I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of education, especially when it’s paired with determination and vision. As a young girl, I witnessed my mother, a single parent of five children working long hours at a sewing factory, return to Reid State Technical College to pursue her dream of becoming a cosmetologist. At the time, my mother felt that this opportunity wasn’t available to someone in her position. Yet, she found the courage to take that leap of faith, and it was an experience that would not only change her life but would inspire a generation.
The day my mother graduated from Reid State and opened her own salon was one of the proudest moments for our family. What began as an unlikely journey for a hardworking woman in a difficult situation soon turned into the foundation of a thriving business. Today, her salon has been a staple in our community for 30 years, and her story continues to inspire us all.
Her success wasn’t just a personal victory – it became a beacon of hope for my siblings and me. It was through her journey that we understood the true power of education. We were motivated by her resilience to attend college, seeking better opportunities for ourselves and our families. My mother, my sisters, and I are just a small part of the larger story of how Reid State Technical College has touched the lives of families across Alabama, providing hope, opportunity, and the belief that no dream is too far out of reach.
Reid State has long been the institution that transforms lives and uplifts generations. My family’s experience is not unique; there are countless others in our community whose lives have been positively impacted by Reid State. We have always been an institution that offers opportunity to those who think it’s impossible to pursue an education. For decades, Reid State has offered training in fields that are not only in demand but vital to the prosperity of our state. From nursing, welding, and industrial maintenance to programs in childcare education, diesel technology, and cosmetology, we prepare students for careers that will support Alabama’s workforce for years to come.
As a former student of an Alabama Community College and a graduate of the University of Alabama, I returned to my hometown of Evergreen more than 20 years ago with one mission in mind: to show our community that through education, anything is possible. That mission has guided my work as a recruiter, community advocate, and now as the proud president of Reid State. It is a role I hold with great responsibility, as I recognize the impact that Reid State continues to have on our students, their families, and our local economy.
Reid State is a driving force in Alabama’s workforce development, with an economic impact of over $33 million annually. In fact, our enrollment numbers are the highest they’ve been since 2009, which speaks to the growing recognition of the critical role we play in helping build a strong and thriving Alabama economy. Our academic and technical programs are carefully aligned with the state’s most in-demand careers, ensuring that Reid State students are ready for immediate employment after graduation. Our noncredit programs, such as commercial truck driving, electrical helper, fiber optics technician, and heavy equipment operator, are helping meet urgent workforce needs across rural Alabama.
Looking to the future, Reid State’s trajectory is brighter than ever. With more than $16 million in ongoing campus renovations, we’re building for growth. These updates will expand our technical training capabilities, improve student housing, and even introduce new athletics programs. We are committed to ensuring our college remains responsive to the needs of today’s students and tomorrow’s workforce.
What is also significant is that at Reid State, education is a family legacy. Many of our students are the children, spouses, and relatives of Reid State alumni who experienced firsthand the care of our faculty and the excellence of our programs. My own family continues to choose Reid State for dual enrollment and associate degrees, underscoring the trust our community places in the quality of education we provide.
I truly believe in the power of Alabama’s community and technical colleges to transform lives and strengthen our economy. Our success stories are countless – from the many graduates now working in fields that drive Alabama’s economy to the families whose lives have been changed through education. I want to thank Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker for his unwavering support, our dedicated Reid State faculty and staff, and most importantly, the students and families who make our work meaningful.
At Reid State Technical College, we don’t just educate – we empower. We don’t just train – we transform. The future is bright, and together, we will continue to make an impact that will last for generations to come.
Dr. Coretta Boykin is President of Reid State Technical College, which is part of the Alabama Community College System.
