Boardroom in GSCC's Joe Ford Center named for former school president Martha Lavender
Martha Lavender rose from student to instructor to campus official to president at Gadsden State Community College, which has recognized her for that service.
The boardroom in the Joe Ford Center on the college’s East Broad Campus has been named for Lavender, who retired as president in 2020.
She was honored July 24 in a ceremony hosted by the Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation and attended by the college’s executive cabinet.
According to a news release from the college, Lavender endowed the Martha and Tim (her husband) Lavender Scholarship and donated $10,000 for the naming opportunity, which will be used to promote the Cardinal Foundation’s Promoting Student Access Initiative.
“This is an opportunity for us to honor someone who has spent years making positive change through significant contributions to Gadsden State — professionally, personally and financially,” said John Roberson, the school’s director of Advancement and Alumni Relations. “(Lavender) will always be known as someone who has always loved and respected Gadsden State and all we have to offer the communities we serve.”
Kathy Murphy, who succeeded Lavender as Gadsden State president, reviewed her predecessor's 45-year career and said, “I’m beyond honored to acknowledge you today. Thank you for the legacy you have left at Gadsden State.”
Lavender earned an associate degree in nursing at GSCC, then later earned a bachelor’s degree at Jacksonville State University and a master’s degree and doctorate at UAB.
She returned to Gadsden State as a nursing instructor, assistant to the president, Gadsden State Cherokee campus director and dean of Health Sciences before retiring in 2011.
Lavender was named the college’s interim president in 2014 (she’d applied for the job in 2011 when Ray Staats was hired) and received the job permanently in 2015.
Boone Kinard, external affairs director for the Alabama Community College System, represented Chancellor Jimmy Baker, according to the release, and noted the projects completed under Lavender’s leadership.
They include the construction of the Science Building on the East Broad Campus, the renovation of Allen Hall on the Wallace Drive Campus and an addition to the Cheaha Center on the Ayers Campus.
Kinard said Lavender “focused on the facilities at Gadsden State. She wanted to make sure that the facilities were improved for the students so that they have nurturing learning environments.”
He said the Science Building, in particular, will serve the “many students who will be educated in that building for many years to come thanks to (Lavender) and her vision. It is only fitting that we name a room after her for her wonderful contributions.”
Lavender said, “I fully believe the education I received at Gadsden State as a first-generation student was the springboard to my career. Being here at Gadsden State was a joy for me. I enjoyed watching students work hard, graduate and make a living wage that truly made a difference in their lives and the lives of their families. Nothing is better than that.”
Since retiring, Lawson spends a lot of time with her husband and grandchildren, according to the release. She remains active as a community volunteer and is a member of the task force touting the Challenger Learning Center, which will offer STEM-related activities targeted at middle school students.
“I tell my husband that I will stay active until he rolls me in the grave,” she said. “I enjoy working in the community and I encourage everyone to use your talents to help others.”
This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Gadsden State honors former president Martha Lavender
