BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Area officials in both Elmore and Autauga County were a bit surprised to learn that Susan Burrow, who had served as President since 2015 for Central Alabama Community College, has abruptly departed.
Jeff Lynn will replace her with the title of Acting President.
Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie offered this comment on learning of Lynn being named as Acting President.
“I look forward to continuing the partnership with CACC and working with Jeff Lynn as they continue providing quality higher education in our community as we build for the future,” Mayor Gillespie said.
Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley said, “I have always been a supporter of CACC. I think they and Trenholm are a great place for area students to learn a trade. CACC and Trenholm both have some great programs. Learning a trade is vitally important for our future. We look forward to working with Acting President Jeff Lynn about the future of CACC.”
CACC currently maintains a temporary campus on the second floor of a building in the Pratt’s Mill Shopping Center in Prattville. Other campuses are located in Alexander City, Childersburg and Talladega. It is under the umbrella of the Alabama Community College System. There was no mention of Burrow’s departure in the board minutes from June 10 for ACCS.
Earlier today, Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced the appointment of Lynn saying Lynn will serve in the role until a president is named at the completion of a presidential search. Dr. Burrow was not mentioned in the press release.
Last week, then-President Burrow sent out an invitation to community leaders, asking them to meet at Lanark (Alabama Wildlife Foundation) in Millbrook for a discussion about the future of CACC. The meeting is still scheduled for Wednesday, June 17 from 10 a.m. until noon.
As for the new Acting President Lynn, he has more than 20 years of workforce and economic development experience across several Southeastern states. He brought his distinctive skillset to the Alabama Community College System in 2016 where he currently serves as the Vice Chancellor for Aerospace and Aviation. Prior to his role at the ACCS, Lynn served as the Executive Director of Workforce Development Programs (LED FastStart) for Louisiana Economic Development.
“Mr. Lynn’s experience in both the private sector and in higher education gives him a unique perspective that is advantageous as our colleges strive to meet community and industry needs,” Baker said in a press release posted earlier today. “Jeff’s enthusiasm for helping to improve the lives of Alabama’s community college students combined with his practical experience is a perfect fit to lead the CACC family during this time of transition.”
Lynn began his career while in college, working full time in manufacturing and the hospitality industry while completing his Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management from Auburn University. Lynn later served as the Head of ASMT Training Systems for Ciba Vision Corporation in Duluth, GA where he led efforts related to technical and team skills training and served on the Southern Regional Education Board’s curriculum team. He also spent 10 years as the Director of Regional Project Operations for Georgia Quick Start, which is part of the Technical College System of Georgia.
“I grew up less than 40 miles from here and it matters to me that the communities we serve are thriving and I’m honored to have this opportunity to work with the committed faculty, staff, and students at CACC,” Lynn said. “Education is the gateway to a better future and I look forward to working with the Trojan family to continue to address the education and training needs of Central Alabamians.
Lynn’s tenure at Central Alabama Community College will begin today, June 15.
Senator Clyde Chambliss said, “It has been great to get to know Jeff over the last four years. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to CACC. I look forward to working with him to develop a permanent campus in this area that will fill the void of community college services that we have had for so long. “
As for the planned meeting June 17, it will apparently move ahead as scheduled.
In her email to community leaders last week, then President Burrow wrote:
“As you are aware Central Alabama Community College continues to provide quality affordable education and training opportunities at our Pratt’s Mill Center. Enrollment continues to grow at the PMC and in keeping with our development plan we are excited to announce the next phase of development in your community. We need your help to plan for the development of a permanent campus serving Elmore County and the Prattville area.
The College has retained the service of Williams Blackstock Architects to guide our “program planning” process. Through in-person meetings and social media outreach opportunities for input the College will determine the education and training programs needed to support your current and future workforce needs, develop facilities to serve community needs, and establish a campus that reflects the fabric of our communities.
The information gathered will allow us to vision and design the future campus. Once we capture that vision we will seek and secure the permanent location, and begin the building program. Your input is vital to our success and will help us serve the community and support community growth and sustainability.”
About ACCS
With 24 community colleges in more than 130 locations, the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) is Alabama’s gateway to first-class, affordable education and technical training to compete in a constantly evolving workforce. More than 168,000 Alabamians benefit from the various certification, credential, dual enrollment and degree programs ACCS offers alongside leading industry partners. The System includes the Alabama Technology Network, which provides extensive training and service offerings directly to business and industry. ACCS is governed by the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees.
