Drake State 2024 Commencement
Drake State Community and Technical College hosted its Spring 2024 commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 9. The event began at 1 pm at the Elmore Gymnasium on the campus of Alabama A&M University; 195 students participated in the commencement ceremony.
This year’s commencement speaker was PeggyLee Wright, a distinguished figure renowned for her contributions to education and community development. Wright’s insights promise to inspire and motivate the graduating class as they embark on their future endeavors.
The commencement ceremony marked a significant milestone for graduates, highlighting the dedication and hard work invested in pursuing academic excellence.
“Commencement represents the culmination of hard work, perseverance, and dedication for our graduates,” said Dr. Patricia Sims, president of Drake State Community and Technical College. “As this class of students embarks on the next chapter of their lives, we are immensely proud of their accomplishments and excited to witness the impact they will make in their respective fields and communities.”
Drake State celebrated the achievements of its graduating students from various academic divisions. The college awarded associate degrees in the following disciplines: Business, Computer Science, and Engineering Technologies; Applied Services Technologies; Advanced Manufacturing Technologies; Health Sciences Technologies; General Studies and Developmental Education.
Members of the media, esteemed guests, faculty, staff, and the community were invited to join in honoring the accomplishments of the graduating class.
The event was live-streamed on Drake State’s Facebook Page for those who were unable to attend and can now be viewed on Drake State’s Facebook feed.
Pictures can be viewed and downloaded here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15YC6HxYsYa1NKW8zQmRnKZhCNTU_BpI9?usp=sharing
Drake State student Jadyn Johnson Named 2024 New Century Workforce Scholar
At Drake State Community and Technical College, we are thrilled to announce that one of our outstanding students, Jadyn Johnson, has been named a 2024 New Century Workforce Scholar. This prestigious recognition comes with a $1,500 scholarship, marking a significant milestone for Jadyn and for our institution.
This scholarship is the first of its kind to support students at associate degree-granting institutions on a national scale as they plan to enter the workforce upon completing a degree or certificate. The program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
“Receiving the 2024 New Century Workforce Scholar scholarship is a tremendous honor, and I am grateful for the support of The Coca-Cola Foundation and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. This scholarship not only acknowledges my academic achievements but also validates my commitment to preparing for a successful career. I am excited to represent Drake State as I continue on my journey towards entering the workforce.”
“Congratulations to Jadyn Johnson on being named a 2024 New Century Workforce Scholar,” said Drake State President Dr. Patricia Sims. “This prestigious scholarship not only recognizes her academic excellence but also highlights her leadership and commitment to extending her talents beyond the classroom. Drake State is proud to support Jadyn and the other scholars as they prepare to enter the workforce and achieve their career goals.”
New Century Workforce Scholars are selected based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, activities, and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. Over 2,200 students from more than 1,300 college campuses nationwide were nominated. Only one New Century Workforce Scholar was selected from each state.
“We congratulate Jadyn for receiving this prestigious scholarship, and we are honored to partner with The Coca-Cola Foundation to recognize these outstanding achievements,” said Phi Theta Kappa’s President and CEO, Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “Scholarship programs like this are integral for creating opportunities for students to succeed as they prepare to enter the workforce and for putting college completion within reach.”
The New Century Workforce Scholars will be recognized in the fall.
Drake State and Alabama A&M Host Thurgood Marshall College Fund HBCU SOAR Scholars Program
Drake State Community & Technical College and Alabama A&M University are proud to announce their partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) to host the HBCU SOAR Scholars Program, which will empower the next generation of leaders. This one-week residential summer program, taking place from July 7 – 12, 2024, will provide high-achieving current high school juniors with a unique opportunity to explore the rich academic and cultural heritage of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
“I am thrilled to welcome our local future leaders to Drake State through the TMCF HBCU SOAR Scholars Program,” said Drake State Community and Technical College President Dr. Patricia Sims. “By immersing themselves in our campus, we believe students will discover the opportunities awaiting them at HBCUs and HBCCs. Together, we will shape futures, break barriers, and cultivate excellence.”
The TMCF HBCU SOAR Scholars Program will be held on Alabama A&M and Drake State campuses. It serves students by providing valuable insights into college admissions, financial aid, scholarship resources, academic majors, and career pathways. The program is free to all participants, ensuring accessibility for students from diverse backgrounds.
