09/25/19
Dean of Technical Education and Workforce Development retires after more than three decades
Gadsden, Ala. – Since 1975, Gadsden State Community College has been a mainstay in Tim Green’s life – first as a student and then as an instructor, division chairman and dean.
“I can honestly say I had a wonderful time as a student and an even better time building a career that has exceeded my expectations,” he said.
On Oct. 1, Green will retire from his position as dean of Technical Education and Workforce Development at Gadsden State. He is in his 33rd year as a Gadsden State employee.
“Throughout my time as dean, I have been a strong voice and supporter of technical careers,” he said. “I have a wholehearted belief in the value of career and technical education. My passion is helping students succeed. The students have been the driving force behind the College’s technical education advancements.”
Green earned his Associate in Applied Technology in Civil Engineering Technology in 1977 from Alabama Technical College, now known as Gadsden State’s East Broad Campus. After 10 years at an Anniston civil engineering consulting firm, he began his career at Gadsden State fulfilling a dream to commit his talents to educating others.
Green worked as the senior instructor for the Civil Engineering Technology program while also furthering his own education. In 1989, he was awarded a Bachelor of Technology from Jacksonville State University followed by a Master of Education 10 years later from Alabama A&M University.
Tim Green is pictured at the Bevill Center, which houses four technical programs at Gadsden State. Green will retire from his post as dean of Technical Education and Workforce Development on Oct. 1.
After 16 years as an instructor, Green was advanced to division chair in 2001 and then associate dean for Technical Programs. In 2003, he was promoted to dean.
As the leader of technical education, Green oversaw a number of improvements and advancements, including the establishment of the Skills Training Division in 2002. This open-entry/open-exit, competency-based training is designed to allow students to have entry into the workforce quicker in order to respond to industry employment needs. Gadsden State’s Skills Training Division was the first fully-functioning division of its kind in Alabama. Since then, it has served approximately 3,700 students and has generated $3.8 million in revenue.
With a civil engineering and architectural background, it is no surprise for Green to have a vision for the instructional facilities housing technical programs.
On Gadsden State’s Ayers Campus, Green initiated and supervised improvements for facilities for Adult Education Services, Electronic Engineering Technology, Electrical Technology, Welding Technology, Engineering Design Technology, Salon and Spa Management and Auto Collision Repair.
For the East Broad Campus, Green co-authored a grant for almost $1 million to build a new facility for the Automotive Services Technology program. The building accommodates state-of-the-art equipment that provides instruction and training specifics to the automotive service industry. This eventually led to national certification of the program and established well-prepared, multi-skilled individuals who can troubleshoot and work in auto service centers at area dealerships.
Green’s efforts on the East Broad Campus also led to renovations of the Salon and Spa Management building, the Administration Building, the orbital welding facility and Ralls Hall.
Tim Green is pictured with his wife, Audrey, at a retirement reception held in his honor Sept. 24 at the Venue at Coosa Landing.
Most recently, Green was the project manager for the construction and renovation of a high-bay in the Bevill Center to relocate the Precision Machining program. As part of a team, he reduced the pre-construction estimates by well over $100,000. The project upgrade for the instructional lab area includes a new CAD lab, a 16-station simulators lab and an additive lab. This project established an environment much more conducive to learning industry practices in precision machining.
As the dean, Green was responsible for 25 applied and engineering technologies programs, the Adult Education Division, Skills Training Division and Continuing Education. He was the College’s workforce development liaison, and he was appointed by Gov. Kay Ivey to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Board for Region 2.
For his many accomplishments in instruction, leadership and infrastructure development, Green received the 2018 Outstanding Alumni Award from the Gadsden State Alumni Association. He admitted that all the accolades, awards and successes recognized during his tenure at Gadsden State is largely due to teamwork.
“No one person can claim credit for what happens or does not happen at Gadsden State,” he said. “It takes all of us working as a team if we really want to be successful. Do the right thing and always tell the truth. It is my team – including Theresa Gilley and Gina Martin – that has done everything they could to make sure I followed those principles.”
Through it all, he always kept the students’ best interest at heart, a trait he learned from the late Don Jarrells, an instructor from Green’s days as a Gadsden State student.
“Everything we do each day is all about the students,” he said. “Don Jarrells inspired me to not only come to class but do my best. He showed me that students are the lifeblood of our College. No one knows where life will take you or what opportunities may occur. I am just another example of a student who had no idea where his career path would take him. I am blessed to have been given 33 years as an educator. I have worked with really great people.”
With retirement approaching, Green plans to focus on restoring his 1968 Triumph TR-250, the same car he drove each day as a Gadsden State student.
“I plan on staying busy,” he said. “I already have summer and Spring Break plans to travel with my wonderful wife, Audrey, to any place she desires. Though I loved my time at the College, it’s time to have some fun.”