New historic marker commemorates former high school as AAMU ‘communiversity’
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The campus that once was Paint Rock Valley High School in Jackson County has been donated to Alabama A&M University for use as a “communiversity” facility for AAMU, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the residents of north Alabama.
A new historic marker was erected at the campus this week as AAMU prepares to transform the former high school.
AAMU’s new ‘communiversity’
Paint Rock Valley High School – which closed its doors in 2018 — was a K-12 school in the Jackson County School District. Five years after closing, the campus was donated to AAMU, one of the largest nonmonetary gifts in AAMU history.
The new “communiversity” will host various activities, including:
- Community fundraising
- Extension programming, such as 4-H and environmental stewardship
- Small business and community development
- Agricultural research, including forestry and small ruminants
“This collaboration will allow us to expand the university’s curricular instruction with programs like forestry and animal science, as well as community engagement through the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and other organizations.”
Daniel K. Wims, president of Alabama A&M University
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 open later this year.
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