A recently awarded grant will make way for improvements to the auditorium of the David J. Rowland Continuing Education Center, located on the Jasper campus of Bevill State Community College.
Sen. Greg Reed (R-Jasper) awarded the Community Service Grant to the college.
According to a press release from Bevill State, grant funding will be used for the installation of a new sound system and acoustic tiles in the auditorium. Funds will also be used to purchase new sound equipment.
Improvements to the auditorium’s sound system were set to begin on March 3.
The grant for the project was $11,381.57.
Tana Collins-Allred, director of advancement and public relations for Bevill State, said improvements to the auditorium will cost slightly less than the awarded grant amount; however, remaining funds will be used to advertise the facility once work is completed.
The auditorium project is reportedly Phase I of the David J. Rowland Continuing Education Center – Community Restoration Project.
“Bevill State Community College is so thankful for the continued support of Sen. Greg Reed,” Bevill State President Dr. Joel Hagood said. “Rowland Auditorium was once a hub in the community for events and performances. The funds from this Community Service Grant from Sen. 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.”
He added, “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.”
The David J. Rowland Continuing Education Center was built in honor of Dr. David Rowland, former president of Walker College, now Bevill State.
“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,” Bevill State’s press release shares. “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 (Jasper). 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 seeking funding for Phase II of the Community Restoration Project, which is expected to include renovations/repairs to the front of the education center.
“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,” Sen. Reed said in the press release. “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.”
Reed added, “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.”
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BY NICOLE SMITH – DME
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