The Watkins Community Center was built in 1941 as the Watkins School and housed the public school elementary grades for the town of Honea Path surrounding communities.  In 2002, the building was deemed to the Town of Honea Path, which currently uses a portion of the building for town hall offices.  Under the oversight and leadership of the Watkins Community Center Board, the building is undergoing extensive renovations and eventually will provide space for community service agencies, a museum and community groups.

       The Watkins Community Center was built in 1941 as the Watkins School and housed the public school elementary grades for the town of Honea Path surrounding communities.  In 2002, the building was deemed to the Town of Honea Path, which currently uses a portion of the building for town hall offices.  Under the oversight and leadership of the Watkins Community Center Board, the building is

as well as other community leaders and organizations, Tri County Technical College

undergoing extensive renovations and eventually will provide space for community service agencies, a museum and community groups.

       Part of the vision for the Center was to have a college presence in the building to provide training and education services to the local community.  Thanks to the vision and support of Senator Billy O'Dell,

received State-appropriated funds and a grant from AdvanceSC to renovate and partially equip two classrooms, a computer lab, and a shop area.  This work was completed in January 2009.

       As a way to recognize the advocacy of Senator O'Dell, the newly renovated area will be called the Senator Billy O'Dell Learning Center.  The College's immediate focus is to offer corporate and community training classes for the citizens of the Town of Honea Path and surrounding areas.

       On Friday, January 30, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. Mr. Al Young, President, The Commercial Bank, Past President of the Watkins Community Center Board welcomed guest and visitors to the dedication ceremonies. Rev. Mike Moody, Senior Pastor,  Honea Path First Baptist Church, Honea Path gave the invocation. Special remarks were spoken by Dr. Ronnie L. Booth, President, Tri County Technical College, Mayor E. Lollis Meyers, Town of Honea Path, Ms. M. Cindy Wilson, Council Member, Anderson County Council.  Honor Guest Representative Mike Gambrell provided kind remarks and introduced the Honored Guest Senator Billy 'Dell, South Carolina House of Representatives. Closing remarks were given by Dr. Booth.  Unveiling of the Name of the Senator Billy O'Dell Learning Center closed the ceremony.