New Historical Marker Celebrates High School Being Transformed into AAMU Communiversity
Alabama A&M University administrators joined the Jackson County Historical Association as it dedicated a new historical marker for Paint Rock Valley High School, which closed in 2018. Last year, the Jackson County Board of Education transferred ownership of the school to Alabama A&M.
AAMU Vice President of Research and Economic Development Dr. Majed El-Dweik and other officials spoke with community members about the University’s plans for the building. The school will be repurposed as a communiversity, benefiting Alabama A&M, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, and the residents of north Alabama.
The Paint Rock Valley High School, once a K-12 school, will host various activities, including:
- Extension programming, such as 4-H and environmental stewardship
- Small business and community development
- Agricultural research, including forestry and small ruminants
- Community fundraising
The Paint Rock Valley Collaboration Project (PRVCP), which includes the Jackson County Board of Education, Alabama A&M, and Alabama Extension – will work alongside the Graham Farm and Nature Center, Jackson County Commission, Singing River Trails, and other organizations to enhance educational and community engagement programs, particularly for youth development.
The facility is expected to reopen later this year. For more information, contact Graham Farm and Nature Center Director Themika Sims at (256) 599-6612 or Dr. Dweik at (256) 372-4939.
Corporations and organizations interested in partnering with Alabama A&M University, please visit www.aamu.edu/partnerwithus or contact the AAMU Office of Marketing, Communications, and Advancement at 256.372.8344.
(Photo Courtesy Jackson County Historical Association – Annette Bradford)
