Coastal Alabama CC consolidation in effect
Published 9:54 am Thursday, January 12, 2017
The consolidation of Jefferson Davis Community College, Alabama Southern Community College and Faulkner State Community College is in full effect.
After 13 months, the preparation for the merger hit pay dirt on Tues., Dec. 6, 2016, when the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) voted to approve the consolidation of the three institutions into what is now known as Coastal Alabama Community College.
“Each of the colleges has been proudly serving their communities for more than 50 years,” Dr. Gary Branch, president of Coastal Alabama Community College, said. “This is not a new mission for our colleges; however, it is a new beginning for Coastal Alabama Community College.”
The new college is serving more than 10,000 students, and provides more than 100 programs of study across 15 campuses and instructional sites. The Bay Minette Campus will serve as the regional main campus for the new college.
Branch said in a release that Coastal Alabama Community College will serve communities from the Mississippi line to the Florida line.
Coastal Alabama Community College was the result of a careful and deliberate decision to expand program offerings, student leadership opportunities and course availability to students in its multi-county service area.
Over the last year, committees with representation from all three of the previous colleges met to develop policies and procedures for the new system. Everything from a steering committee to committees for student services, instruction/academic affairs and even technology services was developed to ensure the students’ experiences are comprehensive and beneficial to their higher education and career goals.
Recently, some 400 fulltime employees of the new college met for professional development meetings.
“Together, we will continue providing students across south Alabama with an affordable and accessible higher education experience like none other while expanding workforce development opportunities for our students and our communities.” Branch said. “We are ready.”
