[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 73 (Thursday, May 1, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E379]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF GADSDEN STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 2025

  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention 
today to recognize the 100th anniversary of Gadsden State Community 
College. Gadsden State is currently under the leadership of President 
Dr. Kathy Murphy.
  One of the initial founding institutions of Gadsden State is the 
Alabama School of Trades. It was established in 1925 as the first 
state-operated trade school in Alabama and the entire southern United 
States.
  Classes began on September 16, 1925, with 42 students enrolled in the 
inaugural class. Four courses were available: printing, electricity, 
bricklaying and cabinetmaking. All students lived in the newly 
constructed dormitory equipped with modern conveniences such as steam 
heat and plumbing that featured hot and cold running water. Students 
helped government workmen lay bricks to build the school's first 
permanent two-story buildings.
  The Alabama School of Trades continued to thrive as a training center 
for the area's technical industry with increasing student enrollment 
and course offerings. In 1942, courses were converted to War Training. 
At the close of World War II, new courses were added to help veterans 
re-enter the workforce such as: Radio, TV, Auto Mechanics, Machine 
Shop, Refrigeration, Drafting, Photography, Upholstery, Auto Body, 
Barbering, General Farm Dairy, Poultry and Heavy Equipment.
  In 1973, the school's name was changed to the Alabama Technical 
College and began offering associate in applied technology degrees. In 
1985, the Alabama Technical College merged with Gadsden State Community 
College and is now known as the East Broad Campus. It is home to many 
of Gadsden State's workforce development programs such as Precision 
Machining, Mechanical Design, Industrial Automation, Welding, 
Electrical, Electronic Technology, Salon/Spa, Court Reporting, Truck 
Driving, Skid Steer Training, Certified Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomy 
and Civil Engineering.
  As a result of mergers and expansion of services, Gadsden State is 
now a sprawling Community College with five campuses including East 
Broad, Wallace Drive, Valley Street (HBCU), Ayers and Cherokee. Gadsden 
State serves Etowah, Calhoun, Cleburne, Cherokee and St. Clair counties 
in northeast Alabama. There are 70 programs of study offered to over 
5,000 students.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in wishing Gadsden State Community 
College a happy 100th anniversary.

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