Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy Baker on Wednesday named Dr. Kathy L. Murphy as president of Gadsden State Community College. Murphy, who was appointed after a months-long search by a presidential committee, will begin her appointment Jan. 1, 2021.
“Dr. Murphy is a visionary educator with a proven record of focusing on all aspects of the student experience, which is the leadership we aim for at every community college in our state,” Baker said. “I am confident that Dr. Murphy’s determination to work alongside the faculty, staff and community at Gadsden State will reap great benefits for the college as they continue to provide the education and skills training needed for Alabama’s workforce.”
Gadsden State is an open door, comprehensive community college comprised of five campuses and educational centers across Calhoun, Cherokee, Cleburne, Etowah and St. Clair counties.
The college offers degrees and certifications across 17 programs of study and is among the latest of Alabama’s community colleges to host the Alabama Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education apprenticeship program with area companies.
Murphy, who currently serves as superintendent of Hoover City Schools, has an educational background that spans 30-plus years. Prior to her service in Hoover City Schools, she was superintendent of Monroe County Schools. She served as a principal at Charles Henderson and Greenville high schools and Greenville Middle School, and as a professor at the University of West Georgia and Judson College.
“The opportunity to serve Alabamians in Anniston, Centre, and Gadsden in this capacity is a privilege I am honored to pursue,” she said. “I look forward to working closely with my new colleagues and students to ensure that we are best serving generations of college- and career-bound students who choose Gadsden State as part of their path.”
Murphy obtained both a doctor of education in physical education, with an emphasis in program administration and curriculum development, and a master of education in physical education from Auburn University, and both a master of education in educational leadership and an educational specialist degree in educational leadership from Auburn University Montgomery. She obtained a bachelor of science in education from Troy University.
