MOBILE, Ala., December 17, 2025 – Bishop State Community College marked a major milestone on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 with the official grand opening of its Southwest Instructional Site, celebrating a $15 million expansion and renovation project that significantly enhances instructional spaces, student amenities, and workforce training programs.
Held at 10 a.m. at the Southwest Site, located at 925 Dauphin Island Parkway, the event welcomed industry partners, community leaders, elected officials, alumni, current and former students, faculty, and staff for an opportunity to tour the transformed campus and see firsthand the college’s continued investment in student success and economic development.
“This is more than a ribbon-cutting for us. It’s a statement about who we are and where we’re going as an institution,” said Olivier Charles, president of Bishop State Community College. “Today we celebrate not only what the Southwest Site is, but what it will continue to become as we grow, innovate, and prepare our students for high-demand careers.”
The comprehensive expansion impacted multiple academic and student-centered areas across the campus, including:
- A brand-new Cosmetology and Nail Technology wing
- A new HVAC instructional wing
- Expanded Aviation training space
- A fully redesigned multipurpose room featuring LED screens, available for public rental
- A new entrance and lobby
- A student lounge and gaming center
- New administrative offices
- Additional classrooms and an updated library
- And more renovations on the way
The ceremony also included remarks from Bradley Byrne, president and CEO of the Mobile Chamber of Commerce, who emphasized the importance of Bishop State’s role in workforce development and long-term partnerships.
“I am very proud of what all of y’all have done,” Byrne said. “And we’re looking forward to the partnership we have with you and your staff for years and years to come.”
While celebrating progress at the Southwest Site, Bishop State continues to invest in improvements across its multiple campuses. The college held a ribbon-cutting for its Carver Instructional Site in February 2025, marking the completion of a $10.6 million renovation project. On the Downtown Campus, the $21 million Center for Advanced Manufacturing Technology and Center for Nursing and Health Sciences renovation celebrated its grand opening in Fall 2023.
Additionally, the Delchamps Student Life Complex on the Downtown Campus is currently undergoing a multi-million-dollar renovation. Offices and departments have been temporarily relocated, demolition is underway, and the project is expected to be completed in Spring/Summer 2027.
“These projects represent our commitment to ensuring students and faculty have access to modern facilities, state-of-the-art equipment, and environments that support learning, collaboration, and innovation,” Charles said.
The public is invited to visit any Bishop State campus to tour facilities and see ongoing improvements that strengthen the college’s mission to deliver high-quality education and workforce training. For more information, visit www.bishop.edu.
About Bishop State Community College
Bishop State Community College is a comprehensive, public, two-year institution serving Mobile County and the surrounding region. The college offers associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs designed to meet the needs of students, employers, and the community. Through innovative instruction, strong industry partnerships, and continued investment in facilities and technology, Bishop State prepares students for transfer, employment, and lifelong success.
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