HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) selected Drake State Community and Technical College President Dr. Patricia Sims to join its board. The AACC represents more than 1,000 2-year, associate degree-granting institutions and nearly 12 million students.

“It’s an honor to be elected to serve on such an impactful organization,” said Dr. Sims. “As the leading advocacy group of our nation’s community colleges, the AACC supports workforce development efforts nationwide to improve the lives of our students. I look forward to assisting the needs of our two-year colleges in this capacity and more.”

Dr. Sims has been president of the Huntsville’s Historically Black Community College (HBCC) since 2018. Under her leadership, the college has seen increased state and federal funding, expanded career pathways and programs, and strengthened community partnerships. Drake State is home to the tallest 3D-printed structure in the State of Alabama, thanks to its NASA-sponsored Frontiers Research Program ground-breaking research in space construction.

Dr. Sims has more than 28 years of experience in education. President Biden recently appointed her to the National Infrastructure Advisory Council. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Alabama State Port Authority, the Alabama Partnership for Children, and the Huntsville Hospital Foundation.

In 2019, Dr. Sims was recognized and named as one of The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders by the HBCU Campaign Fund. She is also an honoree of the 2019 Class of Woman Who Shape the State of Alabama.

About Drake State Community and Technical College
Established in 1961, Drake 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. Drake 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. Visit www.drakestate.edu for more information.  

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