“The opportunity for Alabama A&M University to host bright students and serve this platform in a significant way is an honor for our entire campus community,” said Alabama A&M University President Dr. Daniel Wims. “The Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s impact in creating pathways to success is no secret in our communities. The HBCU Scholars Program is one example of their profound commitment to supporting students. We look forward to making a lasting impression on participants through the words of our mantra – start here, go anywhere.”
Eligibility for the program is open to current high school juniors (Class of 2025) who must participate in the program during the summer before their senior year. The deadline to apply is April 15, 2024.
Applicants are required to submit a completed application along with academic documents, including an official high school transcript and ACT/SAT scores (if taken). Additionally, applicants must provide one letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or college advisor and one short essay (250 words max) answering the question: “What is motivating you to pursue education at a collegiate level?”
For more information and to apply, visit drakestate.edu/thurgood-marshall-college-fund
For questions, contact Dr. Nicole Bell, Dean of Students at Drake State at nicole.bell@drakestate.edu.
Drake State, Madison County, and Huntsville City Schools partner to offer free CDL classes
Drake State Community and Technical College, Madison County, and Huntsville City Schools (HCS) have partnered to address the growing demand for a skilled workforce in Madison County. As a notable step towards this shared goal, Madison County has donated a dump truck to facilitate Drake State’s free CDL classes. HCS will provide space for the classes.
This initiative underscores the commitment of Drake State, Madison County, and HCS to equip students with essential skills and certifications to contribute to the local economy.
“Partnerships like this one are essential to keeping up with the growth in our community,” said Drake State President Dr. Patricia Sims. “Our goal is to stay ahead of the curve and meet the demand for a skilled workforce.”
“The donation of this truck allows Drake State to train the individuals who will be a great asset to the workforce by earning their CDL License”, said Phil Vandiver, Madison County Commissioner from District Four.
In addition to providing space for the courses, HCS will also promote classes to their students.
“HCS is excited to partner with Drake State and Madison County to provide students essential skills to be competitive in Madison County’s growing workforce,” said Career & Technical Education Director of Huntsville City Schools Zac McWhorter.
“This strategic collaboration between Drake State, the county, and HCS ensures students have a supportive environment to prepare for the workforce upon graduation,” says District Six Commissioner Violet Edwards. Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon expressed the commissioners’ collective enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing their belief in supporting Drake State’s dedication to supplying students with the education required to become integral members of the workforce in Madison County.
Classes are open to the public.
Learn more and sign up by contacting:
John Mullins Director of Workforce Development
john.mullins@drakestate.edu
(256)551-5227
Drake State Names Fall 2023 Pesident’s and Dean’s List
Congratulations to our Fall 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!
Fernando Alanis
Joshua Bean
Carla Camargo
Amanda Coots
Aileen Coronado
Samual Culver
Dustin Ellis
Alyissia Ellison
Tricia Engles
Manuel Hernandez
Kyla Hickman
Theresa Holstein
Breiona Horton
Amiri Jacobs-el
Te’asha Jefferson
Christopher Johnson
Cynthia Leslie
Niyari Malone
Madelyn Moore
Gabriel Nkengasong
Nicole Padilla
Jaden Paul Shelby Randolph
Makahla Riley
Rodney Rippey
Cody Sharp
Ashley Strong
Cameron Thompson
Jesse Tinker
Sebastian Torres
Shacara Washington
Jasmine Williams
Jacob Wilson
Congratulations to our Fall 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!
