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.
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| 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.”
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| 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.”
