Alamance Community College has formally dedicated an area adjacent to the student commons area on its main campus as the Dr. Algie Gatewood Atrium, named for retired President Emeritus Gatewood, who ended his ten years of service to the college in July 2023.
The May 12 celebratory ceremony, which included a ribbon-cutting to open the atrium, brought Gatewood back to the campus for the first time since his retirement. Guests at this week’s dedication included ACC trustees, former college colleagues, friends, and family members. Guest speakers included NC State Senator Amy Galey and NC State Representative Stephen Ross.
“This atrium is not just a physical space on our campus but represents the vision and leadership of Dr. Gatewood who helped shape the college into the thriving institution that we know today,” said ACC President Dr. Ken Ingle. “As a central gathering place and hub connecting our campus, this atrium has always been important. Now it also becomes a place of gratitude and recognition, officially named for one of ACC’s most transformational leaders.”
“No president accomplishes great things by him or herself,” said Dr. Gatewood during his remarks. “Whether it be in the private sector, at a university or a community college, it just doesn’t happen. It takes everyone, doing different things to help move forward the institution. And I’m so grateful that we had a variety of people in the community who were willing to step in and work with us to achieve all that this college has achieved.”
Cited among President Gatewood’s keenest accomplishments during his 2013-2023 tenure were:
- Passing a $39.6 million bond measure with overwhelming voter approval - the largest in ACC’s history.
- Construction of three new academic and student support buildings: the Advanced Applied Technology Center, Biotechnology Center of Excellence, Student Services Center, and the soon to be open Public Safety Training Center in the Green Level community.
- Six major facility expansions and upgrades that include the student commons cafe area, first-of-its-kind Emergency Medical Services simulation rooms, Animal Science and Horticulture Building, on-site Early College, and expansions in Nursing and Culinary Arts.
- Starting ACC’s first Early College in partnership with Alamance-Burlington School System, and enrolling nearly 2,000 students to date.
- Establishing 23 transfer articulation agreements that ensure a seamless transition from ACC to a four-year institution.
- Adding 19 new curriculum programs since 2013.
- Restructuring the College's grants function, resulting in an increase of external grants from $150,000 to $25 million since 2020
Dr. Gatewood spent nearly five decades in higher education, including President of the Cascade Campus of Portland Community College, Oregon from 2004-2013; UNC Chapel Hill from 1997-2004 as Director of Health, Education and Welfare and Assistant Director of the NC State Education Assistant Authority; and Dean of Student Services at Anson Community College from 1982-1997.