“The third
building is symbolic of our growth both as a community and as a college. Motlow
is going to be at the forefront of a new wave of education. As much as I love
sharing an office with five other professors, I think we will all appreciate
being able to stretch out a bit.” – Felicia
Brown, Instructor of Sociology
***
“I am a
non-traditional college student with four children and three grandchildren that
has been attending Motlow part time while trying to complete a degree that I
started 30 years ago. With the addition of the Tennessee Reconnect program, my
dream becomes one step closer to becoming a reality. The addition of a third
building to Motlow’s Smyrna campus is vitally important as it's integral to the
success of myself and others by adding much-needed classroom facilities. By
doing so, it helps students to better position ourselves to accomplish our
goals of achieving a college education.” – George
Romano, student member of Phi Theta Kappa
***
“I am
excited about a third building at Motlow because it will have extra space for
classes and hopefully a larger library! I am also excited to be a part of
opening of the building next year that is in place to help people like myself
make a better future for themselves.” – Jessica
Shaver, Motlow Smyrna student
***
“In the past
two to three years, Community colleges have become more prevalent, and not
exclusively within the southern regions. Community colleges have expanded
nationally, while allowing scholars to have a chance at education without an
absurd price. In addition to that, community colleges have lost their
representation of not being a "real education" or place where
"dumb people" attend. This
growth is important to Motlow because of the opportunities and personal
assistance Motlow has to offer. One can only hope that as Motlow expands that
it keeps the same personal connection it has with its students in order for
future generations to experience college at a different level.” – Je’Juan Henderson, Motlow Smyrna student
***
“When I
attended my first in-service meeting as a newly hired (Fall 2009) adjunct in
math, our faculty meeting was buzzing with the possibility of a record
enrollment of 1,500. Motlow/Smyrna only had the one small building, and the
school had only recently left the National Guard facility. On the first day of
classes, I asked Karen Hudson if we had reached the 1,500 mark. She said that
we were well over it!
Some 50
adjuncts shared one small office and a handful of computers. Classes were very
full. For a time, as attendance grew, classes were even held on Saturdays and
Sundays.
We now have
the MLA Building, and it seems that the cohesiveness of our school site is more
difficult to maintain since we don't see "everybody" that is
connected to our school. With a third building, the school's closeness may be
even more difficult to maintain. But the potential for a great education will
be enhanced by the new and more spacious building. I have been greatly pleased
with the improvements in facilities, but the most satisfying thing to me is to
see the willingness of my faculty colleagues to share cramped quarters and also
put forth great effort to make the best of a difficult but improving situation.
As an adjunct, I have not seen every aspect of the operation of the school. But
with the talented and dedicated staff that is here, I am excited to imagine how
great this campus can be with more adequate facilities.” – Kenneth L. Thomas, Adjunct Professor of Math
***
“Yay! The
bigger the school, the more classes to offer here in Smyrna. That way, I don't
have to drive to another school branch for a certain class.” – Rosalie Kuhn, Motlow Smyrna student
***
“Growth,
close conditions, and strong bonds have always been a part of Motlow Smyrna and
its success. I remember touring the AWJ building with Moltow Smyrna Site
Director George Ortega. The building had not yet opened, and it just seemed so
huge (which compared to the Armory it was)! We outgrew it quickly, but we all
worked together to take care of each other and our students regardless of the
challenges. It's been the same ever since. That third building, to me, will symbolize
the Smyrna way: we work together, we take care of each other, we take care of
our students. That is our tradition. That is our identity.” – Heather Koller, Professor of History
***
“I have
always been a strong supporter of initiatives and investments that enhance
education opportunities for residents in our community and state. I am pleased that the State Building Commission has made this
important investment in Rutherford County, and I am thankful for the
Commission's support.” – Tennessee State Rep. Mike
Sparks, former Motlow Smyrna student
***
“I live
about 30 miles from our Smyrna campus, but I will be there for this historic
groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, the 23rd. I began teaching @ the National
Guard facility in fall 2000, and have taught in both of our present buildings.
I look forward to teaching in the new one next year. It is exciting to see our
continued growth!” – Ben Jobe, Adjunct
Professor of Music
***
“I am really
excited because I hear great things about the building. I have heard that they
are going to put in new classes, and it makes me excited to see how we are
going to expand the curriculum. It is great to see how the campus has changed
since I have been here.” – Parker
Shoemaker, Motlow Smyrna student
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