Coastal Alabama Community College Strengthens STEM Education in Monroe County with Microscope Donation

MONROEVILLE, Ala. — Coastal Alabama Community College’s Monroeville campus is making a meaningful investment in the future of Monroe County students through the donation of more than 20 compound light microscopes to Excel High School.

This contribution directly supports Ms. Charie Hanks’ AP Biology classes, giving students greater access to hands-on learning experiences and allowing them to engage more deeply with advanced scientific concepts.

The donation was coordinated by Matt Williford, Associate Dean of Academic Instruction at Coastal Alabama Community College, who assisted with delivering the equipment to Excel High School.

Those present for the donation included Marty Hanks, Superintendent of the Monroe County Board of Education; Ms. Charie Hanks of Excel High School; LeeAnne McPhaul of Excel High School; and Matt Williford of Coastal Alabama Community College.

"Partnerships like this help create stronger pathways for student success, particularly in STEM fields, and reinforce the college’s role as a community partner dedicated to academic growth in the region,” said Matt Williford, Associate Dean of Academic Instruction. “In Monroeville, we are actively building new STEM opportunities for students, and this has allowed us to even support our local schools in the area."