On Thursday, Bishop State Community College proudly unveiled its newly renovated Carver Instructional Site. The college commemorated the milestone with a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local officials, community members, students, faculty, and staff. The event showcased the college’s commitment to enriching the Mobile community through improved educational resources and facilities.
The extensive renovation, which totaled approximately $10.6 million, began with the project bidding process in September 2022 and construction starting in October of that year. Interior renovations were completed by April 2024, while work on the exterior facade continued until its completion in January 2025. The revamped Carver Instructional Site promises to provide students with state-of-the-art facilities conducive to learning and innovation.
“This campus has been a beacon of this community for well over 50 years,” said Olivier Charles, president of Bishop State Community College, during the ceremony. “The opportunity to restore it and put the right programs in place, not just for this community but for all of Mobile, is something that makes us proud as a college.”
The updated facility houses several academic programs, including welding, culinary arts, barbering and hairstyling, and adult education. Each program features cutting-edge amenities designed to bolster students’ educational experiences. Notably, the welding department now boasts 80 welding booths, with plans to expand to over 100. The Culinary Arts wing underwent a complete overhaul, introducing a baking lab, an a la carte kitchen, and a teaching kitchen to prepare students for real-world culinary challenges. The Adult Education department also received a complete renovation with modern classrooms, computer labs, and office spaces.
Student enthusiasm was palpable as they explored their new learning environment. “I feel so overwhelmed with excitement,” said Zoe Wilcox, a sophomore in the culinary arts program. “This is not just something for us culinary students. It also shows others who want to study culinary arts that Bishop State is the place to be.”
Welding freshman Malaishia Golston shared similar sentiments. “It’s more than I expected,” she said.
The Carver Instructional Site will continue its legacy as an education, training, and community engagement hub.
This article sources information from Bishop State Community College.