New Gadsden State Community College president named

GADSDEN, Ala. (WIAT) — A new Gadsden State Community College president was named Wednesday.

The Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees appointed ACCS Chancellor Jimmy Baker’s recommendation to appoint Alan Smith as Gadsden State’s president. Smith, who has been serving as interim coach since June 1, who will start his tenure as new president Aug. 1.

“My connection to this college spans more than 35 years when I began my education journey and has shaped who I am today,” Smith said in a statement. “This is an incredible honor that I embrace with great enthusiasm.”

Former Gadsden State President Kathy Murphy now holds the same role at Wallace Community College.

Smith started teaching at Gadsden State as an adjunct instructor in 2017. He was then promoted to dean of workforce development in 2019. The former Gadsden State student then took the school’s vice president of capital projects, community relations and workforce development post in December.

Smith, who operated construction and cabinet making companies, earned his bachelor of science degree in agricultural business and economics from Auburn University. He also received his master of science degree in education from AU and his master’s degree in educational leadership at the University of Alabama.