Institutional History
Drake State, located in Huntsville, Alabama, was established in 1961 and opened its doors on September 4, 1962, as Huntsville State Vocational Technical School. The institution was constructed on 30 acres of land deeded by Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University to the Alabama State Board of Education. In 1966, the name was changed to J. F. Drake State Technical Trade School in honor of the late Dr. Joseph Fanning Drake, a former president of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University who served for more than 35 years. On August 22, 1973, the school was given technical college status by the Alabama State Board of Education and assumed the name J. F. Drake State Technical College and was authorized by the Board to offer the Associate in Applied Technology (AAT) degree.
The College received regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) effective January 2012. The College was granted comprehensive community college status, making it the first and only comprehensive community and technical college in Alabama. In July 2013, the name changed to J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College, reflecting its new status. Drake State offers the Associate in Applied Science (AAS), Associate in Arts (AA), and Associate in Science (AS) degrees, as well as certificates. Students can seamlessly transfer general education courses to other regionally accredited institutions of higher education. Drake State also pioneered articulation agreements in technical disciplines with local universities to enable students to transfer many of their technical courses into baccalaureate programs.
From its inception, Drake State has been committed to training individuals for employment in vocational, technical, and industrial pursuits to support Huntsville’s growing economy. The College aims to produce an effective, participatory citizenship with not only economic potential, but civic and social commitment as well.
Presidents
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Mr. S.C. O'Neal, Sr.
Dr. Johnny L. Harris
Dr. Helen T. McAlpine
Dr. Patricia G. Sims
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1961-1983
1983-2000
2000-2016
2016-Present
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