, alumni and community members.

“Education changes lives, but it’s the people who make that transformation possible,” Smith said. “Our students inspire us every day, and our faculty and staff are committed to helping each student reach their full potential.”

New Educational and Community Partnerships

During Smith’s first year, Gadsden State strengthened its relationships with local schools. College leaders met with high school principals and counselors across the service area to discuss educational opportunities.

The college also signed new transfer agreements with Jacksonville State University and Talladega College.

Those agreements help Gadsden State graduates transfer into bachelor’s degree programs. They also provide students with guidance on admissions, financial aid and degree pathways.

In addition, college officials said they are developing agreements with Drake State Community and Technical College and Auburn University.

The proposed work with Drake State includes an entrepreneurship course. Students would learn to create business plans, establish limited liability companies and use social media to grow businesses.

Locally, Smith continued working with Gadsden City Schools to help students explore college and career opportunities.

Superintendent Keith Blackwell said Smith’s leadership has created new pathways for local students. Those opportunities allow students to explore higher education and prepare for careers within their community.

“No college succeeds on its own,” Smith said. “Our partnerships make us stronger and allow us to better serve our students and our communities.”

Gadsden State has also worked with the City of Gadsden on shared recreational projects. Those efforts include the new baseball and softball complex at Gadsden Sports Park. The college also said officials are developing plans for a tennis complex serving students and the public.

Enrollment and Campus Improvements

Enrollment numbers also showed growth during Smith’s first year.

Gadsden State reported 5,568 students during fall 2025, its highest enrollment in more than a decade.

Meanwhile, Gadsden State Cherokee welcomed its largest nursing class. The Centre campus accepted 54 students after receiving a record 90 applications.

The college’s Adult Education program also served more than 2,300 students, according to Gadsden State’s first-year review.

In addition, the college opened a new Surgical Technology training facility at the Ayers Campus in Anniston. The program prepares students for work in hospital operating rooms, surgery centers and other healthcare settings.

Renovations to Wallace Hall created updated classrooms, studios and performance areas. The college also reported continued growth in its Esthetics program and additional planning for nursing and STEM initiatives.

Gadsden State concluded its yearlong Celebrate Gadsden State campaign, which marked the college’s 100th anniversary. The campaign highlighted the institution’s growth from the Alabama School of Trades into a multicampus community college.

Smith said progress involves more than construction and renovation projects.

“It’s measured by the opportunities we create and the lives we impact,” Smith said. “Every improvement we make is about ensuring Gadsden State continues to meet the needs of our communities today while preparing for tomorrow.”

Looking Ahead

As his second year begins, Smith said he plans to continue expanding access, strengthening partnerships and creating opportunities for students.

He credited the college’s students, employees, alumni and community partners for the progress made during his first year.

“I’m grateful for everything we’ve accomplished together, but we’re just getting started,” Smith said. “There is tremendous opportunity ahead, and I believe the best days for Gadsden State are still to come.”

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