In 2017, Coastal Alabama Community College was formed through a consolidation of three institutions in southwest Alabama. Nearly 10 years later, Coastal Alabama continues to find new ways of celebrating the most important people within its organization – students.
This May marks a historical graduation season as Coastal Alabama Community College will celebrate all upcoming graduates in combined ceremonies to be held at the College’s main campus in Bay Minette, Ala. on May 13-14. Anticipating nearly 600 students who will walk across the stage, the College has flexed its resources by creating memorable ceremonies for students who have dedicated to their educational success.
“We want our students, and their families, to feel a pride like never before,” Dr. Aaron Milner, President of Coastal Alabama, said. “We serve more than 10,000 students a year, and we want the Class of 2026 to look and feel like a force to be reckoned with as they embark on their next chapters in life.”
From enhanced production elements to convenient parking enhancements, the graduation ceremonies are planned with students and their families in the forefront.
“Your college graduation should be one of the most memorable moments of your life,” Dr. Milner said. “Our mission is to celebrate our graduates in a manner that they will never forget. It’s what they deserve.”
Serving eight campuses and a variety of instructional sites in six counties in southwest Alabama, Coastal Alabama Community College is the largest community college in the state by land mass. Hosting the graduation ceremonies in one central location will allow all students, many of who commute to two or more campuses within the footprint for classes, an opportunity to plan for their graduation more effectively.
The 2026 changes to commencement also have impacted the Nursing & Allied Health department as all pinning ceremonies will also be combined and will be held in Bay Minette on May 11. This spring will be one for the history books as the College brings all healthcare graduates together for a powerful display of student success.
“Our goal is and always will be to make our students’ lives better. Our mission is to invest in their success, and that mission includes investing in the biggest day of their educational journey to date – Graduation,” Dr. Milner said.
Graduation and pinning ceremonies are located in the L.D. Owen Performing Arts Center on the Bay Minette Campus. Dates and times are as follows:
- Monday, May 11 at 10:00 AM (Associate in Applied Science degrees in Nursing and Nursing Mobility)
- Monday, May 11 at 2:00 PM (Certificate Completers for Licensed Practical Nurse and Allied Health majors)
- Wednesday, May 13 at 10:00 AM (Associate in Arts and Sciences Academic Transfer with last names A - L)
- Wednesday, May 13 at 2:00 PM (Associate in Arts and Sciences Academic Transfer with last names M - Z)
- Thursday, May 14 at 10:00 AM (All Career Technical Associate in Applied Science, Certificate and Short-Term Certificate completers)
