Less than two months before welcoming its first students, the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences has reached its enrollment goal for its inaugural class and completed several key milestones ahead of its Aug. 13 opening.
School leaders announced this week that the new residential specialty school has filled its first class, completed hiring for faculty, staff and residential life positions, and appointed longtime educator Laura Bailey as head of school.
The inaugural class includes students from 51 cities across Alabama, reflecting statewide interest in the new healthcare-focused program.
When classes begin this fall, ASHS will become Alabama’s fourth public residential specialty school and the first focused entirely on healthcare education. Students will live and learn together while pursuing healthcare-focused academic pathways designed to prepare them for college, professional training, certifications and careers in the healthcare field.
The school recently welcomed students and their families to Demopolis for its first orientation program. The event introduced students to faculty and staff, provided information about academics and residential life, and gave classmates from across the state an opportunity to begin getting to know one another before classes start.
Following orientation, students began participating in “Scrubbing In,” a series of virtual sessions designed to help prepare them for the transition to residential high school life before classes begin in August.
“The excitement and enthusiasm we’ve seen from students and families has been extraordinary,” Bailey said. “Our orientation confirmed what we have believed from the beginning — students across Alabama are eager for an opportunity like this. They are already building friendships, asking thoughtful questions and embracing the mission of this school. We are ready to welcome our first class and begin building the future of healthcare in Alabama.”
The Executive Committee of the ASHS Board of Trustees recently appointed Bailey to lead the school as it enters its final weeks before opening. Bailey previously served as dean of curriculum and instruction and helped guide development of the school’s academic vision.
The leadership transition comes after ASHS President Dr. Jimmy Martin stepped away from day-to-day operational responsibilities following the loss of his mother and to address family matters. The school said Martin remains involved in supporting the institution.
“Laura Bailey has been instrumental in building ASHS from the ground up,” ASHS Board of Trustees Chairman Mike Warren said. “As we approach opening day, there is no one better prepared to lead this school, support its students and carry forward the mission that has inspired so many families across Alabama.”
Students will begin classes this fall at a temporary campus located on the campus of the University of West Alabama in Livingston while construction continues on the school’s permanent campus in Demopolis.
School officials said construction of the 10-acre campus, being built by Brasfield & Gorrie, remains ahead of schedule and is on track for occupancy in summer 2027.
School leaders say the school’s long-term goal is to help address Alabama’s healthcare workforce needs by exposing students to healthcare careers and training opportunities while they are still in high school.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
