Woody Williams Center for Advanced Learning and Careers Opens Doors to Opportunity
A former retail space has been transformed into something far more powerful. The Woody Williams Center for Advanced Learning and Careers is a place where students can discover purpose, develop career-ready skills, and prepare for the future.
On Thursday, May 7, 2026, community leaders, educators, students, and state officials gathered to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the Woody Williams Center for Advanced Learning and Careers, a state-of-the-art facility designed to connect education with workforce opportunity and inspire the next generation of leaders, innovators, and skilled professionals.
“This is the project I was most excited about, and it didn’t disappoint,” said Joshua Pauley, President of the Cabell County Board of Education. “The state-of-the-art learning spaces set students up for success in the real world.”
David Ferguson, CEO of ZMM Architects and Engineers and Principal-in-Charge on the project, said the facility was designed to create meaningful opportunities for students across the region.
“This building was designed with one simple but powerful goal: to support opportunity,” Ferguson said. “Every space was planned to encourage learning, collaboration, and hands-on experience so that students can discover their talents, gain real-world skills, and imagine what’s possible. Projects like this don’t happen without vision, trust, and teamwork.”
Ferguson added that it was “an honor to be a part of this important moment for Cabell County Schools.”
Purpose-built to support a wide range of career and technical education pathways, the center represents a bold investment in students and the future of the region. Principal Melissa Ash described the facility as “specifically designed with all students in mind,” calling it “a bridge between education and opportunity.”
That sense of opportunity was echoed by students themselves. Madison Shoemaker, Skills USA President, shared how important the programs offered at the center will be for future careers across the region.
“The careers this center prepares students for are crucial,” she said. “It’s a great place to learn in a great environment.”
Speakers throughout the ceremony highlighted the innovative vision that brought the project to life. By repurposing an existing space into a cutting-edge educational environment, the project demonstrates how communities can adapt, evolve, and invest in workforce development in meaningful ways.
Chris Tatum, Mayor of Barboursville, called the project “a remarkable new chapter,” noting that “a place once known for commerce will also be known for careers.”
“This space says we are willing to adapt and innovate,” Tatum said. “It’s opening doors to opportunity.”
State Treasurer Larry Pack noted that the facility is already gaining attention statewide.
“There’s a lot of envy around the state because of this facility,” Pack said. “West Virginia is transforming before our eyes, and this facility is part of the transformation.”
Thomas Smith, Field Representative for U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, shared remarks on the Senator’s behalf that recognized the significance of the project and its long-term impact on students across the state.
“I share in your excitement and pride as we mark this important milestone and recognize the tremendous positive impact this new center will have on future generations of West Virginia students,” Capito shared.
The center will also expand access to higher education and workforce training through dual enrollment opportunities with Mountwest Community and Technical College, helping students gain valuable credentials and experience before graduation.
Toney Stroud, Chief Legal Officer and Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Corporate Relations at Marshall University, emphasized the broader impact the facility will have on workforce development across the region. “We are helping to answer the call for the region’s workforce needs. This facility raises us to new heights,” Stroud said.
Cabell County Schools Superintendent Tim Hardesty and other speakers reflected on the perseverance and determination that made the project possible.
C.R. Neighborgall, President of Neighborgall Construction, shared that both the project and Woody Williams’ legacy serve as “a reminder of perseverance,” emphasizing the importance of resilience, service, and commitment to future generations.
Throughout the event, speakers also reflected on the legacy of Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams, whose name and spirit are deeply woven into the mission of the facility.
His grandson, Brent Casey, shared stories about Williams’ determination to serve, his commitment to others, and the values that defined his life.
“He volunteered for missions that seemed impossible,” Casey said. “The medal was never about him. It was for the Marines who didn’t get to come home and for the families who lost loved ones.”
Casey described the center as a reflection of “excellence and intention,” adding that Woody Williams would be “incredibly pleased and honored” by the impact the facility will have on future generations.
“Your success is the legacy,” he told students.
From advanced learning labs to collaborative educational environments, the Woody Williams Center for Advanced Learning and Careers stands as more than just a new facility. It is a symbol of perseverance, innovation, and belief in what students can achieve when given the tools and opportunities to succeed.
As Mr. Cafaro, owner of the Huntington Mall, noted during the celebration, the center is now “a beacon” for the community, representing not only what has been accomplished, but what is possible for generations to come.
For the students who will walk its halls, explore new career pathways, and develop skills for the future, the Woody Williams Center for Advanced Learning and Careers represents more than a building. It represents possibility.
Read more about the project: zmm.com/projects/woody-williams-center
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