The Snead State Alumni Association saluted the College’s history at the annual Alumni Homecoming on Friday, May 3.

Inspired by the State of Alabama’s Bicentennial, the theme for this year’s Alumni Homecoming was “Snead Through Time,” a salute to the College’s legacy that began in 1898. Snead State History and Political Science Instructor Grover Kitchens presented a brief look at the College’s beginning as a Methodist seminary to its current place in history as a community college. With a nod to the college’s religious ties, the entertainment for the event was provided by gospel quartet Gold City.

The evening concluded with the recognition of the 2019 Alumna of the Year award. Alumni Association President Cherri Barnard presented the honor to Rhonda Springfield, Snead State Class of 1980. A former president of the Snead State Alumni Association, Mrs. Springfield attended Snead State on a performing arts scholarship and earned an Associate in Arts degree. She then went on to earn a B.S. and M.S. in Education from Jacksonville State University, a vocational certification from Athens State, and an Ed.S. and Administrative Certification from the University of Alabama.

Mrs. Springfield recently retired from Albertville City Schools after a career that spanned 28 years. During that time she served as a guidance counselor, a computer technology instructor, assistant principal at Albertville High School, Lead Counselor for Albertville City Schools and Senior Counselor for AHS, and most recently Coordinator for Community Education and Pre K Director.

While working for Albertville City Schools, she received many honors including Albertville High School Teacher of the Year for the 2000-2001 year, Chamber of Commerce High School Teacher of the Year for 2001-2002, and Albertville City Schools Secondary Teacher of the Year in 2001 and 2003. She was a Top Five Statewide Finalist for the Jacksonville State University Teacher Hall of Fame and a Business and Professional Young Career Woman nominee in 1989. She was recognized as a Beeson Fellow by Samford University in 1996 and was selected for Who’s Who Among American High School Teachers in 1999, 2000, and 2004. She also received the Terry Peterson Award from ACEA.

Mrs. Springfield not only served our community as an educator and a counselor, but she also served as a leader. She served as President of the Marshall County Christmas Coalition and as a United Way Campaign Co-Chair. She also continued her association with Snead State by working as a GED Test Administrator and part-time Continuing Education Instructor. She recently accepted a position as Adult Education Program and Grant Administrator for Northwest Florida State College.

“There is so much more I could share with you about our Alumna of the Year recipient. But I believe the most important thing I can share with you about her is that she embodies the legacy of excellence and service found here at Snead State,” said Mrs. Barnard as she presented the award.

Alumni Homecoming is one of several events hosted by the Alumni Association each year. Anyone who joins the Alumni Association can receive information about the events as well as a membership card that may be redeemed for discounts provided by local businesses. To join the Alumni Association or to learn more about the Alumni Walk scholarship fundraiser, contact the Alumni Office at alumni@snead.edu or (256) 840-4103, or visit snead.edu/alumni.