Former President Dr. James A. Glasgow speaks at the NW-SCC 50th Anniversary Celebration in September of 2013 on the Phil Campbell campus
MUSCLE SHOALS & PHIL CAMPBELL-As news of Dr. James A. Glasgow’s death on July 16, the Northwest-Shoals family is deeply saddened. Glasgow served as the first president of Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC), then Northwest Alabama State Junior College, when it was founded in 1963 as the first public junior college in the state which led to the beginning of the Alabama Community College System.
“I was honored to get the opportunity to visit with Dr. Glasgow at the College’s 50th anniversary in 2013,” said NW-SCC President Dr. Glenda Colagross. “As a lifelong educator, it was obvious that he made a tremendous impact on so many lives in Franklin County and throughout Northwest Alabama. Thanks to his leadership and vision, Northwest-Shoals, as well as the entire Alabama Community College System, continues to educate thousands of students each year.”
Glasgow’s impact on NW-SCC and the Alabama Community College System is undeniable. In September 1963, 49 students and eight faculty members were led by Glasgow at Northwest Alabama State Junior College.
Fifty-six (56) years later, approximately 3,600 students attended Northwest-Shoals Community College’s campuses in Phil Campbell and Muscle Shoals. There are 24 community and technical colleges in Alabama.
“Dr. Glasgow served as our founding president for 18 years, and was a strong supporter of our students, faculty and staff. He will be missed, and his memory will continue to inspire us. Our deepest sympathies go out to the entire Glasgow family.”
Media Release/Trent Randolph
Public Information Officer
Northwest-Shoals Community College
