Oakwood Adventist Academy Opens New High School Building in Huntsville, Alabama

On August 9, 2020, Oakwood Adventist Academy held an official opening for its newly constructed high school building in Huntsville, Alabama. Carlton P. Byrd, senior pastor of Oakwood University Church and chairperson of the academy’s building project, told the crowd of community residents, church members, academy employees, parents and students that the third and final phase of the project was complete. “After nearly 30 years of planning and discussing strategies for a full campus for Oakwood Adventist Academy, I’m pleased to announce that the third and final phase of the Oakwood Adventist Academy (OAA) Building Project is now completed!” he said.

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Alabama State Representative Laura Hall and Huntsville City Councilman Will Culver attended and offered greetings and words of commendation for the academy’s longstanding commitment to education and to young people. South Central Conference president Benjamin Jones and Oakwood University president Leslie N. Pollard also spoke in support of the project.

Albert Dudley, Sr. and Bonita Dudley Parker, children of the late Pastor Charles E. Dudley, Sr., were also present. Their father served 31 years as South Central Conference president and was a strong supporter of Adventist Christian education. In recognition of the family’s advocacy, the new high school building was named in their honor.

Academy principal Judy B. Chiles-Dent commented on the timing of the completion, which came during the COVID-19 pandemic. “One thing I’m grateful for is that while we’re in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it gives the opportunity for our children to have the necessary space for practicing social distancing while receiving a quality Christian education,” she said.

The project was completed in stages. In 1992, the elementary school building, phase one, was finished under the leadership of the late E.C. Ward, then Oakwood University Church senior pastor and academy building chairperson. Byrd assumed that responsibility in January 2012. In December 2013, phase two was completed, including the middle school, gymnasium and cafeteria, and the elementary building was fully renovated. The high school building, phase three, was completed in August 2020. With the new building, the full campus can accommodate 500 students. The effort spanning several decades reflects a commitment to passing the faith on to the next generation (Psalm 78:4).

The new high school is a 20,000-square-foot facility with an administrative office suite, a faculty lounge, a conference room and 12 classrooms. It includes a contemporary collaboration room for media and technology learning and two science labs to promote STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) education. Vice principal Lakeisha Williams said the building offers distinctive learning opportunities. “We really have the ability to provide stellar education in a Christ-centered environment not just for our Adventist community, but also for students in the entire Huntsville community,” she said.

Business manager Mary Greene also reflected on the milestone. “I walk into this building, and I feel a sense of relief, because it’s done! Just knowing that God was able to walk us through this and bring us to this point has been so refreshing. And I’m just waiting to see what else God has in store as we walk in this uncharted territory.”

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