Kathleen Adarr
Joseph Anderson
Brayden Arnold
Brian Bartlett
Alex Brady
Tashana Branford-Smith
Demetryas Brooks
Ian Browning
Daniel Carrasco
Roneshae Coolie
Nolan Culver
Cilyah Davis
Tommi Ellis
Xavier Ellison
Kristopher Evans
Taliah Fletcher
Christopher Harris
Jalen Henry
Patrick Holdsworth
Shawn Huddart
Keion Jordan
Kayla Koepp
Nabonsbamba Ibrahim Kouraogo
Maiya Lang
Ralphael Law
Christal Lee
Cooper Lee
Jaliyah Lewis
Caida Lindsey
Jamyon Love
Jasmine Matthews
Diamond Matthews
Brittany McCarver
Conner McLellan
Bryan McQueen
Randel Moore
Shale Morgan
Shane Pettit
Shayla Phillips
Tanekia Phillips
Noah Powell
Skylar Priest
Jaden Remy
Kent Richardson
Michael Rogers
Amberlee Serafin
Jasmine Shackleford
Benjamin Smith
Shamiyah Sterling
Egypt Stinson
Sabrina Taylor
Michael Trask Stephanie Yell
Ryan Ziegler
The NAFEO-Amesite Alliance Announces Strategic Five-Year Partnership to Enhance Workforce Education with Drake State Community and Technical College
Amesite Inc. (NASDAQ: AMST), a leading artificial intelligence software company offering a cloud-based learning platform for business and education markets, announces a five-year partnership with Drake State Community and Technical College. This collaboration is notable as Drake State is the first community college and the first higher education institution in Alabama to leverage the NAFEO-Amesite Alliance.
This partnership represents a strategic move for Drake State, allowing it to extend its educational reach beyond traditional classroom settings. It aligns with the college’s commitment to working with regional businesses and addressing local workforce learning needs.
Dr. Ann Marie Sastry, CEO of Amesite, commented on the new partnership. “NAFEO, as the Nation’s only advocacy and membership organization for all HBCUs and predominantly Black institutions, has created an efficient and effective way of engaging the most economically significant cohort of institutions that impact workforce diversity in the United States. We are proud to be part of this Alliance, and to work with members like Drake State. This collaboration is an important step for us in Alabama. Our goal is to extend our learning solutions to NAFEO’s members. This agreement with Drake State is an important part of our commitment to enhancing education through technology.”
Dr. Lezli Baskerville, CEO of NAFEO, said, “The Alliance that we have established with Amesite is yielding favorable results. During this season in particular, when it is so critical for professionals to have certifications that enable them to advance economically, we are looking forward to engaging other NAFEO members, including 106 HBCUs and roughly 70 PBIs. To engage the most diverse cohort possible, NAFEO and our members must be effective online, delivering 95% retention with Amesite technology.”
“Partnering with Amesite enables us to expand our educational capabilities and reach,” said Dr. Patricia Sims, President of Drake State. “This collaboration aligns with our goal to meet and adapt to the changing educational and workforce training requirements in our community.”
The partnership will focus on developing customized learning platforms to meet the specific needs of the regional workforce, offering accessible and high-quality educational resources to support professional development and skills enhancement.
Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association® gives back to Drake State Veteran students during the holidays
For the fourth year, The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA)® 28-2 has teamed up with Drake State Community & Technical College’s Veteran & Military Affairs office to bring Christmas to the Veteran students. On December 13, the CVMA® was on campus giving $100 Publix gift cards to help cover the cost of groceries for the upcoming holiday season. Veterans were also provided lunch by the Drake State Veteran & Military Affairs office.
Drake State has 58 students who are Veterans, which is one in twelve of the overall student population. The school recently was awarded the silver distinction as a 2023-2024 Military Friendly® school by VIQTORY.
“We are blessed to be able to assist Veterans and their dependents with educational goals, but more importantly, it is an honor to be a part of the Veteran community helping each other,” said Drake State Veteran Affairs Coordinator Neoka Hambrick. “Our goal is to help our Veterans over the challenges of being both a student and a Veteran, and partnering with organizations like the CVMA® is one of the many ways we can offer our support.”
The North Alabama CVMA® 28-2 chapter shares the mission of supporting veterans from all military branches and raised $6,000 for this season’s initiative.
“As a combat Veteran, proud father of three former Drake State students, husband to another, and a former Drake State student myself, I know firsthand the challenges that come with being a student Veteran at the college, especially around Christmas,” said CMVA® 28-2 Sergeant at Arms Aaron Lewis. “We are proud to continue this initiative for the fourth year, and we encourage others to find ways to give back to our local Veteran population this season.”
More information about Drake State Veterans’ Services can be found at drakestate.edu/student-services/veteran-military-affairs/.
Drake State Community and Technical College and Yulista Forge Innovative Partnership to Foster Workforce Development
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.