Drake State Stories & News

Drake State Community and Technical College and Yulista, a leading defense and aviation solutions provider, have collaborated to create a robust talent pipeline and foster mutual growth. This unique partnership bridges academia and industry, facilitating a dynamic exchange of knowledge and expertise.

Yulista is a partner in Drake State’s Connecting Students with Industry (CSI) program. The program provides students with hands-on experience at Yulista, allowing them to apply classroom teachings to real-world scenarios. This strategic initiative enhances the students’ skill sets and aligns closely with Yulista’s commitment to cultivating local talent and fostering a skilled workforce.

In a reciprocal arrangement, Yulista employees will contribute to Drake State’s educational landscape by serving as instructors for specialized manufacturing classes. This exchange of industry insights and practical knowledge ensures that academic curricula remain relevant and closely aligned with the evolving needs of the manufacturing sector.

Drake State President Dr. Patricia Sims expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to providing our students with not only a world-class education but also a direct pathway to meaningful careers. By forging unique and strategic alliances with industry leaders like Yulista, we ensure the success of our students in the rapidly changing landscape of advanced manufacturing.”

Josh Herren, Yulista President and CEO, remarked, “On behalf of all of Yulista, I’m immensely proud of our educational partnership with Drake State. Workforce development is an urgent need in a mission-critical city like Huntsville, AL. These partnerships boost the economy and keep the Huntsville area as the tip of the spear for our nation. Our partnership allows us to work together to connect students with industry in the early stages of their career development and set a lifelong foundation of learning and professional development.”

Both institutions are confident that this collaboration will not only benefit the students directly involved but will also contribute to the overall economic development of the region by fostering a skilled and adaptable workforce.

In honor of Veterans Day, we would like to introduce you to Drake State student Dustin Ellis. Dustin's story is one of dedication, service, and achievement. Dustin Ellis served in the United States Army from 2009 to 2016. During those seven years, he completed two tours in Afghanistan, serving in a Field Artillery Unit. Like many of our country’s veterans, Dustin’s time in the military was challenging and marked by sacrifice and bravery.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to our Summer 2023 President’s List students! Your academic performance deserves a spotlight. In order to qualify for the President’s List a student must attain a semester GPA of 4.00 and must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours of college-level work. Cheers!

Amanda	Coots
Ashley	Strong
Deonna	Nichols
Destiny	Turner
Iman	Quraish
Jania	Cade
Jasmine	Turner
Kadesha	Long
Kennedi	Lomax
Marely	Rodriguez-Contrers
Nabonsbamba Ibrahim	Kouraogo
Quaterria	Smith
Regina	Robinson
Shameka	Smith
Terrica	Ingram
Tucker	Lawler

Congratulations to our Summer 2023 Dean’s List students! Your academic performance deserves a spotlight. In order to qualify for the Dean’s List a student must maintain a semester GPA between 3.50-3.99 and must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours of college-level work. Cheers!

William	Ellis
Shakilya	Fletcher
Taryn	Broderick
Jon	Lolley
Carlos	Flores
Charisma	Marshall
Michael	Tucker
Tyeshia	Witchard
Jina	Cade
Courtney	Davis
Christal	Lee
Cilyah	Davis
Jesse	Tinker
Remond	Bell

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to our Spring 2023 President’s List students! Your academic performance deserves a spotlight. In order to qualify for the President’s List a student must attain a semester GPA of 4.00 and must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours of college-level work. Cheers!

Egypt	Stinson
Nabonsbamba Ibrahim	Kouraogo
Amanda	Coots
Candice	Cromwell-Edwards
Nadia	Peavy
Sha’Torree	Weakley
Chelsea	Austin
Matthew	Boyd
Alex	Brady
Ashley	Ford
Regina	Robinson
Michael	Tucker
Marley	Anderson
Katie	Byrum
Caden	Cagle
Shania	Chandler
Malik	Everson
Jazmonique	Johnson
Aisha	Khan
Rodney	Rippey
Caitlin	Smith
Roman	Smith
Jeffrey	Stacy
Brittany	Stafford
Shacara	Washington
Jasmine	Williams
Stephanie	Yell

Congratulations to our Spring 2023 Dean’s List students! Your academic performance deserves a spotlight. In order to qualify for the Dean’s List a student must maintain a semester GPA between 3.50-3.99 and must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours of college-level work. Cheers!

