PR2006 Apr 19

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 19 2006

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Doug Perry 205-391-2310

dperry@sheltonstate.edu

Shelton State Mourns the Passing of Former President Dr. Leo Sumner

Tuscaloosa – Dr. Leo Sumner, president of Shelton State Community College from 1979 to 1988, passed away in the early hours of April 19, 2006.

“Dr. Sumner was a lifelong friend of this school and helped create the school as we know it today,” said Dr. Rick Rogers, current president of Shelton State. “Dr. Sumner’s vision for education in our area was incredibly progressive. We have all lost a great friend and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Leo Sumner joined Shelton State Technical Institute in 1972 serving as dean of instruction until 1976 when he was named president of the institution, then named Shelton State Technical College.

When the Tuscaloosa branch of Brewer State and Shelton State Technical College were joined in 1979, the Alabama State Board of Education named Leo Sumner the president of the new institution. Shelton State grew under Sumner’s leadership. One of the major reasons for this growth was that from the first day the college opened, Shelton State Community College was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Enrollment increased and new buildings were added during Sumner’s administration. As president, he continued his efforts to expand the college’s curriculum creating the Fine Arts Division and expanding the nursing programs. He worked with area businesses to create partnerships. IBM familiarization, word processing and medical secretary classes were offered. Rochester Products and Carmichael Chrysler joined forces with Shelton to offer new training classes.

During his tenure the Alabama Fire College was added to Shelton State’s roster of programs, Lifelong learning programs were offered, “New Options,” a program for displaced homemakers, and Senior Studies, a program for senior citizens, were born and Shelton State opened its Wellness Center to serve the health needs of its students and the community.

Shelton State annually presents “The Dr. Leo Sumner Award” to the school’s outstanding sophomore student based on outstanding academic performance, school involvement, and community service. It is the highest honor that a student can earn at Shelton State Community College.

“Dr. Sumner’s mark on this institution is a lasting tribute to his commitment to education and the young people of West Alabama,” said Dr. Rogers.