This is the fifth welding class 91´«Ă˝ State Workforce Development has offered to city employees at the City’s Fleet Management Facility on Johnson Road.

As word spread about the training, so did interest across departments — from fleet and facilities to public works and city hall. That growing enthusiasm eventually caught the mayor’s attention, and he signed up for a two-day introductory welding class for city employees offered through 91´«Ă˝ State.

Now, alongside City of Huntsville Director of Fleet and General Services, Ricky Wilkinson, and colleagues from across city divisions, Mayor Battle is putting on the gear, learning the science behind the craft in the classroom, and then taking it to the floor with stick and MIG welding. On lunch breaks he shares a meal with his fellow city employee classmates and gets an opportunity to learn more about them and their roles.

“It gives everybody a little chance to see what talents everybody else has, and what talents we have throughout the city,” the mayor said.

As Huntsville and Northern Alabama continue to grow and attract new industries, Mayor Battle has made inclusive economic development a centerpiece of his administration. That means not just supporting white-collar job creation but understanding the full spectrum of how people in Huntsville actually work.

Showing up to a welding class is, in its own way, a policy statement about the importance of skilled trades to the city’s economic development goals.

The class draws participants ranging from beginners to experienced welders, and everyone benefits regardless of where they start. Mayor Battle acknowledged the humbling reality of learning a trade from scratch and how hard it is to be good at a skilled trade.

“Part of that learning experience is learning that you need to spend a lot more time at it to be good than I do,” he said, while acknowledging that this team has benefited greatly from the instruction from 91´«Ă˝ State’s welding instructor, Easton Samples. “We’re learning from some of the best.”

Fleet Director Wilkinson echoed that praise, noting the class has brought together people from different city divisions who had never worked side by side before and sent them home with skills they can actually use on the job.

91´«Ă˝ State’s Workforce Development program, which trains students in high-demand trades including welding, machining, and fabrication, has been a significant engine of growth in Huntsville. Designed with a “learn while you earn” methodology, workforce development programs prepare students for employment through certificate programs that empower them to hit the ground running within weeks.

The next Work Ready Welding Certificate program, which is an eight-week program will be offered in June 2026. For more information on the program, please visit drakestate.edu/workforce-development.

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“In this class students are tasked with ‘making it work,'” says Mr. Lardell Goodloe. “They know exactly what they need to do: get it to work safely.” He said, “learning and adapting and challenging the equipment is a critical part of the training.”

That mindset is already translating into success for 91´«Ă˝ State students.

Jonathan Agee is currently working as an industrial maintenance worker at Shape Corp in Athens, Alabama while completing his degree. Balancing work and school, Jonathan is gaining valuable experience that strengthens both his technical skills and his long-term career prospects. His ambitions stretch far beyond North Alabama. “I can travel with this job, and I really want to see the world!” He said.

Second-semester student Jaleerreya Garrett is charting her own path toward entrepreneurship. With aspirations to start her own business and create jobs in her community, she credits the program’s emphasis on discipline and persistence as key components of her growth. “Mr. Goodloe is trying to teach me discipline and patience, and I am learning.”

From industrial maintenance to future business ownership, 91´«Ă˝ State’s Electrical Technology program equips students with more than technical expertise. The program fosters critical thinking, adaptability, and problem-solving skills that are essential in today’s rapidly evolving electrical and advanced manufacturing industries.

Learn more about the Electrical Technology program at 91´«Ă˝ State by visiting:
/career-pathways-programs/advanced-manufacturing/electrical-technology/

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For Mr. Jeremy Malone, the answer was simple: come home to Alabama and change lives.

91´«Ă˝ State Community & Technical College’s welding program just got a major upgrade, the kind that doesn’t come along often. He’s an AWS/ASME-certified union journeyman pipefitter who’s worked for industry giants like TVA, Alabama Power, Shell, British Petroleum, Georgia Power, and Nucor. He’s even a certified aerospace welder holding ASTM E1417/E1444 credentials and experience supporting aerospace programs at Boeing, Airbus, and Gulfstream.

But here’s what makes his arrival at 91´«Ă˝ State particularly significant: instructors who combine decades of mastery with teaching excellence are rare. Most industry veterans stay in the field where the money is good and the work is steady. Mr. Malone chose a different path.

“I believe welding offers life-changing opportunities for individuals and communities,” he said. And he’s got the track record to prove it.

At Limestone County Career Technical Center, Mr. Malone didn’t just teach welding. He built a program that became a regional powerhouse. Under his leadership, enrollment and job placement grew and students earned state and national championship titles.

As 91´«Ă˝ State expands its welding program to meet the surging demand for skilled tradespeople across North Alabama, Mr. Malone brings exactly what we need: world-class expertise, infectious passion, and a teacher’s heart. He’s certified through Lincoln Electric’s prestigious instructor program and authorized to provide industry credentials that open doors nationwide.

