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Athens State University’s Center for Lifelong Learning is scheduled to open in early 2011 to serve as an educational and social outlet for all members of the community. It will be located in the former Boys & Girls Clubhouse building on the east side of the Limestone County Courthouse Square,
“The Center for Lifelong Learning is the university’s way of sharing our educational wealth with Athens and Limestone County,” said Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Lee Cheek. “It will encompass a broad scope of uses — from credit and non-credit class offerings to a gathering place for social and entertainment purposes. We foresee it too as a draw to downtown Athens and an educational and entertainment haven for area residents.”
The Center’s planned uses cover five main purposes: Enriching the community life, establishing a Lifelong Learning Institute, supporting the university’s online classes, creating an Action Institute to introduce young people to the offerings of Athens State, and housing specific established university centers and programs.
A University bookstore, managed by Follett, which currently operates a branch on the institution’s main campus, will also have a presence in the Center.
“Many people in the community think we are simply placing a bookstore on the Square,” remarks Cheek, who is overseeing the creation of the Center. “This project will be so much more than a typical university bookstore, it will truly be a place that the name suggests — a place to learn at any age throughout a lifetime. We are very cognizant of our place and to not be perceived as competition for any existing businesses — we truly want to enhance the Square, not compete in a retail district that has been such good neighbors for so many years.”
The Follett extension will take up approximately a quarter of the downstairs area and will offer textbooks, collegiate and local team-related sportswear and gifts, and books and materials focusing on the university’s programs and scheduled guest lecturers.
“This will be a great addition to our downtown district,” states Spirit of Athens Executive Director Trisha Black. “I have seen these college satellite buildings in other cities with successful downtown revitalization plans and we welcome Athens State to become a part of our plan. I know Dr. Glenn (president of Athens State) has wanted to create a presence on the Square for some time and the creation of their Center could not have come at a better time.”
The Center for Lifelong Learning is also bringing jobs to the community. A search is presently underway for a director and an assistant director, and searches will follow for staffing once needs are determined.
“In 2007 an Economic Impact Report determined that Athens State brings approximately $90 million of revenue to Athens and Limestone County,” states Tom Hill, president of the Limestone County Economic Development Association. “This is just one more way they continually make their mark in the area both educationally and financially.”
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