10/04/23
Wright enjoying new job as campus director at Gadsden State Cherokee
Gadsden, Ala. — It’s been two months since Randi Wright took over the leadership role at Gadsden State Cherokee, and it’s already been quite the experience.
“I came to Gadsden State Cherokee for the privilege of working with some of the best faculty and staff in our area,” she said. “We have amazing students and a community that supports us. I’m so happy to be in this position.”
Wright follows in the footsteps of Luanne Hayes, who retired from Gadsden State in March after 15 years of service. Wright’s employment at Gadsden State Cherokee was effective Aug. 7. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the campus, and she plans and implements strategies to increase enrollment and retention.
“Our primary focus is to increase enrollment, create community involvement opportunities and offer continuing education classes,” she said. “I want to meet these goals while staying focused on both traditional and nontraditional students.”
When comparing the current fall semester with the 2022 fall semester, Gadsden State Cherokee’s enrollment has increased by 12.95 percent.
“I believe we will continue to see an increase in our enrollment as well as activities on our campus if we involve the community,” she said. “When parents, students, community members and other stakeholders are actively involved in education, they provide additional resources, support and accountability to schools. This certainly leads to better student performance and retention.”
In her first two months at Gadsden State, Wright has spent time with local organizations and at community events promoting scholarship opportunities as well as programs offered at the Cherokee Campus, including the Poultry Science Program in partnership with Auburn University (GadsdenState.edu/PoultryScience).
Wright has worked with co-workers to establish two new student organizations – the Gadsden State Fishing Club and the Gadsden State Hiking Club. She has planned on-campus community events, like Movie on the Lawn on Oct. 5; Trunk or Treat in partnership with the Department of Human Resources on Oct. 27; and a blood drive for the American Red Cross on Oct. 31. She’s also promoting College Application Day on Oct. 17 by hosting campus tours for potential students.
“Students have always been my driving force, but I also want the community to see all the wonderful things Gadsden State has to offer,” she said. “I am working hard to enhance the relationship between Gadsden State Cherokee and the community we serve.”
Wright said she plans to implement an Advisory / Stakeholder Committee for Gadsden State Cherokee. She would also like to update the Student Lounge and create an outdoor classroom.
“We have plans that may seem small but will lead to big results,” she said. “My plans will always be student-focused, and I will always have the desire to include the community in all aspects of the higher education and training we provide at Gadsden State Cherokee. Together, we will grow.”
Wright was first connected to Gadsden State when she enrolled as a general studies student and earned an associate degree in 2000. Sixteen years later, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Science from Jacksonville State University. In 2021, she maintained a 4.0 GPA and earned a master’s degree in Adult Education from Auburn University.
Wright, a 20-year resident of Centre, has experience in banking and restaurant management. Most recently, she served as the Cleburne County coordinator for the Alabama Cooperative Extension. She is excited to have the opportunity to continue her career at the College.
“Gadsden State Cherokee is a special place with extreme potential,” she said. “We owe it to the students to make it even better. It is an honor to serve this community daily.
Wright is married to Mark Wright. They have five children: Bellah, 22; Allie, 20; Dirk, 15; Max, 8 and Mary Sade, 7.
For more information, visit GadsdenState.edu/Cherokee.
Randi Wright