SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
HUNTSVILLE — Drake State Community & Technical College is marking a watershed moment in its history, celebrating both record-breaking enrollment growth and its selection as one of only 14 historically Black institutions nationwide to join the groundbreaking AWS–Machine Learning University Educators Consortium and Transformation Alliance.
Together, these developments signal Drake State’s rising influence as a training ground for Alabama’s next generation of innovators, engineers, and AI-equipped workforce leaders.
Enrollment Climbs to Highest Level in More Than a Decade
Drake State reported its highest fall enrollment in over 10 years, enrolling 1,417 students for Fall 2025 — a 19% from last year’s 1,187. Credit-hour production rose 23% to 10,760 hours.
“This remarkable growth is a testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff, our community partnerships, and our students’ belief in the value of a Drake State education,” said Dr. Patricia Sims, President of Drake State. “We are thrilled to welcome so many new and returning students who are taking the next step toward achieving their goals.”
College leaders credit the surge to expanded academic programs, stronger outreach to high schools and industry partners, and initiatives such as the Drake State on the Road Initiative, which brings college resources directly into community spaces.
“By expanding access and meeting learners where they are, this initiative has been instrumental in driving our strong fall enrollment growth,” said Dr. Nicole Bell, Dean of Students. “Its impact is clearly reflected in our numbers.”
With momentum high, Sims said the college is turning its focus toward student retention and completion. “As we celebrate this achievement, our priority now is ensuring every student finishes strong.”
Drake State Selected for Transformational AI and Machine Learning Alliance
As enrollment surges, Drake State is also stepping onto the national stage as a member of the Alliance for AI and Machine Learning, co-led by Dr. Calvin Briggs of the Southern STEM Center and Dr. Majed Dweik of Alabama A&M University. The alliance, created in partnership with AWS, is designed to expand AI and machine learning access across HBCUs and build a more inclusive tech talent pipeline.
“Industry-aligned AI and machine learning teaching and research are essential to preparing the workforce of the future,” said Margie Vela, Senior Program Manager for AWS Machine Learning University. “We’re proud to support institutions leading the way in inclusive innovation.”
Drake State’s own leaders say the alliance will accelerate opportunities for students to shape the future of emerging technologies.
Through this partnership, “we are opening doors to cutting-edge AI and machine learning education that will empower our students to create solutions for real-world challenges,” said Lydia Owens, Division Chair of Business, Computer Science, and Engineering Technologies.
A Growing Force in Alabama’s Workforce Development
As North Alabama’s tech sector expands, Drake State continues to position itself as a vital contributor to the region’s workforce — offering career-focused education, hands-on training, and now, access to high-impact AI and machine learning pathways.
With rising enrollment and a place in a national innovation alliance, Drake State is entering a new era — one that promises to shape both the local economy and the future of tech talent across Alabama.
