Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Chancellor Jimmy Baker announced on Monday that he has appointed Gregg Bennett to serve as the interim president of Gadsden State Community College.

Current president Dr. Martha Lavender announced earlier in the year that she would be retiring from the post she has held for the last six years.

Bennett is currently the center director for the Alabama Technology Network (ATN) location in Gadsden. The ATN is a workforce development program housed within the community college system, and Bennett has worked there for 33 years.

“I am passionate about improving our great state and am proud to serve the Gadsden State community in this capacity,” remarked Bennett in a statement accompanying the announcement.

Bennett will serve in the interim role while a comprehensive search for a replacement takes place. His predecessor first took the reins at Gadsden State on an interim basis before being named to the job permanently.

“Mr. Bennett’s extensive industry experience combined with his work in higher education gives him a unique skillset and perspective that will be beneficial to Gadsden State,” stated Baker on Monday.

The interim role will begin on Tuesday, September 1.

Bennett holds BS, BA and MA degrees from the University of Alabama, according to his biography on the ATN website.

“I have worked alongside the faculty and staff in Ayers, Anniston, and Gadsden and they are some of the best in the business. We will move forward together with a commitment to giving hope and changing lives,” Bennett concluded.

Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: henry@new-yhn.local or on Twitter @HenryThornton95