Sharde	Tate
Jose	Fernandez
Jessica	Love
Tivon	Johnson
Cynthia	Leslie
Jamesha	Reed
Makahla	Riley
Alan	Duke
Ashley	Stewart
Ariana	Leichnitz
Tristian	Ervin
Dezmon	Cartwright
Miles	Strickland
Callista	Throop
Tucker	Lawler
Cody	Sharp
Adia	Allen
Peyton	Harris
Christal	Lee
Garron	Moore
Tanekia	Phillips
Jhoselyn	Tapia Hernandez
Dianna	Hogan
Jaliyah	Lewis
Natiria	Griffin
Sanchasaty	Mitchell
Kent	Richardson
Marvin	Batts
Christen	Cantrell
Runzell	Edwards
Carlos	Flores
Theresa	Holstein
Aman	Smith
April	Thomas
Johnathan	Tinner

 

Drake State is proud to announce its collaboration with Huntsville Utilities to introduce the Gas and Water Operation Certification Scholarship Program. This innovative four-week program aims to provide alternative pathways to entering the workforce and enrich the pool of potential candidates for gas and water operation careers at Huntsville Utilities and other prospective local employers.

The Gas and Water Operation Certification Program will equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required for successful careers in the gas and water operations sector. The curriculum covers various topics, including Class B CDL training, basic welding, OSHA 10, first-aid, CPR, leadership, basic computer training, and basic mathematics.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Huntsville Utilities on the Gas and Water Operation Certification Scholarship Program, offering alternative pathways to careers in this sector,” said Dr. Patricia Sims, President of Drake State Community and Technical College. “With Huntsville Utilities’ expertise, we’re providing industry-relevant training, and their $50,000 donation ensures students receive essential support. This partnership reflects our commitment to workforce development, education, and economic growth in our community.”

Huntsville Utilities is committed to enhancing the program by providing subject matter experts directly from their workforce to conduct job-related training modules for all selected students. This collaboration ensures that students receive industry-relevant insights and hands-on training, setting them up for success in the field.

As part of this partnership, Huntsville Utilities is donating $50,000 to fund scholarships that cover tuition, materials and supplies, facility fees, advertising, and student meals for program participants. In addition to financial support, Huntsville Utilities will provide crucial job training and mentorship to scholarship recipients.

“Huntsville Utilities is elated to have this new partnership with Drake State for this Gas & Water Operations program,” said Wes Kelley, President and CEO of Huntsville Utilities. “Drake State is our local community and technical college, and they are producing graduates who we need to join our industry. This new partnership will not only benefit the students here at Drake but will also potentially benefit customers at Huntsville Utilities.”

The collaborative efforts between Huntsville Utilities and Drake State underscore a shared commitment to workforce development, education, and the growth of the gas and water operations industry. This partnership will not only provide students with valuable skills but will also contribute to the economic vitality of the community.

Apply by email to wfd@drakestate.edu

Dr. Patricia Sims, President of Drake State Community and Technical College, has been selected to join the 6th term of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) Regional Energy Resource Council (RERC). This appointment highlights Dr. Sims’ dedication to sustainable energy practices and community engagement.

The RERC, comprising representatives from various sectors, including academia, regional government, TVA customers, and advocacy groups, plays a pivotal role in advising TVA on energy resource management strategies that align with diverse objectives and values.

“As we look toward a more sustainable future, I am honored to contribute to the RERC’s mission in guiding TVA’s energy resource management,” stated Dr. Patricia Sims. “Collaboration and informed decision-making are key to ensuring the well-being and vitality of the Tennessee Valley region.”

Dr. Sims will serve a two-year term from August 1, 2023, through July 31, 2025. The council’s meetings, which traditionally occur 2-4 times annually, will see increased frequency during this term due to TVA’s ongoing Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) process. Dr. Sims’ education and community engagement expertise will provide valuable insights during these discussions.

Dr. Sims’ appointment underscores Drake State’s dedication to fostering sustainable energy solutions and making meaningful contributions to the region’s well-being.

For more information about TVA’s Regional Energy Resource Council and its initiatives, please visit tva.gov.

