By Adam Dodson | The Selma Times-Journal

Concordia College Alabama’s career day today will host over 40 schools interested in speaking to individuals with job prospects, with one HBCU promising to use the event as an opportunity for student outreach efforts aimed at those going through troubling times due to unforeseen financial issues with the school.

Earlier this year, Concordia announced that after decades of serving the Dallas County community that they will have no financial choice but to close their doors permanently.

In light of the news of Concordia’s misfortune, Alabama State University has vowed to help these students out in whatever ways are necessary in order to keep them on track to graduate and help them find somewhere else to go once Concordia shuts down for good.

With multiple officials coming down, including the president, ASU wants to show Concordia and the people of Selma that they are here to help.

According to Kenneth Mullinax, director of media relations for ASU, they are the oldest historically black college or university (HBCU) in the entire state. Therefore, whenever another historically black college or university is going through tough times, they believe it is their job to pitch in and help.

“Being an HBCU is something that is important to a lot of people and especially these students, Mullinax said. “Could you imagine trying to get a degree, and then you learn the school is closing down? We wanted to show Concordia that we are here to help. This is a student outreach from ASU’s Hornets to Concordia’s Hornets.”

According to interim president and Chief Transition Officer of Concordia, Dr. James Lyons, schools from all over the county are coming to Selma to participate in the career day. According to representatives from ASU, they are setting up their designated table around 9 a.m., with plans to begin reaching out to students around 10 a.m.