College of Alameda (CoA) celebrated a major milestone on September 30, 2025, with the ribbon cutting of its new Transportation Technology Center (TTC), a $36 million state-of-the-art facility built to serve the next generation of skilled transportation technicians. The project, made possible through Bond Measure G, reflects the Peralta Community College District’s commitment to career education and community advancement.
Chancellor Tammeil Gilkerson described the TTC as a “shining example” of how the district’s investments translate into workforce opportunity. “This building stands as proof of what happens when vision, perseverance, and community trust align,” Gilkerson said in her Chancellor’s Report.
College President Melanie Dixon called the new center a defining moment for CoA. In her remarks, she thanked the dedicated faculty and staff whose years of effort turned the project from blueprint to reality. She acknowledged professors Rick Greenspan, Blair Norton, and John Taylor, along with campus leaders Dean of Career & Technical Education Dr. Eva Jennings, Candido Mejía, and Vice President of Instruction Dr. Nicole Porter, for their roles in guiding and supporting the programs that will thrive within the new space.
(President Melanie Dixon, Chancellor Tammeil Gilkerson, Board Trustee Bill Withrow, Board Vice President Paulina Gonzalez-Brito, and fellow faculty, staff, student Trustees, and TTC construction team)
The TTC houses three of CoA’s signature programs: Automotive Technology, Auto Body and Paint, and Diesel Mechanics. Together, they form a comprehensive training hub for careers that are in high demand across the Bay Area and beyond.
The Automotive Technology program, led by faculty member Rick Greenspan, is certified by the ASE Educational Foundation. It provides hands-on instruction in diagnostics, repair, and advanced automotive systems, preparing students for employment in an industry rapidly evolving with hybrid and electric vehicles.
The Auto Body and Paint program trains future collision repair technicians and automotive painters. Students learn industry-standard methods in metal repair, refinishing, and color blending, while emphasizing safety, craftsmanship, and environmental responsibility. Faculty such as William Andrews guide learners through both the artistic and technical sides of the trade.
The Diesel Mechanics program, including faculty members Blair Norton and John Taylor, focuses on heavy-duty truck and diesel engine technology. Students gain experience in electrical and electronic systems, mechanical repair, and modern diagnostic procedures. The program offers associate degrees and certificates that prepare graduates for immediate employment or advanced study.
The building itself is as forward-thinking as the programs it houses. Designed by JKAE Architecture and Design, the 39,520-square-foot facility incorporates skylights, wide glass panels, and “borrowed light” features that fill the classrooms and labs with natural illumination. Circulation areas are intentionally flexible, allowing them to transform into indoor-outdoor event spaces for auto shows, demonstrations, and community gatherings.
(President Melanie Dixon, COO Greg Nelson and TTC construction team)
President Dixon also highlighted the project’s collaboration with construction partners such as Alten Construction and Roebbelen. “This center is not just a building - it’s a launchpad for our students’ futures,” she said. “We’re preparing them for meaningful, high-wage careers that power the region’s economy."
Under Chancellor Gilkerson’s districtwide vision of “student-first pathways,” the new Transportation Technology Center embodies how CoA continues to align education with
the Bay Area’s workforce needs. With its cutting-edge facilities, expert faculty, and strong industry partnerships, the TTC marks the beginning of a new era for technical education at the College of Alameda.
Finally, we’d like to offer a huge shoutout to Vicky Nguyen from Alameda Post, who wrote a lovely story about the new building. That story was then republished in NewsBreak, reaching a much larger audience. Peralta Community College District is truly grateful for your willingness to support our educational endeavors and community impact.
