By Mary Jane Epling
The Herald-Dispatch
BARBOURSVILLE — There was a great flurry of activity inside the Woody Williams Center for Advanced Learning and Careers on Wednesday morning as final touches were made and industrial-sized equipment was put in place.
The strenuous work behind a traditional moving day was magnified tenfold inside Cabell County’s new 232,000-square-foot career and technical hub in preparation for the district to welcome students on Jan. 7, 2026.
Cabell County Schools Superintendent Tim Hardesty said it’s been a long journey leading up to the overhaul of the former Sears building at the Huntington Mall, beginning with a Comprehensive Facilities Plan in 2019 and a voter-approved bond package in 2020.
Nearly six years later, Hardesty stood inside what used to be the automotive center of Sears, now a completely renovated high-bay workspace for future auto tech instruction.
“I’m looking forward to students and staff to start,” Hardesty said.
The district currently offers program access to both adults and ninth- to 12th-grade students.
Adult programs include automotive technology, electrical technician, HVAC, medical assisting, welding and practical nursing (LPN).
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