Jefferson State recognized the longstanding support of Dr. James (Jim) H. McClendon by naming the Nursing Wing at the St. Clair-Pell City Campus in his honor with a ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 18.
Dr. McClendon has been an ardent supporter of Jefferson State initiatives for many years. McClendon was instrumental in the opening of the St. Clair-Pell City Campus in 2009 and the establishment of the Nursing Wing in October 2017, an expansion that included two simulation labs, a fundamental instruction lab, two classrooms, six offices and a conference room.
“Dr. McClendon was instrumental in Jefferson State starting in St. Clair County,” said Jefferson State President Keith Brown. “Because of his efforts, we’ve been able to educate hundreds of RNs, and they’re working and caring for people right here in this community.”
Born in Mobile, McClendon earned his Bachelor of Science degree at Birmingham-Southern College in 1965 and his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Houston in 1967.
McClendon then joined the United States Navy Medical Service Corps in 1968 where he was commissioned as an officer. Lt. McClendon served with distinction in Vietnam, for which he was decorated with the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device.
Over the course of his optometry career, McClendon distinguished himself as a leader in Alabama’s optometry community, serving as President of the Alabama Optometric Association.
In November 2022, McClendon retired from his private practice to pursue public service. That year, he was first elected to the Alabama House of Representatives, representing the state’s 50th District, where was subsequently reelected for two additional terms. Among other notable postings and accomplishments (including Chair of the House Ethics Committee and Chair of the House Redistricting Committee), Rep. McClendon served as Chair of the Health Committee, where he played a pivotal role in the passage of the Medicaid reform legislation.
In 2014, McClendon was elected to the Alabama Senate where he represented Alabama’s 11th District for two consecutive terms. He served on and provided leadership for various critical Senate committee, including the Rules Committee, Education and Youth Affairs, Fiscal Responsibility and Economics Development, Transportation and Energy, Health and Human Services, for which he served as Vice Chair, and the Senate Healthcare Committee for which he served as Chair.
McClendon personally introduced 210 bills in the House and Senate on a range of critical issues, including education, public safety, economic development, and, of particular personal importance to him, healthcare and the advancement of Alabama’s healthcare professions.
“During my time as a legislator, I always heard the importance of job creation, employment and improving Alabama by creating good jobs,” said McClendon. “That’s exactly what Jeff State is doing, and it is a model for all other programs in the state.”
“The Jefferson State Nursing Program helps families by opening the door to a better future. This is changing Alabama and changing our community.”
