07/15/24
Gadsden State increases special building fee
Gadsden, Ala. — Gadsden State Community College is increasing its annual revenue by approximately $600,000 with an increase in the special building fee. The fee will increase from $12 to $20 per credit hour beginning in the fall semester.
“The special building fee provides funds for improvement of our facilities and to finance bonded indebtedness of the College,” said Dr. Kathy Murphy, president. “It is important that we continue to improve the infrastructure at Gadsden State because it enhances the overall educational environment. Ultimately, our students and community benefit from the improvements provided through these fees.”
Due to the increase, Gadsden State students will now pay $176 per credit hour. Previously, tuition and fees were $168 per credit hour.
“Even with the $8 increase, Gadsden State continues to be one of the most affordable options for higher education in Alabama,” she said.
According to the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, the cost of tuition and fees for 30 credit hours at Gadsden State is about $6,600 less than the cost at public universities in the state.
“At Gadsden State, we are laser focused on providing affordable, accessible training and education with new or improved campus facilities and amenities,” Murphy said.
In less than a year, Gadsden State employees, students, alumni and supporters have celebrated the renovation of two buildings, the completion of the new Advanced Manufacturing and Workforce Skills Training Center and the announcement of two additional construction and renovation projects.
In October, a ribbon cutting was held for the renovations of Helderman Hall and Bevill Hall on the Wallace Drive Campus. Helderman Hall houses Gadsden State’s Nursing Program and Emergency Medical Services while Bevill Hall is home to the Radiography Program, Medical Laboratory Technology Program and Medical Assistant Program.
The $1.4 million in renovations and upgrades included new program equipment; replacement of the heating and cooling systems; new student study spaces; new student lounges; new office space; two new testing labs; new exterior lighting; and updated elevators and restrooms.
On April 2, a groundbreaking for a softball and baseball complex took place at the Gadsden Sports Park, which is located behind the College’s Wallace Drive Campus.
The $10 million project will feature new softball and baseball fields that will include fully synthetic turf and bullpens, state-of-the-art LED light systems, new scoreboards and protective netting systems. Locker rooms, restrooms, press boxes, a concessions building, elevated bleachers for spectators and a covered hitting facility with three hitting and pitching lanes will also be constructed.
Murphy announced on April 29 that Wallace Hall Fine Arts Center and the academic wing would undergo a large-scale renovation at a cost of $7.9 million.
The academic wing is undergoing complete renovation of the classroom and studio spaces that will be used for courses in photography, pottery, visual arts, choral and band. Renovations will also be made to the computer lab and restrooms as well as new interior sheet rock walls, doors, flooring and paint throughout the building. New electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems will also be installed.
Exterior renovations will include an updated brick and precast façade; a new concrete paved courtyard with lighting; a new front entry to both the Fine Arts Center and academic wing; and all new windows.
The Wallace Hall and sports complex projects will cost a total of $17.9 million. The projects are being funded by a bond approved in November by the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees.
The AMC ribbon cutting on the East Broad Campus was held June 12. The state-of-the-art facility features 10 laboratories, seven classrooms, 11 offices, a multipurpose room, 10 tool and storage rooms, a storm shelter, a testing suite, a kitchen and serving area, a breakroom and six restroom areas. It also features glass viewing areas that allow prospective students and industry partners to have laboratory visibility during tours.
Approximately $24 million in funding came from a statewide bond issue passed by the Alabama Legislature in 2020 with the intention to upgrade facilities and new construction. An additional $12 million was provided in the Education Supplemental Appropriation Bill approved by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey in June 2023.
“The comprehensive renovations and ambitious new construction projects are designed to provide our students and employees with facilities that foster learning and innovation,” Murphy said. “Our commitment to the advancements and enhancements on our campuses ensures that Gadsden State will remain at the forefront of academic excellence in the communities we serve.”
For more information, visit www.GadsdenState.edu.