Presidents of 4 North Alabama institutions give updates, talk future at Higher Education panel

HUNTSVILLE, Ala (WHNT) — Leaders of four North Alabama institutions met this morning to talk about successes, challenges, and the futures of their schools.

"These institutions, all four of them are uniquely different," Daniel Wims, president at Alabama A&M University, said. "It's very interesting that we're not really competing against one another, but there are opportunities for us to really, support each other."

Jimmy Hodges, the president of Calhoun Community College, said they are working towards expanding their athletic program to enhance the campus experience.

"I think those are opportunities for students in our area that like to be involved in athletics, to also continue doing what they do, as well as, learning a skill and a trade for the workforce," Hodges said.

Patricia Sims, Drake State's president, shared information on new programs coming to campus.

"We'll be starting our 'FAME' chapter at Drake State next fall of 2025," said Sims. "That's the federation for advanced manufacturing, so that we can do a better job of targeting and training individuals for to support advanced manufacturing across our city."

The University of Alabama in Huntsville's president, Chuck Karr, emphasized expansion.

"Ultimately, we want to grow our university, and we're going to do that by adding additional facilities, expanding campus life," said Karr.

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Wims also talked about what's to come as the university approaches a major milestone.

"This 150th, so we're looking to raise $150 million from various sources: state, federal, philanthropic," said Wims. "And we are looking to move toward increasing our enrollment to 8,000 in our 150th year and moving toward 10,000 shortly thereafter."

Each school's leaders agreed that they envision a bright future for their institution.