07/28/26
Gadsden State's Cherokee Campus Welcomes Largest Nursing Class in Campus History
Centre, Ala. — Gadsden State Community College's Cherokee Campus is celebrating a major milestone this summer after welcoming the largest nursing cohort in the campus's history.
A total of 54 students were accepted into the Cherokee Campus nursing program this summer, reflecting unprecedented interest in the college's Associate Degree Nursing program. The campus received 90 applications, the highest number ever submitted for the Cherokee location, underscoring the program's continued growth and strong demand.
The record-setting enrollment highlights the growing demand for nursing education in the Centre area as more students pursue careers in one of the nation's most in-demand professions.
"This is an exciting milestone for our Cherokee Campus and our community," said Randi Wright, director of Gadsden State’s Cherokee Campus. "The record number of applications demonstrates the growing interest in our nursing program and reinforces the important role Gadsden State plays in preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals. We are proud to have welcomed our largest class yet and look forward to seeing the impact these students will have on the communities they will one day serve."
Students in the program receive classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory training, and clinical experiences that prepare them to provide high-quality patient care in a variety of healthcare settings. Upon successful completion of the program and approval by the Board of Nursing, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
According to Dr. Joey Battles, dean of Health Sciences, the milestone reflects both the strength of Gadsden State's nursing program and the region's increasing need for qualified nurses.
"Healthcare employers across our region continue to need skilled, compassionate nurses, and we're seeing more students answer that call," Battles said. "The tremendous interest in our Cherokee Campus nursing program speaks to the quality of our faculty, the reputation of our graduates, and the opportunities available to students who choose a career in nursing. We are excited to welcome this outstanding class and support them throughout their educational journey."
Gadsden State's Nursing Program has built a strong reputation for preparing graduates to enter the workforce or continue their education while serving the healthcare needs of Northeast Alabama. The record enrollment at the Cherokee Campus represents another step forward in expanding access to high-quality nursing education and meeting the workforce needs of local healthcare providers.
For more information visit www.gadsdenstate.edu/healthsciences.
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