A Bold Vision for Workforce Training, Creativity, and Collaboration in North Alabama
With excitement and pride in its ongoing mission to innovate workforce development, Calhoun Community College has officially opened the STEAM Imagination Center, a cutting edge instructional site located in downtown Decatur as part of the Alabama Center for the Arts. The new facility blends science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics under one roof.
Located in downtown Decatur, just steps from the Alabama Center for the Arts and minutes from Calhoun’s main campus, the newly renovated two story building is a reimagined version of the former 1970s era Eyster Key building. The transformation represents a $5 million investment in the future of education and training for North Alabama. The revitalized space will serve as a hub for creativity, digital innovation, and cross discipline learning.
“Today is about more than just cutting a ribbon. It’s about opening doors. Doors to opportunity, innovation, and collaboration,” said Dr. Jimmy Hodges, Calhoun President. “I like to think of today as a wedding, where we’re marrying the arts and technology. They will no longer exist in separate worlds at Calhoun, as this beautifully renovated facility marks a bold new chapter in the life of our Alabama Center for the Arts site,” Hodges added.
Designed with flexibility and functionality in mind, the STEAM Imagination Center will bring together students from the college’s Fine Arts, Design Drafting, and Computer Information Systems programs. The building now boasts state of the art classrooms, high tech labs, polished concrete floors, a new elevator, upgraded HVAC systems, and energy efficient lighting and windows. A portrait gallery featuring work by local artist Jürgen Beck welcomes visitors on the first floor.
Students training at the new facility will be equipped for a variety of in demand career paths in both technology and the arts, including:
Manufacturing and Engineering Roles:
- Additive Manufacturing Technician
- Product Designer
- Creative Engineering Technician
- Architectural Drafter
- Innovative Welder
IT and Creative Arts Careers:
- UX/UI Designer
- Animator
- Video Editor
- Web Designer
- 3D Modeler
- Multimedia Specialist
This new site is the result of a powerful collaboration between Calhoun’s faculty, academic deans, and administrative leadership who identified the need to unify these complementary disciplines. In 2022, representatives of Calhoun visited the Savannah College of Art and Design, which inspired the development of a space that could provide similar cross training opportunities for North Alabama students.
“Dr. Hodges’ goal is to help the college become the best it can be. Calhoun is truly transforming the state by serving people in ways it never has before. On behalf of the Alabama Community College System, we appreciate all of the support you continue to show Calhoun,” said Jimmy Baker, Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System.
The opening of the STEAM Imagination Center comes at a time of rising demand for talent in creative and technical fields. According to a recent Lightcast labor market report covering a 60 mile radius of the college’s main campus, related jobs in the region are projected to grow by 16.3% over the next decade.
“The history of how we got here goes back to 2022, when I was fighting for the bill that helped fund this building, along with the Fine Arts Academy and dorms for the Alabama Center for the Arts,” said Alabama Senator Arthur Orr. “I am very grateful to Dr. Hodges and Chancellor Baker because they understand the importance and long-term impact of buildings like the STEAM Training Center. Decatur has not had a building with a higher education presence until now, and that is thanks to their leadership. Now that Decatur has that presence, it is a major step forward for our community. As we continue to enhance education in Morgan County, I want to encourage everyone to support the arts, not just within these facilities, but beyond them as well.”
The college anticipates the new site will initially serve approximately 75 students per year, with future growth expected as new degree and certificate programs are added, including a planned video game development track.
“Calhoun is proud to deepen its roots in downtown Decatur, a community that continues to champion revitalization and forward thinking partnerships,” said Hodges. “This new training facility stands as a powerful symbol of what is possible when education, industry, and local leadership come together with a shared vision to imagine, inspire, and build a brighter future,” he added.