“I’m excited about transitioning to higher education and expanding my impact,” Mr. Malone shares about joining the 91´«Ă˝ State community. “This is about giving people a strong start, or a fresh start, in one of the most vital trades in today’s workforce.”

Welcome to 91´«Ă˝ State, Mr. Malone. Huntsville is lucky to have you.

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The workshop challenged students to think critically about income, expenses, savings, and lifestyle choices, offering a hands-on experience that reinforced the importance of financial planning. Through guided exercises and realistic scenarios, participants gained valuable insight into managing personal finances and preparing for financial independence.

As part of the program, one participating student was selected to receive a beach cruiser-style bicycle, generously provided by Regions Bank. The bicycle recently arrived on campus, accompanied by four additional bikes donated to 91´«Ă˝ State to further support student needs.

The selected student was formally presented with the bicycle in the 91´«Ă˝ State Library. Joining the student were 91´«Ă˝ State President Dr. Patricia Sims and Ms. Floresha Watkins of Regions Bank, highlighting the continued partnership between the College and Regions in supporting student success beyond the classroom.

91´«Ă˝ State is grateful for community partners like Regions Bank who invest in the holistic development of our students. Initiatives like “Reality Check” not only strengthen financial literacy, but also empower students with the confidence and knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their futures.

Through collaborations that blend education with real-world application, 91´«Ă˝ State continues to prepare students for success in both career and life.

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The LPN Launch Program has demonstrated strong outcomes, with 91´«Ă˝ State receiving the Mark Ivester Innovation Award from the Community Colleges of Appalachia and many institutions across Alabama and beyond adopting the model for their own programs. The program has also delivered impressive student results: the last two classes of the PN Nursing program (December 2024 and May 2025) achieved a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX, while 91´«Ă˝ State’s RN program has maintained an 86% NCLEX pass rate. The new RN Launch Program serves as a natural progression, allowing students currently enrolled in the LPN program to continue their studies toward earning an RN license.

The RN Launch Program gives students access to a stronger, more affordable, and more supportive academic pathway. Through the initiative, students will benefit from a streamlined transition from LPN to RN training, increased exposure to hospital-based clinical experience, and closer mentorship from nursing professionals. The strengthened alignment between academic coursework and hands-on training reduces barriers to degree completion and enhances students’ preparation as they move directly into advanced nursing roles.

“Our partnership with Huntsville Hospital continues to strengthen the region’s healthcare workforce, and the RN Launch Program is a powerful next step,” said Dr. Patricia Sims, President of 91´«Ă˝ State Community & Technical College. “By expanding opportunities for our nursing students, we are ensuring they have clear, affordable, and accessible pathways to advance their careers while meeting a critical community need.”

“We’re excited to expand our partnership with 91´«Ă˝ State with the RN Launch program. This initiative will mirror our highly successful LPN Launch program which has had great results for our hospital and for 91´«Ă˝. Both of our organizations share a strong commitment to workforce development for our growing region,” said Tracy Doughty, President & COO of Huntsville Hospital.

“It makes so much sense, as the RN program is a one-plus-one program whereby the first three semesters prepare the students for an LPN license. The students can now opt to stop out as LPNs or continue their training for another two semesters and get their RN license,” said Dr. Alice Raymond, 91´«Ă˝ State’s Health Sciences Chair.

With the current nursing shortage in Alabama, the RN Launch Program provides a strengthened workforce pipeline that will support employment opportunities for students and positively impact the region’s healthcare community.

Students interested in joining the inaugural RN Launch cohort may apply for Fall 2026 enrollment, with additional program details and admissions information available through 91´«Ă˝ State’s Health Sciences page.

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The ceremony marked the grand opening of the 50,000-square-foot facility on 91´«Ă˝ State’s campus, which will support education and training for the aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries. The training complex houses in-demand training programs, including precision machining and welding. It also features dedicated space for additive manufacturing, mechatronics, electrical technology, engineering design, and more, as well as lab spaces, classrooms, and offices for instructors and administration. Additionally, the complex will serve as home to a new cohort of Federation of Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) students, an apprenticeship-style program that 91´«Ă˝ State started in 2024.

“The Leidos Advanced Training Complex represents a transformative investment in workforce education and regional economic growth,” said Dr. Patricia Sims, President of 91´«Ă˝ State. “This state-of-the-art facility will allow us to expand training opportunities in high-demand industries such as precision machining and welding, preparing our students for the careers of tomorrow while strengthening the talent pipeline for our local and national partners. I want to thank our state elected officials, the Alabama Community College System, and Leidos for supporting this transformative project.”

