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By Dr. Coretta Boykin

Special to The Greenville Advocate 

The future of our communities depends on people who have real skills, people who know how to build, repair, heal, and lead. That’s what we do at Reid State Technical College, we train the hands and minds that shape our region in Butler, Conecuh, Monroe, Escambia, Wilcox and portions of Covington counties — some of the most resilient and hardworking counties in Alabama. 

Thanks to the support of our local and state legislators and leaders, nearly 100% of the students who choose Reid State receive some form of financial aid to help them complete their studies. We have expanded to include physical locations in Georgiana (practical nursing and adult education), Evergreen (main campus) and Monroeville (truck driving). Our dormitory for student housing opens in the fall of 2025, and our athletic programs are continuing to expand. 

We offer programs in practical nursing, welding, cosmetology, truck driving, industrial electricity/electronics, early childhood education and more. These programs are hands-on, affordable and designed with employers in mind. We listen to the industries that power our local economy and tailor our training to meet their needs. We offer more classes online than we have before. 

We know the barriers our students face. We know many are first-generation college students.  Many are parents. Many are working two jobs. That’s why we provide wraparound support — from financial aid assistance and tutoring to career coaching and resume assistance — so they can stay focused on their goals. 

Education at Reid State gives people a way forward. It gives families a fresh start. And in many cases, it gives entire generations a new direction. We’ve watched single mothers become licensed practical nurses. We’ve seen young men and women go from high school classrooms to careers in welding and industrial electricity/electronics. These aren’t just jobs, they are life changing opportunities. 

We know our students by name, and that means something to the nearly 1,000 students across academic, technical and adult education classes who come to our college. When one student succeeds at Reid State, an entire family benefits. Children see their parents finish what they started. Grandparents see their grandchildren walk across a stage they never thought possible. It’s bigger than a certificate. It’s legacy work. We don’t take that lightly.

Reid State is not just a college; we are a partner in progress. We are committed to preparing students for the future, keeping industries alive and helping our rural communities grow stronger. 

This is our mission. This is our moment, and we will continue to stand in the gap. Reid State Technical College is transforming lives and changing generations. And together, we can build a better tomorrow.

Dr. Coretta Boykin is President of Reid State Technical College.