A Wayne Community College building has a new name thanks to a partnership with a local automotive group. In a first for WCC, the school has officially bestowed the moniker “Deacon Jones Automotive Center” upon the newly-constructed Ash Building, an over 34,000 square foot facility that opened for classes in August of 2020.
WCC President Dr. Thomas Walker says the day was historic, celebrating the alliance between Deacon Jones and the college. Dr. Walker says WCC’s automotive and collision repair programs were already blessed with the relationships between the Deacon Jones dealerships that helped them put out the most competent and competitive graduates.
Some of the students working in WCC’s automotive and collision repair programs are already employed in Deacon Jones dealerships.
Deacon Jones Auto Group President and CEO Ken Jones says he was blown away when he saw the completed building, and they’re grateful for the relationship with WCC. Jones hopes the beauty and quality of the Deacon Jones Automotive Center will attract students and encourage them to be a part of the automotive industry and the Deacon Jones family of dealerships.
WCC Trustee David Jackson says naming rights is new territory for the college. Jackson considers it a “mark of confidence” in Wayne Community College and its mission.
This is the first contribution made for naming rights accepted under the college’s new policy. The naming opportunities assign dollar amounts to specific spaces and grant naming rights for ten years.
The Deacon Jones Auto Center is home to WCC’s automotive and collision repair programs.