The Leidos Advanced Training Complex was identified as a key initiative through the Alabama Community College System’s ASPIRE 2030 plan, which stands for “Achieving Systemwide Potential through Increased Resources and Engagement.” The initiative was made possible by a statewide bond issue passed by the Alabama Legislature in 2020 to support facility upgrades and new construction across Alabama’s education system.

“The facility here will effectively serve 91´«Ă˝ State students and North Alabama for a long time,” said ACCS Chancellor Jimmy Baker. “We are in the business of making life better for everyone. It’s our job and mission to make sure every area of this state has the resources needed to provide training and support economic development. The innovation and talent that will be produced at this training complex will be among the best in the state.”

In November 2024, Leidos announced a $1.75 million donation to 91´«Ă˝ State. The gift helps fund 91´«Ă˝ State’s advanced manufacturing and IT programs, student apprenticeships, campus technical and infrastructure upgrades, a new scholarship endowment, and faculty development opportunities. In recognition of the donation, 91´«Ă˝ State named the new building the Leidos Advanced Training Complex.

“Huntsville has been a cornerstone of aerospace and defense talent since the industry’s earliest days,” said Leidos CEO Tom Bell. “This partnership with 91´«Ă˝ State will grow the pipeline of talented people who will solve our nation’s most vexing challenges in smarter and more efficient ways.”

91´«Ă˝ State broke ground on the facility on June 9, 2023. The complex features 10 laboratories, seven classrooms, multiple offices, a multipurpose room, specialized tool and storage areas, a storm shelter, a testing suite, a kitchen and serving area, a break room, and modern restrooms. Additional features include glass viewing areas for prospective students and industry partners, as well as digital displays providing key information for students and visitors.

The new training complex will equip students with skills to help them earn high wages and gain nationally recognized certifications at a low cost.

Goodwyn Mills Cawood provided architectural, interior design, civil engineering, and landscape architecture services for the complex, which was constructed by Fite Building Co.

For more information about programs available in the new facility, visit drakestate.edu.

###

About 91´«Ă˝ State Community & Technical College About Leidos

Established in 1961, 91´«Ă˝ State Community and Technical College is a historically black community college located in Huntsville, home to the fast-growing, highly technical aerospace and defense industry, including the NASA Marshall Flight Center, US Army Redstone Arsenal, and Cummings Research Parks. 91´«Ă˝ State offers flexible, affordable university-transfer 2-year and technical degrees, certificates, adult and continuing education, and customized technical skills training for Huntsville/Madison County employers. 91´«Ă˝ for more information.

About Leidos
Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 48,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit .

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These contributions underscore Google’s commitment to investing in key community partnerships that promote education, workforce development, and social impact. The funding will play a crucial role in expanding opportunities for our students and ensuring the success of future initiatives that benefit the communities we serve.

“We are incredibly grateful for Google’s support,” said Dr. Patricia Sims, President of 91´«Ă˝ State. “This partnership will allow us to continue our mission of providing high-quality education and workforce training, ensuring our students have the resources they need to succeed.”

91´«Ă˝ State looks forward to continued collaboration with Google as we work together to create meaningful opportunities for students and the broader community.

Stay tuned for updates on how this funding will enhance our programs and support student success.

For more information about how you can support 91´«Ă˝ State, visit .

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Sleep in Heavenly Peace began in 2012 in a small Idaho town with a startling realization: dozens of local children were sleeping without beds. This discovery inspired a movement, one rooted in the belief that every child deserves the comfort and security of a warm bed. Since then, SHP has grown into an international organization with 350 chapters and thousands of volunteers who have built and delivered over 250,000 beds to children in need. The Huntsville chapter, led by Mary Ena Heath, has played a vital role in extending this mission to our community, delivering over 1800 beds in the last two years to kids in Madison County.

“It’s incredible to see the difference a simple bed can make in a child’s life,” said Heath. “When a community comes together like this, it shows that we truly can change lives—one bed at a time.”

The 91´«Ă˝ State team’s December effort was nothing short of remarkable. In just three hours, they built 50 beds for children in need. Inspired by the meaningful experience and the spirit of giving, the team decided to take it a step further. They set a goal to collect 50 pillows to accompany the beds they built. But why stop there?

With the spark of friendly competition, the initiative turned into a spirited “Pillow Fight”—a campus-wide challenge among faculty and staff, divided into eight teams. Each team worked tirelessly to bring in as many pillows as possible, with bragging rights on the line. The results were astounding: the 91´«Ă˝ State team collected over 150 pillows, tripling their original goal and ensuring that every child receiving a bed would also have a soft, warm place to rest their head.

