The

Alabama Community College System

is celebrating 60 years of its establishment as a System. The ACCS Diamond Jubilee captures the best of Alabama’s 24 community and technical colleges. Beginning in April 2023 we will celebrate “community,” highlighting our impact on Alabama through students, faculty, staff and partnerships that make up one, unified System. We invite all of Alabama to enjoy events across our 24 colleges and to take the opportunity to invest in our forward path.

Four programs will highlight the ACCS Diamond Jubilee: the Campus Showcase, Diamond Jubilee Gala, Diamond Jubilee Golf Scramble and $600K for 60 Fundraising for Scholarships Goal.

Campus Showcase

The Campus Showcase is a historical tour and calendar of 24 events that will take place across Alabama’s community and technical colleges in 2023 and 2024. Each event will feature the very best of cultural festivals, open houses, homecomings, galas, community service projects, and many other staple events. Some existing events already have longstanding traditions. The Diamond Jubilee will be involved in helping each college highlight these events and newly created events with a focus on the 60th anniversary.

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1925

ALABAMA’S FIRST PUBLIC TWO-YEAR COLLEGE OPENS

The Alabama School of Trades, opened in Gadsden on September 14, 1925, as the first state-operated trade school. Thirty-five students enrolled in four courses: printing, electricity, bricklaying, and cabinetmaking.

1947

PRESIDENT CALLS FOR CREATION OF PUBLIC “COMMUNITY” COLLEGES

President Harry S. Truman called for the creation of public “community” colleges – two-year institutions of higher education located in communities for general academic education. These colleges would serve as a doorway to universities and for technical training and degrees, particularly for the thousands of veterans returning from World War II with GI Bill funds but limited access to higher education.

1947

REGIONAL TRADE SCHOOLS CREATED

On October 9, 1947, the Alabama Legislature approved the creation of five regional trade schools: George C. Wallace State Trade School, Dothan (now Wallace Community College-Dothan); Wenonah State Technical Institute, Birmingham (now Lawson State Community College); Tennessee Valley State Technical School, Decatur (now Calhoun Community College); Shelton State Technical Institute, Tuscaloosa (now Shelton State Community College); and Southwest State Technical Institute, Mobile (now Bishop State Community College).

1963

ALABAMA LEGISLATURE FORMS COLLEGE SYSTEM AND DEPARTMENT OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

The Alabama Legislature established the state two-year college system with the passage of a $15 million bond issue to fund construction, the establishment of the Alabama Trade School and Junior College Authority, and the State Board of Education management and control authority of junior colleges and trade schools.

1982

POSITION OF CHANCELLOR ESTABLISHED

Dr. Howard Gundy was appointed as ACCS’ first chancellor on July 2, 1982, after legislation that made ACCS a separate agency under the State Board of Education.

2006

MARION MILITARY INSTITUTE (MMI) MERGES WITH ACCS

The 164-year-old Marion Military Institute is the oldest military junior college in the nation, producing more than 204 generals and admirals for the U.S. armed forces.

2015

RENAMING AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES ESTABLISHED

An independent Board of Trustees was established by the Alabama Legislature. The Department of Postsecondary Education was renamed the Alabama Community College System.

Today

With a focus on students and a commitment to provide excellent, world-class instruction, the Alabama Community College System\’s 24 colleges continue to evolve to meet the educational and economic needs of Alabama\’s workforce. More advanced technology, guaranteed 2-to-4 transfer, specialized workforce development training for new and expanding industry and existing businesses, adult education, distance learning, and dual enrollment now characterize who we are. The number of people served by all the entities of our system, including Alabama Technology Network (ATN), workforce development, and adult education, is approximately 300,000 annually. Of that, approximately 120,000 are enrolled in credit courses.

Diamond Jubilee Gala

The Diamond Jubilee Gala is a systemwide event to engage and entertain community college supporters, faculty, staff and leaders. This event is scheduled for November 2024 to culminate the celebration of the Diamond Jubilee.

Diamond Jubilee Golf Scramble

Each Alabama community college will participate in the Diamond Jubilee Golf Scramble in Spring 2024. The scramble will occur at various golf courses throughout the state on the same day, and be open to college personnel and stakeholders.

$600K for 60 Fundraising for Scholarships

Proceeds from both the Diamond Jubilee Golf Scramble and the Diamond Jubilee Gala go fully toward supporting students through the Paths for Success Foundation. The foundation is a non-profit organization designed to eliminate barriers that impact residents’ ability to attend college. This involves providing financial support for needs such as childcare and transportation while a student trains for skills, credentials or certifications at Alabama’s community colleges. More information is available at www.pathsforsuccess.com.

To donate: Visit www.pathsforsuccess.com and click Donate. Type “600 for 60” in the Comment section.

Thousand Dollars

Fundraising for Scholarships

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GET INVOLVED

Your local community college is invested in making sure that every resident in Alabama has an opportunity to be involved with the ACCS Diamond Jubilee. If you are interested in joining the celebration, please visit accs.edu/jubilee and complete the form.

For More Information

David Walters, Vice Chancellor of Adult Education, Special Projects, & System Initiatives, 334-293-4561, david.walters@accs.edu

Ebony Horton Bradley, Director of Communications and Marketing, 334-293-4655, ebony.horton@accs.edu