Retirees of Jefferson State Community College

📣NEW EPISODE ALERT: We are joined on The Pioneer Voice podcast by Savannah Ivey, who used Dual Enrollment at Jefferson State to earn her Associate's Degree before graduating from high school. Now Savannah has a head start on her education and future career!

🎙Full podcast episode: youtu.be/NLy9zBQNt-4?si=AWK_eAoxBArXOEkA
🧑‍💻Learn more about Dual Enrollment: jeffersonstate.edu/DE
💻The Pioneer Voice website: jeffersonstate.edu/pioneervoice

On April 17, the City of Center Point dedicated the Tom Henderson Community Park and the opening of the Betty Henderson Historical Museum. The events honored two people who continue to shape the city. Congratulations Dr. Henderson and Mrs. Henderson!

Alabama Power’s Clay Ryan to Deliver Jefferson State’s Commencement Address

Alabama Power Executive Clay Ryan will deliver the keynote address during Jefferson State Community College’s 60th Commencement Ceremony on May 8 at 1:30 p.m. in the historic Alabama Theatre.

Ryan, who serves as Alabama Power’s Senior Vice President of External Affairs, is responsible for Governmental Affairs, Corporate Affairs, Charitable Giving and Alabama Power’s six geographical business divisions.

Prior to joining Alabama Power, he served as the senior vice chancellor of External Affairs for the University of Alabama System, where he was responsible for federal, state and local governmental affairs activities for the University of Alabama, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and UAB Health System. Additionally, he coordinated economic and workforce development activities across the UA System and was intimately involved in crisis communications.

Prior to his UA System role, Ryan chaired the Governmental and Regulatory Affairs practice group at Maynard Nexsen, an Alabama-based law firm with 24 offices across the United States. Ryan represented clients in the energy, utility, health care, biotech, financial services, telecommunications, IT, higher education and land management sectors, among others. He also provided counsel on ethics and compliance to numerous clients, managed statewide campaigns and advised elected and other public officials on legal and public interest matters.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts with honors from Birmingham-Southern College and received his Juris Doctor with honors from the University of Alabama School of Law, where he was editor of the Alabama Law Review.

Ryan is a graduate of Leadership Birmingham, Leadership Alabama and the Energy Executive Program at the University of Idaho. He is a member of the board of directors of Southern Research, Opportunity Alabama, the Business Council of Alabama and Junior Achievement. He has served as a board member of the Glenwood Autism & Behavioral Health Center and chair of the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama’s Roundtable.

Ryan and his wife Sisi reside in Vestavia Hills and have three children.

Don't miss the JSCC Singers spring concerts on April 29 & 30!

The Center Point Area Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the continued contributions of Tom Henderson, Center Point’s first mayor, and Betty Henderson, and the impact they have made on the community at these two events on April 17. All are welcome to attend.

Volunteers Needed for “Birmingham Reads” – May 7, 2026

Jefferson State is seeking volunteers to participate in the “Birmingham Reads” program. Participants will read to pre-K through fifth grade students at Huffman Academy on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

Birmingham Reads is an annual city-wide celebration of reading held in partnership with Birmingham City Schools, Better Basics, and the Junior League. This will be Jefferson State’s 9th year to participate in the Birmingham Reads program.

Books and notes will be provided to volunteers at the event. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to participate.

WHEN: Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: Huffman Academy, 1212 Cheyenne Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35215

For more details and to sign up as a volunteer reader, please email [email protected].

12th Annual Judy M. Merritt Memorial 5K & Family Fun Day set for March 14 - Jefferson State Community College The 12th Annual Judy M. Merritt Memorial 5K & Family Fun Day is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, at Hoover’s Veterans Park. "The annual Judy M.

The 12th Annual Judy M. Merritt Memorial 5K & Family Fun Day is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, at Hoover’s Veterans Park.

Find more information and register at www.jeffersonstate.edu/5k .

"The annual Judy M. Merritt Memorial 5K is held in honor of Jefferson State Community College’s former president Dr. Judy M. Merritt," said Jefferson State Dean of Economic Development Guin Robinson. "Judy, as she preferred to be called, embodied the spirit of Jefferson State and our mission to serve all in our community. She served as president for 35 years, and her leadership and vision were unparalleled."

Runners will enjoy a low-cost 5K with swag bags, T-shirts, and medals for winners. Run, walk, or take advantage of the “sleep in” option, with all proceeds from the race going toward scholarships for Jefferson State students.

"All proceeds from this event directly benefit Jefferson State students in need, which is exactly what Judy would want," said Robinson. "She wholeheartedly believed in removing barriers to education and workforce training for everyone."

After the race, there will be fun activities for the whole family including a DJ, inflatables, face painting and more. Free popcorn, cotton candy and drinks will be served in addition to the offerings from on-site vendors.

5K registration costs $20 prior to Feb. 13, $25 from Feb. 14 to March 13, and $30 the day of the race. Registration is $15 for college students and those ages 18 and under (use code “STUDENT” at checkout). The Virtual Challenge/Sleep In 5K is available for $15. All participants will receive a swag bag.

Find more information and register at www.jeffersonstate.edu/5k .

Members of Jefferson State’s 1977 and 1978 national champion gymnastics teams recently received rings commemorating their accomplishments. See more information and photos at: www.jeffersonstate.edu/news/2026/03/gymnastics-national-champions-receive-rings .