May/June 2025

TOP STORIES

Every student at Bishop State is writing their own bold, brilliant story.

It's their Bishop Statement.

Whether they’re the first in their family to graduate, returning to school after many years, or discovering a new passion, our students dare to dream, conquer challenges, and achieve goals that once felt out of reach. Success looks different for everyone, but we celebrate every journey and every triumph. This is what it looks like to shine. This is the Bishop State way.

SAWDC Awards $100,000 Grant to

Bishop State’s FAME on the Coast

As part of their final contributions to workforce development in our region, the Southwest Alabama Workforce Development Council (SAWDC) awarded a $100,000 grant to support Bishop State’s FAME on the Coast program!


This generous gift comes as SAWDC prepares to officially dissolve on June 30, 2025, following the Alabama Workforce Transformation Act. For the past three years, SAWDC’s offices have been housed in our Gene Haas Center for Advanced Manufacturing Technology, and their presence has been a tremendous asset to our campus and community.


We are deeply grateful to Bridgette Wilson, Hayleigh Barlar, Bridgette Young, and the entire SAWDC Board of Directors for their leadership, partnership, and support.

GRADUATION SEASON!

This spring, we watched hundreds of students cross the stage in a moment that not only symbolizes academic achievement but also personal growth, perseverance, and the promise of a brighter future. The impact of their success is already being felt by their families, and we know it will ripple through our region and far beyond.



Congratulations, Class of 2025! The world is yours!

OUR STUDENTS

Student Success Stories

At a graduation, you would normally hear from a traditional commencement speaker. But at Bishop State, we like to do things differently.


Instead of bringing in someone from the outside, we highlight the voices that matter most -- OUR STUDENTS.


Every graduate has a story. Some overcame incredible obstacles. Some experienced exceptional personal growth. Others reached academic heights they never imagined possible. Each made a bold decision to pursue their goals, and in doing so, they made their mark while on campus and in the lives of those around them. This is what it means to Make Your #BishopStatement!


We’re shining a light on a few graduates as they share how Bishop State helped transform their lives. Please enjoy these powerful Bishop Statements!

Adult Education Graduation:

It's Never Too Late!

Our Adult Education Graduation was a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. These graduates, who earned their GEDs or High School Diplomas, overcame obstacles, embraced growth, and made the courageous choice to create a better future. CONGRATULATIONS!

Celebrating 50 Years of Wildcat Pride!

Each year during Commencement, we proudly recognize our 50th Year Graduates, alumni who crossed the Bishop State stage five decades ago and still carry the Wildcat spirit with pride. Their stories and presence are a powerful reminder that once you’re a Wildcat, you’re always a Wildcat.



Click the link below to view photos of these remarkable alumni and join us in celebrating their legacy!

Honors Day 2025:

A Celebration of Excellence

Congratulations to all of our outstanding students who were recognized during the 2025 Keflyn X. Reed Honors Day Convocation! From academic achievements to leadership awards and program-specific honors, this special day celebrated their resilience, dedication, and pursuit of excellence.


We are incredibly proud of each student and inspired by their accomplishments.

Click the links below to relive the celebration and view the photo gallery!

FOX10 News at Honors Day


We were glad to see FOX10 News stop by to cover this celebratory event with their audience. Click the link below to see some of WALA FOX10's coverage of our Honors Day.


Watch Fox 10's Story Here

Pinnings and Induction Ceremonies

Nursing Pinning


We recently honored the dedication, perseverance, and compassion of our nursing students during their Pinning Ceremony which marks their transition from student to nurse.

Congrats to these future healthcare heroes as they take the next step in their journey. 



Nursing Album 1

Nursing Album 2


PTA Pinning


Bishop State proudly celebrated the achievements of our Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) graduates during a special pinning ceremony. This is a time-honored tradition that marks their transition from students to healthcare professionals.



Pinning Ceremony Photo Album

PTA Mock Interviews


Shortly after their pinning ceremony, our PTA students took part in mock interviews with local physical therapy and communications professionals. It served as an invaluable opportunity to practice presenting themselves with confidence and professionalism.



Mock Interview Album

National Technical Honor Society Induction Ceremony


Congrats to our outstanding students who were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society!

A special thank you to Daryl Taylor, General Manager of Airbus, for inspiring our Wildcats with his journey from apprentice to leader and for highlighting the strong partnership between Bishop State and Airbus. Together, we are building the workforce of tomorrow!