Drake State Community and Technical College is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) that marks a significant step toward a sustainable future. As part of this partnership, TVA has generously donated two cutting-edge Level 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers to Drake State’s campus to support regional students as they learn how to repair and maintain electric vehicles in the Automotive Services program.

The partnership between Drake State and TVA is a milestone in the journey toward embracing the energy system of the future. By combining the expertise and resources of both institutions, they aim to create a model for sustainable practices that inspires other educational institutions and businesses in the Tennessee Valley and beyond.

By incorporating electric vehicle charging stations on campus, Drake State is meeting the demands of an evolving automotive landscape and contributing to the growth of the EV charging infrastructure in North Alabama.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Tennessee Valley Authority to bring electric vehicle charging infrastructure to our campus,” said Dr. Patricia Sims, President of Drake State Community and Technical College. “This collaboration aligns with our commitment to sustainability and prepares for the green workforce of tomorrow. It’s not just about the chargers themselves, but the message they send – that Drake State is serious about renewable energy and our role in shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

TVA’s contribution of the state-of-the-art Level 2 Electric Vehicle chargers highlights their dedication to supporting local communities and fostering innovative solutions for the future. TVA has long been a leader in energy initiatives, and its support of Drake State demonstrates its belief in the college’s potential to drive change through education, research, and practical implementation.

“TVA and Drake State share a common mission of economic growth, continual improvement, and enriching the communities we have the privilege to serve,” shared Jared Mitchem, Regional Vice President for the Tennessee Valley Authority.

TVA’s EV charger donation will directly impact students participating in Drake State’s Automotive Services program by providing them access to new technology. After starting Alabama’s first hybrid electric vehicle course, Drake State expanded its curriculum to include EV repair and maintenance. Students will be able to earn a short certificate in electric hybrid vehicles beginning in 2024.

TVA is committed to electrifying transportation and the donation of EV chargers to Drake State is just one example. Together with local power companies and state agencies, TVA is developing and funding the Fast Charge Network to place fast chargers at least every 50 miles along major travel corridors across its seven-state service area. TVA has also developed an EV website with tools for drivers to search for EVs that meet their needs, compare EVs to gasoline-powered vehicles to see how much they will save in maintenance and fuel, and get answers to top EV questions.

edX, a leading global online learning platform from 2U, Inc. (Nasdaq: TWOU), together with Drake State Technical and Community College, a historically black community college, and Jobs for the Future (JFF), today announced the launch of a new Access Partnership to provide adult learners in the Huntsville, Alabama area with access to no cost, fully online boot camp programs in cybersecurity and data analytics. Funded by Truist Foundation, the scholarships are designed to increase technical talent in the Huntsville region, specifically focusing on helping women, BIPOC, and lower-income professionals build stronger economic futures.

edX Access Partnerships is an award-winning social impact program that connects colleges and universities with local workforce agencies and funding partners to create affordable pathways for underserved adult learners to gain career-relevant technology skills. The program is underpinned by edX’s industry-leading boot camp curricula in key technology fields. With a focus on innovation and grassroots relationship building, these public-private partnerships have upskilled more than 3,000 learners in communities in the U.S. and U.K. at little to no cost to learners.

The program will initially be offered to 60 learners in the Huntsville area beginning in November, with 30 seats open in the cybersecurity boot camp and 30 in the data analytics boot camp. Learners who successfully complete the boot camp program will receive college credit that can be applied toward an associate’s degree at Drake State. Over the next three years, the program is estimated to support more than 150 Huntsville area residents.

“Drake State has long been committed to offering flexible, affordable technical degrees and customized skills training to support and enhance the lives of our workforce and the health of our industries across North Alabama,” said Dr. Patricia Sims, President of Drake State. “Our new Access Partnership with edX will help us continue to meet workforce demands by preparing highly-skilled workers to take on roles in Huntsville’s unique blend of space and defense industries, biotechnology, healthcare, and high-tech manufacturing.”

edX has convened over a dozen community partners, including United Way of Madison County and Huntsville Madison County Chamber of Commerce, to offer a range of services, including child care services, technology support, transportation assistance, and facilitating connections with potential employer partners, all aimed at providing comprehensive support to learners.

“Supporting workforce development and career readiness are key components of United Way’s goals for making education more accessible to all members of our community,” said Daniel Kasambira, President and CEO of United Way of Madison County. “By partnering with Drake State, edX, and our fellow community organizations, we’re activating collective strengths across sectors to meet learners wherever they are and ensure they are supported in every aspect of their educational journey.”

