Tag Archive for: Dr. Patricia Sims

Drake State President Dr. Patricia Sims Advocates for Community College Funding in Washington

Drake State Community and Technical College President Dr. Patricia Sims testified Wednesday before the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, making a direct case to federal lawmakers for sustained investment in programs that keep community college accessible and effective for the students who need it most.  Dr. Sims spoke […]

Women-owned small businesses are a vibrant and vital force in the community

Every March, we honor women’s achievements, resilience and innovation as we observe Women’s History Month.   As a crucial part of that, women-owned small businesses are a vibrant and vital force driving economic growth and diversity in the community. Illustrating the diversity of Huntsville’s economy, women are the engine that drive many of our defense, medical, […]

Drake State President Patricia Sims Reappointed to Alabama Port Authority Board

Governor Kay Ivey has reappointed Drake State Community & Technical College President Dr. Patricia Sims to the Alabama Port Authority Board of Directors. Sims will serve as the representative of the Northern District. Dr. Sims previously served on the Port Authority board from August 2020 through July 2025, completing her first five-year term. Mr. Tony […]

Drake State and Huntsville Hospital Launch RN Program to Strengthen Nursing Workforce

Following the success of the landmark LPN Launch Program collaboration between Drake State Community and Technical College and Huntsville Hospital, both institutions proudly announced the new RN Launch Program with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. The signing event took place Monday, December 1, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Nursing […]

Drake State Enrollment Surges 19%, Reaching Highest Levels in 10 Years

Drake State Community and Technical College reported its highest enrollment growth in more than a decade for Fall 2025, enrolling 1,417 students—a 19% increase from last year’s 1,187. Credit hour production also rose 23% to 10,760 hours. “This remarkable growth is a testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff, our community partnerships, and […]

Drake State Creates Endowed Scholarship Honoring Ellenae Fairhurst

Drake State Community and Technical College has established the Ellenae Fairhurst Endowed Scholarship in recognition of automotive executive and entrepreneur Ellenae Hart-Fairhurst. The scholarship honors her professional contributions and lasting impact on the industry. Once fully funded with a principal gift of $500,000, the endowment will provide a permanent source of financial support for Drake […]

Higher Education Powers Huntsville’s Economy, but May Face Headwinds

The city’s higher education leaders are bullish on the future. At the 2025 State of Higher Education event hosted by the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, presidents from the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), Alabama A&M University, Calhoun Community College, and Drake State Community & Technical College outlined how their institutions are fueling Huntsville’s economic engine […]

NASA Collaborates with Local College to Boost Aerospace Training

Drake State Community and Technical College is enhancing its 15-year partnership with NASA’s High Schools United with NASA to Create Hardware (HUNCH) program through significant upgrades to its advanced manufacturing lab. The ongoing collaboration provides students with hands-on experience working on actual aerospace components and opportunities to engage directly with NASA engineers and mentors. As […]

WEDC Foundation Announces 2025 Women Honoring Women Honorees, Celebrating Leadership and Impact in North Alabama

The Women’s Economic Development Council (WEDC) Foundation has announced its 2025 class of honorees for the annual Women Honoring Women recognition, spotlighting five North Alabama leaders for their achievements in business, education, community service, and nonprofit innovation. The honorees were revealed on April 29 at Redstone Federal Credit Union’s Twickenham location in Huntsville. The announcement […]

Drake State lands large grant aimed at building workforce infrastructure

Drake State Community and Technical College’s reputation as a leader in workforce development and innovation helped it land a grant worth $1,514,520. The award is part of the U.S. Department of Labor’s latest round of Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants. Drake State is the first institution in Alabama to receive the grant. This funding is […]