JASPER, AL – Bevill State Community College has been awarded a Community Service Grant from Senator Greg Reed. Funds from this grant are being utilized to install a new sound system, purchase new sound equipment, and install acoustic tiles in the auditorium of the David J. Rowland Continuing Education Center on the Walker College Campus. Work on the auditorium sound system began on March 3, 2021. This project is Phase I of the David J. Rowland Continuing Education Center – Community Restoration Project.  

David J. Rowland Continuing Education Center, was built in recognition of Dr. Rowland for his vision, leadership, and service as President of Walker College. The Community Restoration Project seeks to restore this building and work to have the Rowland building and the BSCC Walker College Campus a community center once again. It would provide an affordable option to community organizations, groups, and schools for performances or events. Also, having foot traffic back on the campus serves to generate awareness of Bevill State and the educational opportunities it provides in the community. To support this objective, multiple other upgrade and restoration projects on the campus are underway or planned for this campus. These include miscellaneous painting projects, updates to the facade of the Jesse Student Center, and the exploration of various solutions for facilities such as Murphy Hall and Davis Hall. The College is actively seeking finding for Phase II of the project which will involve renovations and repairs to the front of the building.  

"Bevill State Community College is so thankful for the continued support of Senator Greg Reed. Rowland Auditorium was once a hub in the community for events and performances. The funds from this Community Service Grant from Senator Reed are allowing us to upgrade the sound system and acoustics in the auditorium so that it can once again welcome recitals, plays, pageants, and other events. Without support, many projects like this would not be feasible. We are looking forward to seeing members of the community back on our campus regularly," stated Dr. Joel Hagood, President of Bevill State Community College. 

“It was a pleasure to be involved in bringing this grant to Bevill State, and I am looking forward to seeing the improvements that it will make to the David J. Rowland Continuing Education Center. Not only will this grant bring important improvements to the education center, but it will also serve as a fitting way of paying tribute to David J. Rowland and the impact he had on Walker College, our community and education in West Alabama in general,” stated Senator Greg Reed. “Supporting Bevill State is a key focus of mine as a member of the Alabama Senate, and I will continue to assist the school in any way I can as it continues its mission to bring high-quality education to the people of our state.” 

About Bevill State Community College (BSCC) 

Bevill State Community College is a public, two-year, "open door" institution, committed to providing comprehensive education and educational support services for people in West Central Alabama and beyond. Bevill State is a member of the Alabama Community College System. Bevill State's four main campuses, and one instructional site, offer university parallel and applied technology educational opportunities to over one-quarter million people in a seven-county area. This service area spans over 4,600 square miles, from the Birmingham city limits to the Mississippi state line. 

For more information contact Tana Collins-Allred at 800.648.3271 ext. 5742 or by email at tana.collins@bscc.edu.  Please visit our website at www.bscc.edu

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