Huntsville is one of the fastest-growing technology sectors in the U.S. – it’s home to NASA’s Marshall Space Center, Boeing, Science Applications International Corporation, and many small federal tech companies. According to Lightcast Labor Insights, there have been more than 2,000 job postings for cybersecurity skills and more than 2,500 job postings for data analysis skills in the Huntsville area over the last six months.

“edX is creating a sustainable workforce development model through our Access Partnerships. By bringing localized leaders in education and economic development together with key funding partners, we are delivering free or significantly reduced-cost, career-relevant education to underserved communities worldwide,” said Anant Agarwal, Founder of edX and Chief Platform Officer at 2U. “Working together with Drake State and other partners in the Huntsville community, we aim to improve access to quality education and help diversify the tech talent pipeline as demand for cybersecurity and data analyst roles continue to grow.”

Access Partnerships are part of edX for Impact – a collective effort to help marginalized learners get the education they need in order to develop the skills to pursue rewarding careers. edX has active Access Partnerships with 19 academic institutions serving learners in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Maryland, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin in the U.S.; Birmingham in the U.K.; and New Brunswick in Canada. The partnerships are supported by more than 90 agencies and community partners, each carefully chosen to support their region’s unique learner populations.

As one of the world’s largest developers of technology talent, edX has supported more than 75,000 boot camp graduates globally with the skills, knowledge, and career resources to achieve their goals. According to a 2U-Gallup survey, boot camp graduates surveyed reported being nearly four times happier with their jobs after graduation from the boot camp, and over 86% reported achieving a positive outcome.

For more information and to apply for the program, visit hwww.drakestate.edu/data-analytics-cybersecurity-boot-camps.

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) recognized two Drake State Community and Technical College students today.

Makahla Riley and Eddie Tolbert were recognized for their accomplishments in academics, leadership, and civic engagement.

Riley and Tolbert are two of 102 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students from 29 different states and countries who were included in the ninth cohort of HBCU scholars. Tolbert is majoring in Computer Information Systems, while Riley currently studies Business Administration.

“We are incredibly proud of Makahla Riley and Eddie Tolbert, two outstanding students from Drake State, for being recognized as part of the ninth cohort of HBCU scholars,” said Drake State President Dr. Patricia Sims. “This prestigious recognition highlights their academic and personal achievements and contributions to their community. As they embark on this transformative journey as ambassadors of the White House Initiative on HBCUs and partners with NASA, we do not doubt that Makahla and Eddie will continue to uphold the culture of excellence and inclusion championed by our nation’s HBCUs. Their dedication to serving their communities, along with the opportunities presented through the HBCU Scholars program, will contribute to the growth of our economy and the strengthening of our democracy. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Makahla, Eddie, and all the 2023 HBCU Scholars on their well-deserved recognition, and we eagerly look forward to witnessing the positive impact they will make as they raise the bar for excellence and innovation.”

Over the course of an academic school year, HBCU Scholars will serve as ambassadors of the White House Initiative on HBCUs, the U.S. Department of Education, and their respective HBCUs.

Furthering the mission to Raise the Bar, students in this program are encouraged to lift their communities, unite others around student success, work to strengthen our democracy and grow our economy. HBCU Scholars will be offered professional and personal development and cross-university networking opportunities with an opportunity to explore, discuss, and improve issues related explicitly to the HBCU community.

“Our 2023 HBCU Scholars are talented students who embody the culture of excellence and inclusion championed by our nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “On behalf of the U.S. Department of Education and everyone across the Biden-Harris Administration, I congratulate each of our 2023 HBCU scholars on this prestigious recognition and thank them for their commitment to serving their communities. I’m thrilled to see the HBCU Scholars program continue to expand its reach and provide such exciting professional development, networking, and educational opportunities to some of our nation’s brightest and most promising young leaders.”

A critical component of the HBCU Scholar Program is a partnership with NASA to foster innovation and opportunity for the cohorts. This partnership with NASA makes the Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) Innovation Tech Transfer Idea Competition (MITTIC), “Mini MITTIC” part of the HBCU Scholar Program. Through the Mini MITTIC program, HBCU Scholars will partner with one another to develop ideas to commercialize technology derived from NASA intellectual property that can improve their campus and surrounding communities. HBCU Scholars will have the opportunity to present their IP ideas in person at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, during the National HBCU Week Conference in September.

