Congressman Mike Rogers recently visited Jefferson State Community College’s St. Clair-Pell City Campus. The November visit marked his first time to tour the college’s St. Clair-Pell City Campus which is located in Rogers’ Third Congressional District.
Jefferson State Interim President Keith Brown and Associate Dean Nicholas Kin facilitated the visit and spoke about the impact of the St. Clair-Pell City campus on the citizens in the region. Both expressed excitement about the growth and expansion in recognition of Jefferson State’s recent 10-year anniversary of the current location in Pell City. This fall, the college has a record enrollment at the Pell City campus of more than 750 students.
“We were very pleased to meet with Congressman Rogers and proud to show what Jefferson State is doing to meet the education and training needs in St. Clair County,” said Jefferson State Interim President Keith Brown. “We want to continue to work together to help make St. Clair County a great place to live and work, and we are excited about the future.”
Part of Congressman Roger’s visit featured a tour of the Nursing Simulation Lab. In the two years since Jefferson State has offered an associate’s degree in Nursing, graduates have achieved a 100% rate of employment. College officials also shared that plans are underway for a $500,000 expansion which will add a nursing and allied health wing on the third floor. The expansion is largely based upon a combination of community partnerships and student demand. More than 20 percent of the students at the campus are enrolled in health programs.
Robotics and machinery demonstrations in the Manufacturing Technology Building were on display for Congressman Rogers. In addition, information was presented about new program certificate and degree options in the areas of Production and Maintenance/Engineering Technologies which have been introduced this year. The college was pleased to highlight industry student-related partnerships with area companies WKW and Honda which include paid apprenticeships, paid co-ops, and tuition assistance.
By working together, the St. Clair County community has accomplished a great deal over the last 10 years. The college is proud to have been a part of the progress and will continue to seek opportunities to better serve students and the community at large in the Jefferson State service area of Congressman Rogers’ district.
