A historic partnership agreement between Gadsden State Cherokee and Auburn University was announced Friday morning (October 3rd).

A brand new 2+2 program between the two schools will allow Gadsden State students to complete their freshman and sophomore years at the Cherokee campus and their junior and senior years at Auburn, graduating with bachelor’s degrees in poultry science from Auburn University.

During their years at Gadsden State Cherokee, students in the program will complete core coursework, including introductory poultry science classes broadcast from the Auburn campus.

Working with officials from Auburn and Gadsden State since for some two years now State Senator Phil Williams was instrumental in the program’s establishment, pointing to its potential to provide new job training and educational opportunities for the residents of Cherokee County. He said he is pleased with the efforts of leaders on both campuses to turn a “rough idea” he proposed into a reality that will benefit people not only in his district, but throughout the state.

Alabama Lt. Governor Kay Ivey was also among those present for the announcement on the campus of Gadsden State Cherokee this (Friday) morning:

Others speaking during the ceremony included Dr. Martha Lavender, the Interim President of Gadsden State Community College; Luanne Hayes, the Campus Director at Gadsden State Cherokee – and Dr. Paul Patterson, the Associate Dean of Instruction, Auburn University of Agriculture:

Representative Richard Lindsey was also one of the speakers and afterwards, we caught up with him as he shared his views on the exciting new venture:

A $15 billion-a-year industry in the state of Alabama – poultry sales account for more than 65% of annual agricultural revenue in the state. The Gadsden State Cherokee campus lies in the heart of northeast Alabama, the state’s most productive poultry region.

For more information on the program contact Luanne Hayes of Gadsden State at (256) 927-1805.

Senator Phil Williams and Lt. Governor Ivey were guests on the WEIS Radio Morning Show Friday and they discussed the new program in detail; if you missed the live broadcast of the interview you can still hear it in its entirety by CLICKING BELOW