Success is... The 'Three Steps' of Growth at Motlow Smyrna

By Dr.Bill Kraus

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

                It was the other day, and it must have been the particular spot that I parked in. As I got out of the car, our two existing buildings at Motlow's Smyrna campus, as well our third building currently under construction, appeared almost in an exact "step-by-step" setting.

                Looking at the first building, one story in height, I reflected on the initial history of our college at this location. I remembered the excitement and anticipation when we located to the "new" campus from our second-floor "home" at the Tennessee National Guard facilities adjacent to the Smyrna Airport. Our first building was brand new and had ample accommodations for classrooms, offices and support activities. It was an exciting time.

(Photo of three Motlow Smyrna buildings by Charles Whiting)

                It wasn't long before our growth, both in student enrollments and expanded academic programs, created an urgency to build an additional building. The State Legislature approved the funding to be matched by a 10 percent contribution from faculty, staff and the local community. Many of us made that contribution as an investment in Motlow State (Smyrna's future) and construction quickly commenced.

                The new building opened with great response by all of us. "Look at all of the room... even places for students to meet and chat." It was an exciting beginning for the new "step of growth" for the college.

                Two years ago, we were rapidly outgrowing this new addition, and plans began being made for a "third step." This time it would be a three story, 80,000-plus-square-foot building. Again, many of us on the faculty and staff were called upon to contribute funds as matching monies. We are now all looking forward to the opening of this addition sometime in fall 2019.

                We now see three steps of growth and development, greatly due to the excellence and dedication of the faculty and staff. Each building serves as a living symbol of our journey to the future.

(Photo of the Smyrna water tower by Charles Whiting)

                As I kept looking at the three steps of growth at Motlow State in Smyrna, I asked myself what the fourth step will look like. Will it be a four story, 100,000-plus building, giving us a new skyline? Suddenly, as my eyes toured the campus, there it was. The town of Smyrna's water tower stood to the left of my panorama. Maybe we need to ask the Smyrna Town Council to paint the following on that tall tower: "Town of Smyrna -- Home of Motlow State Community College."