“NASA’s MUREP is thrilled, once again, to engage with the White House Initiative on HBCUs to enhance the learning experience for this year’s cohort of White House Scholars,” said MUREP manager Torry Johnson. “We are looking forward to the new ideas that the Scholars develop at the MITTIC Hack-a-thon using NASA’s technology portfolio and our continued overall support of the HBCU community.”

HBCU Scholars will also be invited to the 2023 HBCU Week National Annual Conference, which will be held on September 24-28, 2023, at the Hyatt Regency in Crystal City, Virginia. This year’s conference themes are “Raising the Bar: Forging Excellence Through Innovation & Leadership.” During the conference, HBCU Scholars will participate in conference sessions designed to engage a spirit of innovation, leadership, and personal and professional development. Most importantly, HBCU Scholars will have opportunities to engage with one another, initiative staff, and partners to showcase their individual and collective talent further.

Drake State has increased opportunities for students through partnerships with HBCU initiatives in 2023. In May, the College was inducted into the prestigious Thurgood Marshall College Fund, which provides scholarship and professional opportunities for students. Earlier this month, Strada included Drake State in its HBCU Initiative, which provides students with scholarships, networking, and leadership development opportunities.

To learn more about Drake State and its programs, visit drakestate.edu.

 

Below is the complete listing of Alabama’s HBCU Scholars.

(Alpharetta) Taya Davis, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC

(Dothan) Jamal Maloney Jr., Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Lincoln University, PA

(Dothan) Ta’Kari Bryant, Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, AL

(Gadsden) Jessica Parker, Gadsden State Community College, Gadsden, AL

(Huntsville) Jaela Haynes Williams, Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, AL

(Madison) Makahla Riley, Drake State Community & Technical College, Huntsville, AL

(Montgomery) Matilda Perryman, Trenholm State Community College, Montgomery, AL

(Montgomery) Morgan Marshall, Alabama A&M University, Normal, AL

(Montgomery) Thaddeus Sneed, Trenholm State Community College, Montgomery, AL

(Pleasant Grove) Haley Heard, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL

(Troy) Ch’Erykah Dunn, Paine College, August, GA

(Tuscaloosa) Chiamaka Okafor, Shelton State Community College, Tuscaloosa, AL

(Tuskegee) Eddie Tolbert, Drake State Community & Technical College, Huntsville, AL

(Tuskegee) Bruce Taylor, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL

Construction is underway on Drake State Community and Technical College’s advanced manufacturing center. Officials from Drake State, the Alabama Community College System, City of Huntsville, Madison County, as well as representatives from Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC) and Fite Building Company celebrated the milestone with a groundbreaking ceremony at the Meridian Street campus on Friday, June 9.

“This leading-edge facility cements our commitment to workforce development in the North Alabama region,” said President of Drake State Community and Technical College, Dr. Patricia Sims. “It will help our students secure high-wage jobs and nationally recognized certifications at an affordable cost. With dedicated spaces for various disciplines and top-notch equipment, we aim to equip our students with the skills needed to excel in high-demand fields. We are grateful to our partners, including the Alabama Community College System, the City of Huntsville, Madison County, Goodwyn Mills Cawood, Fite Building Company, and others, for supporting this vision.”

The Drake State Workforce Skills Training Center was identified as a needed project through the ACCS ASPIRE 2030 initiative, which provides funding for facility upgrades and new construction for all levels of education in Alabama.

The 50,000-square-foot facility will support the aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries and house the most in-demand training programs, including engineering design and mechatronics. The new building will include dedicated space for machine tool technology, welding, industrial systems and technology, drafting and design and more, as well as lab spaces, classrooms and offices for instructors and administration.

The new advanced manufacturing center will equip students with skills that will help them earn a high wage and gain nationally recognized certifications at a low cost.

GMC is providing architectural, interior design, civil engineering and landscape architecture services for the advanced manufacturing facility, which is being constructed by Fite Building Company. Other project team members include Tucker Jones Engineers, structural engineer; MW/Davis Dumas & Associates, mechanical engineer; and Jackson, Renfro & Associates, electrical engineer.

Construction on the new building is scheduled to be completed by fall 2024.