Motlow Family Celebrates Groundbreaking for Third Smyrna Building

By Anthony Czelusniak

Motlow Buzz Student News Editor

         SMYRNA, Tenn. – The groundbreaking ceremony for the new building at the Motlow State Community College Smyrna campus was held on March 23, 2018.

         The new 80,000-square-foot building is expected to house new labs for medical and mechatronic students, new classrooms, new offices for faculty and staff, a new library, a new book store, and more. The building is expected to be ready for classes by the fall semester in 2019.

         Many speakers were present at the ceremony, each with their own message for the people who were able to bring the project to fruition, as well as for the community. 

The Motlow Smyrna team celebrates the start of construction for their third building. (Photo by Anthony Czelusniak)

         The first speaker was Motlow Interim President Hilda Tunstill, who said, “Today we gather for the sole purpose to break ground, and to celebrate those who worked tirelessly to make this a reality.”

         Tunstill also said this project will help to change the lives of residents across the area, and that the greatest gift Motlow can provide is access to higher education.

         Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor Dr. Flora Tydings was a speaker at the ceremony as well. “Motlow is the envy of colleges across the state and country,” she said.

         Smyrna Vice Mayor Marc Adkins also spoke on Friday, expressing his admiration for what the college has been able to accomplish within Smyrna and beyond. He also spoke on behalf of Smyrna Mayor Esther Reed, who wished to be able to attend but congratulated everyone for their hard work.

         A student of Motlow was selected to speak at the event. Cameron Droddy, a non-traditional student, said this in regard to Tennessee Promise, “I will never forget the people who put me on this path” and that “more Motlow is always great.”

Cameron Droddy speaks during the Motlow Smyrna Building Three Groundbreaking. (Photo by Anthony Czelusniak)

         Rutherford County Industrial Development Board Member Ed Davenport discussed how the IDB gave a $500,000 commitment to the college to help bring the project to life. He believes that a better Motlow helps to “bring better jobs to our community.”

         County Commissioner Rhonda Allen also mentioned that all 21 commissioners unanimously voted to donate $405,000 to help pay for the new building. This more than doubled the contribution made by the commissioners to the Mary Lou Apple building’s construction.

        

         Other notable community leaders who spoke included Tennessee State Senator Bill Ketron, Rutherford County Mayor Ernest Burgess, Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce President Paul Latture, and Motlow College Foundation Chair Lori North.

         In attendance were former presidents of Motlow Arthur Jay Walker and MaryLou Apple, Tennessee State Rep. Mike Sparks, and many Motlow students, faculty, administrators and staff.

         Tunstill ended the presentation with a remark on what everyone at Motlow is able to accomplish. “Together we are making so many dreams come true.”