HUNTSVILLE – Drake State Community & Technical College President Dr. Patricia Sims has been named to the board of the American Association of Community Colleges.

The AACC represents more than 1,000 two-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 Sims. “As the leading advocacy group for 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.”

Sims has been president of the Historically Black Community College 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.

Sims has more than 28 years of progressive 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 2021 she was named a Women of Impact.