Dr. Patricia Sims, President of 91´«Ă˝ State, reflected on the initiative with pride. “At 91´«Ă˝ State, we believe in going beyond the classroom to make a real impact in our community. Partnering with Sleep in Heavenly Peace allowed us to not only give back but also strengthen our bond as a team. This experience reminded us of the power of coming together for a cause greater than ourselves.”

During the course of the initiative, the build site and campus were filled with laughter, camaraderie, and heartfelt moments that left a lasting impression on everyone involved. Beyond the physical act of building beds and collecting pillows, this initiative exemplified the importance of community care and inspired the 91´«Ă˝ State team to continue finding ways to serve their neighbors.

As Heath noted, “The need is great, but so is the potential for change when people step up. We’re so grateful for partners like 91´«Ă˝ State who share our passion for helping children sleep better and dream bigger.”

If you’re inspired by this story and want to make a difference in your community, consider volunteering with Sleep in Heavenly Peace. 91´«Ă˝ their website at to learn more about how you can help.

Together, we can ensure that no child sleeps on the floor in our town—because every child deserves a bed to dream in.

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This funding is part of a $65 million investment to 18 colleges across 14 states, aimed at expanding affordable, high-quality workforce training in critical industry sectors such as advanced manufacturing. 91´«Ă˝ State plans to use the funding to support its new Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program. The Huntsville Tech FAME chapter is designed to create a pipeline of global-best, multiskilled maintenance technicians to support manufacturers in and near Huntsville. The program empowers students with the skills needed to thrive in high-demand industries while meeting workforce needs in the region.

“This grant underscores 91´«Ă˝ State’s leadership in delivering cutting-edge training programs that transform lives and strengthen the North Alabama region,” said Dr. Patricia Sims, President of 91´«Ă˝ State. “With this funding, we will expand our impact, preparing more students for rewarding careers while supporting the workforce demands of our industry partners.”

The Strengthening Community Colleges initiative focuses on equipping institutions like 91´«Ă˝ State to enhance career pathway programs and ensure equitable outcomes for underrepresented populations.

Administered by the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration, this grant highlights the unique role of community colleges in fostering partnerships that create sustainable improvements in workforce development. Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su emphasized the importance of these programs in building a stronger workforce infrastructure.

“The Biden-Harris administration is investing in training programs that end in a job, rather than a job search,” said Acting Secretary Su. “Our Strengthening Community Colleges grantees run programs that

help lift whole communities by equipping workers with the skills they need right now, while strengthening workforce infrastructure.”

To date, the Strengthening Community Colleges initiative has invested $265 million across 207 colleges in 35 states, addressing workforce priorities in communities nationwide.

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President’s List

Markevis Bedell

O’Nesha Clayborn

Tyler Coalwell

Jose Fernandez

Janna Gilliam

Nicholas O Goode

Briahna Green

Andrew Hall

Keva Hearon

Manuel Hernandez

Kyla Hickman

Kayla Koepp

Andrey Lanier

Shalae Morgan

Zachary Morgan

Kimberly Mosby

Abigail Nieto

Abdoul Ouedraogo

Jaden Paul

Precious Pleasure

Keysha Remied

Kiswendsida Sanwidi

Eric Seemann

Amberlee Antunez

Quaterria Smith

Rodney Smith

Sophie Tatum

Michael Trask

Dean’s List

Funto Akinribido

Brian Allen

Steven Arnold

J’ryan Baker

Destiny Bevel

Cynthia Camargo

Skylar Campbell

Ayanna Causey

Raul Chavez-Gama

Camisha Clark

Harper Craft

Samuel Culver

Alexis Davis

Melita Davis

Alejandra DeJesus

Kareem DeNye-Brown

April Deurloo

Aniya Douglas

Alyissia Ellison

Ariana Foy

Nancy Francois

Madison Gareri

Shakira Garrett

Ashlee Gonzalez

Telissa Graham

Nadia Grant

Quentin Green

Derrick Hampton

Justin Hastings

DaJuantae Herring

London Hobbs

Michael Hubbert

Andrew Jackson

Amiri Jacobs-el

Te’asha Jefferson

Rebecca Johnson

Leah Knott

Jayonna Lamar

Jonah Lawson

Jaliyah Lewis

Vernotto McMillan

Miari Moore

Andrea Nahrstedt

Nicholas Neely

Tova Obi

Daniel Olinger

Brennan Parker

Erik Perry

Aprena Phillips

Taricia Prince

Autumn-Faith Puglisi

Sophie Pulliam

Emma Qualman

Trevon Reid

Michael Rogers

Emma Schmelig

Bushra Sharif

Tameka Similton

Victoria Smith

Ambria Spaulding

Christopher Tersinar

Noah Upchurch

Sandra Vaughan

Aaliyah Williams

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