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.”

        

It Seems Like Yesterday...

By Bill Kraus

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

        As we approach the groundbreaking of our third building here at the Smyrna campus, it does seem like yesterday when I began my affiliation with Motlow State Community College. It was in 2005, and I came to the school, which was held on the second floor of the Tennessee National Guard facilities further east of our present school. When I first entered the building, I noticed many Army personnel and found among those on the first floor, a small handful of our students. I am not sure how many classes were being offered at that time, but few, I am sure, and I would imagine that our total student body numbered in the hundreds rather than today's thousands.

        Here it is 13 years later in my "Motlow life," and we are about to add another 80,000-plus square feet in college facilities. Having been through two previous groundbreaking and dedication ceremonies, this is just one more step in our growth and development. The plans and design for the latest in our campus development are beautiful and very impressive.

        However, as I look forward to the opening of this badly needed added facility, I am reminded what makes this school excellent and successful. While the campus physically will be very impressive and indeed an asset for the Town of Smyrna, the true mark of success is the fantastic group of students here, a most responsive staff and leadership, and last, but certainly not least, the very dedicated and committed faculty, both regular and adjunct. The continued growth of our campus, as clearly evidenced by the upcoming groundbreaking of the new building, is a direct result of tremendous hard work that has gone into this college by the "Team."

Dr. William H. "Bill" Kraus, adjunct professor of political science

        We have come a long way from the facilities at the Tennessee National Guard, and I wonder how we will look and be as a college in the next 13 years in 2031. Any guesses or projections?

        Another chapter of Motlow State in Smyrna is unfolding....

What Students and Faculty Say...

        “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