Governor Attends Dining Hall Ribbon Cutting
A $12.8 Million project, MMI鈥檚 new facility seats up to 500 in the main dining room, is handicap-accessible, and features energy-efficient building systems and a covered porch with outdoor seating. Designed to complement the college鈥檚 historic architecture, it is also equipped with a private dining room and special event space with catering support. Cadets began eating daily meals in the new Dining Hall during the Spring 2024 semester.
During her speech, Governor Ivey said she was proud to help usher in a new era of expansion and modernization for MMI.
鈥淚t鈥檚 an honor to be here in Marion to celebrate this important milestone for one of the most unique institutions of higher learning both in this state of Alabama and in America,鈥� said Ivey. 鈥溚馔焯� has a rich history, tracing its roots back over 180 years to 1842 with the founding of Howard College. 聽鈥� Its now famous high standards of character, academic achievement, and military traditions continue to be its hallmark well into the 21st Century. 鈥� Today, MMI is synonymous with the highest caliber of learning, and its cadets pursue careers in military service or other disciplines. Its many graduates are leaders changing our state and nation, and their impacts are felt, literally, worldwide.鈥�
Thanking elected officials for their investment in the ACCS, Dr. Cox remarked, 鈥淲e are fortunate in this state to have a governor, her staff and our legislators who believe in the mission of our community colleges, giving back to serving those.鈥�
The ceremony closed with COL Mollahan鈥檚 perspective on this historic moment in MMI history, moving from meal service in a basement to a beautifully-designed new space: 鈥淭oday鈥檚 ceremony allows us to acknowledge that for MMI鈥檚 fully on-campus residential educational model, the dining service provided within this facility is absolutely mission essential for us.鈥�
A member of the Alabama Community College System, MMI is the oldest military junior college in the nation and educates students from more than 40 U.S. states and territories