On Jan. 1, 2021, I had the distinct honor of joining the Gadsden State Community College team as its new president. It is truly a privilege for me to serve in this capacity as we provide educational and professional training experiences to our community and accommodate the workforce needs in the state of Alabama.
The 2020 Annual Report details the accomplishments of our students, faculty, staff and community partners. We also remember the trials and tribulations as well as the triumphs and successes that came with the tumultuous year that was 2020. Weathering the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic has not been easy but everyone pulled together to ensure that Gadsden State continued to focus on its mission.
The 2020 Annual Report includes information about how the College responded to the COVID-19 crisis. It also tells the good news of the ribbon cuttings for the renovated Allen Hall on the Wallace Drive Campus; the addition to the Cheaha Center on the Ayers Campus; and the newly-built Science Building on the East Broad Campus. It tells the inspiring stories of Maria Petersen, who overcame tragedy and roadblocks to become the SGA president, and Whitney Miller, a recent nursing graduate who succeeded despite a difficult year.
The 2020 Annual Report recognizes the good in Gadsden State – the families who have changed their lives through education, the employees who have worked hard for additional credentials, the successful partnerships with the Cardinal Foundation and Alumni Association. The Annual Report reminds us about why we are here; why Gadsden State is the backbone to the communities we serve.
It has been inspiring for me to see how the Gadsden State community has rallied together as students took on the challenging tasks of online and hybrid classes, and employees have educated and helped others despite their circumstances. I am excited about going on this journey with all of you as we transition from a world of masks, social distancing and virtual programming to a world that resembles the normalcy we once had.
Thank you for your commitment to Gadsden State! I am proud to be a part of the Cardinal Family!
Kathy Murphy