NTHS Induction Ceremony Photos

CONTRACTOR'S COLLEGE


Congratulations to the graduates of our Contractor’s College, a program in partnership with the City of Mobile.


Their commitment and hard work for the last 6 months have paid off!



LINEWORKER TRAINNG PROGRAM

Just in time for hurricane season, our latest cohort of lineworkers has officially completed the training program! We’re proud of this group who trained hard and climbed high in preparation for the vital service that they will provide to our communities.

From Hardship to Hope: A Bishop State Success Story


Bishop State student, Ly'nardia Morris, is being recognized for her resilience and determination. Her inspiring journey from adversity to achievement is featured in the Alabama Community College System’s Spring Journal. We’re proud to see her story shine as a powerful example of the strength and success found at Bishop State.


ACCA Spring Journal 2025

Future Wildcats Receive Scholarships

at 100 Black Men Gala

Bishop State was a proud sponsor of the 24th Annual 100 Black Men Scholarship and Awards Gala. One of the evening’s highlights was seeing two high school students awarded scholarships to attend Bishop State this fall.


Congratulations to Consuella Phillips and Julius Mitchell, each receiving a $2,000 scholarship! We can’t wait to welcome you to campus and support your journey!

OUR PROGRAMS

Powering Progress through

Truck Driving and Lineworker Programs

Whether their career takes them toward the skies or on the road, students at Bishop State are learning valuable skills to continue Powering Progress in Alabama's workforce.


WKRG News 5’s Akievia McFarland visited the truck driving and lineworker programs to see the benefits of their hands-on training.

New Transfer Pathway

with the University of Mobile

Bishop State has partnered with the University of Mobile to create a seamless transfer pathway for Bishop State students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Child and Social Development at the University of Mobile.

Gov. Ivey Declares May is Maritime Month

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed a proclamation declaring May as Maritime Month. Bishop State is glad to be one of the four colleges in the state present for the signing and an active member of the consortium of schools and companies who will participate in many of the maritime opportunities coming to Alabama. 

TMCF Returns to Bishop State

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) made a powerful return to Bishop State, connecting with students, faculty, and leadership across all three campuses. Their mission to support students through scholarships continues to make a real impact on our Wildcat community.

OUR PEOPLE

From Birthday Gift to Best of Show!

What started as a birthday surprise turned into a Best of Show winner! 🎉

Art instructor Lydia Host painted a portrait of fellow faculty member Dr. Ceasar Smith in honor of his 85th birthday. The piece was later entered into the Spring Show of the Watercolor and Graphic Arts Society of Mobile, where it took home the top prize! The show ran through May 3 at the West Mobile Library.



We’re proud to have such talented and creative faculty at Bishop State!

Congratulations, Ms. Host, and Happy Birthday, Dr. Smith!

President Charles: Mobile Chamber Board of Directors


Bishop State President Olivier Charles has been named to the Mobile Area Chamber Foundation Board of Directors, where he will help advance key economic and community development initiatives for the region. His leadership and dedication to Mobile continue to make a lasting impact both on and off campus.

OUR COMMUNITY

More Than Just a Cap:

A Canvas of Celebration

Each year, many of our graduates turn their graduation caps into works of art by decorating them with messages of pride, humor, love, and gratitude. From honoring family members to expressing their journey, these personalized caps reflect the heart and stories behind every diploma. Take a moment to celebrate the creativity and meaning stitched into every tassel and sparkle.

Strikers Check Presentation


Thank you to the Strikers Club for their continuous support and generosity to Bishop State Community College. They met with President Charles and Foundation Board President Clinton Johnson to present a check to be used for scholarships for students.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Join the Health Sciences department for its virtual informational sessions on the third Thursday of each month from 12pm-1pm. The health sciences staff will explain the admissions requirements, application cycles, and relevant information for each program. Questions? Contact Devin Blackmarr at dblackmarr@bishop.edu.

Calendar of Events

• Health Sciences Summer Camp - June 13

• Juneteenth Holiday - June 19 - No Classes

• GLAM Camp - June 23-26

• New Student Orientation - June 25

• FlightPath 9 Graduation - June 27

• Independence Day - July 4 - No Classes

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*Announcements are posted at the discretion of the Office of Marketing & PR.

Downtown351 North Broad Street • Mobile, AL 36603 • (251) 405-7000

Southwest925 Dauphin Island Parkway • Mobile, AL 36605 • (251) 665-4100

Carver414 Stanton Street • Mobile, AL 36617 • (251) 662-5400

www.bishop.edu


~ A member of the Alabama Community College System ~

~ Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ~

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