Jefferson Davis Community College history

Their efforts were successful and, with one building, Huff Hall, the institution began operation on September 17, 1912.

On June 5, 1916, Stone County was formed from the northern part of Harrison County, and the school continued under the dual support of both counties.

Realizing that a new educational concept, the junior college, was ideally suited to the needs of Mississippi, the legislature in 1924 enabled the counties to cooperate with the state in offering education beyond the high school level to all who could profit from it and in their home community.

Jackson County added its support to the coming institution in the summer of 1925 and the new institution opened on September 14, 1925, as the Harrison-Stone-Jackson Agricultural High School and Junior College offering the first year of Junior College work.

On July 15, 1942, George County added its support to the institution, which then took the official name of Perkinston Junior College.

In May 1962, 50 years after its organization, the Agricultural High School division was discontinued, and local high schools provided for the youth of the community.

93 of the Alabama Legislature in 1963.

In September 1965, Mississippi Gulf Coast Junior College became a tri-campus institution when two new campuses were opened on the Gulf Coast – Jefferson Davis Campus in Handsboro and Jackson County Campus in Gautier.

The first three buildings on campus – the Wallace Administration Building, the Student Center and Leigh Library – were completed in May 1966.

After its removal to the Industrial Seaway in 1968 this branch took the name Harrison County Occupational Training Center.

1970 — Yancey State’s name changed to James H. Faulkner State Junior College to honor a prominent Baldwin County citizen.

1972 — Hobson State accredited by the SACS Commission on Occupational Education Institutions.

In 1973, Keesler Center opened at Keesler Air Force Base as a branch of Jefferson Davis Campus.

1974 — Classes begin at Atmore State Technical Institute.

1975 — Faulkner’s Fairhope campus adds permanent staff, student services and expanded offerings of programs and services to the community.

1977 — Gilbertown campus opens.

1983 — Atmore State Technical Institute’s name changed to Atmore State Technical College.

1985 — Faulkner State begins offering classes in Foley.

To clearly reflect the comprehensive nature of the college, the name was changed on October 1, 1987, to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

13, 1990, the BOE consolidated Jefferson Davis Junior College and Atmore State Technical College, forming Jefferson Davis Community College.

In spring 1991, the College relocated the Harrison County Occupational Training Center to Intraplex 10 with the opening of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Applied Technology and Development Center.

1992 — James H. Faulkner State Junior College renamed Faulkner State Community College to more accurately reflect its mission and purpose.

1993 — Faulkner’s Foley site relocates to Gulf Shores facility built by the City of Gulf Shores.

In 1996, a campus “without walls” concept was introduced resulting in a fourth campus called Community Campus.

In August 2000, the Naval Construction Battalion Center at the Seabee Base in Gulfport was established as part of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

Classes began in January 2001, providing even more services to meet the diverse needs of Gulf Coast residents, both military and civilian.

2002 — Alabama Aviation College established.

2004 — Gilbertown’s new library facility constructed and opens.

In spring 2007, the center’s name was changed to the Mississippi Gulf Coast Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Center.

2015 — The Academy at the Fairhope Airport opens

The name would change again in 2016 when JDCC, Faulkner State and Alabama Southern community colleges consolidated into what is now known as Coastal Alabama Community College.

2017 — Coastal Alabama Community College is born.

2018 — The Alabama Aviation College at Brookley Field is merged with Coastal Alabama Community College.