Bevill State Community College

Bevill State Community College is a public, two-year college located in Sumiton, Alabama, with additional campuses in Fayette, Alabama, Hamilton, Alabama, and Jasper, Alabama. The college was established in 1965 as Fayette State Junior College and was later renamed in 1992 in honor of Tom Bevill, a former U.S. Representative from Alabama's 4th congressional district. Bevill State Community College is part of the Alabama Community College System and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The college offers a range of academic programs, including those in health sciences, business administration, and engineering technology, with partnerships with institutions such as University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of North Alabama, and Auburn University.

● History

The history of Bevill State Community College dates back to 1965, when it was established as Fayette State Junior College with the support of local leaders, including Tom Bevill, who later became a prominent figure in the college's development. In the 1970s, the college expanded its programs and services, adding new facilities and courses in areas such as nursing education and computer science, with collaborations with institutions like University of Alabama in Huntsville and Alabama A&M University. The college's name was changed to Bevill State Community College in 1992, in recognition of Tom Bevill's contributions to the college and the state of Alabama, with the approval of the Alabama State Board of Education and the Alabama Legislature. Today, the college is a member of the American Association of Community Colleges and is recognized for its commitment to providing high-quality education and training programs, such as those offered by National Science Foundation and U.S. Department of Education.

● Campus

Bevill State Community College has multiple campuses, including the Sumiton Campus, Fayette Campus, Hamilton Campus, and Jasper Campus, each offering a range of academic programs and services, with facilities such as libraries, student unions, and athletic facilities, similar to those found at University of Alabama, Auburn University at Montgomery, and Troy University. The college's campuses are located in the Northwest Alabama region, with easy access to major highways and interstates, such as Interstate 22 and U.S. Route 78, and are near cities like Birmingham, Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and Decatur, Alabama. The college's campuses are also close to natural attractions, such as Bankhead National Forest and Lake Lewis Smith, which offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and environmental education, with partnerships with organizations like National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service.

● Academics

Bevill State Community College offers a range of academic programs, including associate degree and certificate programs in areas such as health sciences, business administration, and engineering technology, with articulation agreements with institutions like University of West Alabama, Jacksonville State University, and Troy University. The college also offers online and distance learning programs, allowing students to complete coursework from anywhere, with support from organizations like National Center for Education Statistics and U.S. Department of Labor. The college's academic programs are designed to prepare students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities, such as University of Alabama at Birmingham, Auburn University, and University of North Alabama, or for entry into the workforce, with career guidance from CareerOneStop and Occupational Information Network.

● Student Life

Bevill State Community College offers a range of student life activities and services, including student organizations, athletic teams, and cultural events, with support from organizations like National Association of Student Personnel Administrators and American Student Government Association. The college's student government association provides opportunities for students to get involved in campus leadership and decision-making, with guidance from National Council of Student Leaders and American College Personnel Association. The college also offers support services, such as academic advising, counseling, and tutoring, to help students succeed in their academic pursuits, with resources from National Academic Advising Association and American Counseling Association.

● Athletics

Bevill State Community College has a strong athletic program, with teams competing in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC), with rivalries with teams from Shelton State Community College, Wallace State Community College, and Snead State Community College. The college's athletic teams, known as the Bears, compete in sports such as basketball, baseball, and softball, with championships in the NJCAA Region 22 and ACCC Tournament, and have produced athletes who have gone on to compete at the NCAA level, with scholarships from organizations like National Collegiate Athletic Association and College Football Foundation. The college's athletic facilities, including the Sumiton Campus Gymnasium and the Fayette Campus Baseball Field, provide a supportive environment for student-athletes to develop their skills and compete at a high level, with equipment and training from companies like Nike, Inc. and Under Armour.