Performing Arts Center Could be Next for NACC on Moon Lake Campus

If community support exists for college courses at Moon Lake, the historic school may have more exciting news in its future.

Northeast Alabama Community College announced last month that four classes will be offered at the campus for the fall semester. The initial offerings are focused on the humanities. Geared toward both traditional and nontraditional students, the classes will earn college credits.

This will not only benefit students in the short term, but it could also lead to a growing NACC presence in Mentone. “We hope to build the program and one day work with the city to have a theater in town to start producing plays there,” says NACC President Dr. David Campbell.

Rand Hall was the first to register for NACC classes at the Moon Lake campus in Mentone.

Mentone Mayor Rob Hammond toured the school gym in June with Campbell and members of his staff, along with Alabama Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter. Discussions are ongoing regarding how to bring this vision to life. “If we can transform the former school gym into a performing arts center to host plays, music, and other cultural events, it will bring people to our town and to the campus, which in turn supports our local shops and restaurants,” says Hammond.

The prospects are equally exciting for those connected to the school but who no longer reside here. “This is something those of us living in the 1980s when that gym was built never envisioned for the place,” says Dr. Bill Berry, former Moon Lake student, teacher, and principal. “The possibility of music programs, drama, and other kinds of arts activities there is so exciting.”

The first step, however, is to establish some basic classes on campus. Learners of all ages can register online at nacc.edu or call 256-638-4418 for more information. They can also visit the campus Thursday, August 1, when NACC staff will be on-site to help with registration and financial aid.

“We’re very excited, and appreciate all the support from the people of Mentone,” says Campbell. “We have great, positive expectations for what the future holds there.”