New Alabama Commission on Higher Education board members from Tuscaloosa, Decatur

In a move aimed at strengthening the state’s higher education system, the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) has welcomed two new board members from Tuscaloosa and Decatur. The appointments, announced recently, bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the commission, which oversees the state’s public colleges and universities.

Tuscaloosa Representative Brings Business Acumen

Dr. Julia Cobbs, a Tuscaloosa native, has been appointed to the ACHE board. A seasoned business leader, Dr. Cobbs brings over two decades of experience in the private sector, including stints as CEO of several companies. Her expertise in strategic planning, finance, and operations will be invaluable to the commission as it works to improve the state’s higher education system.

Dr. Cobbs is also an alumna of the University of Alabama, where she earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees. Her deep roots in the Tuscaloosa community and her understanding of the local economy will enable her to provide a unique perspective on the needs of students and institutions in the region.

Decatur Representative Offers Higher Education Expertise

Joining Dr. Cobbs on the ACHE board is Dr. Mark Hendrickson, a Decatur resident with a long history of service in higher education. Dr. Hendrickson has spent over 30 years working in various capacities at institutions across the state, including as a professor, department chair, and dean.

His extensive experience in academic administration and his knowledge of the state’s higher education landscape will be a valuable asset to the commission. Dr. Hendrickson’s appointment is seen as a nod to the importance of Decatur and the surrounding region in the state’s higher education ecosystem.

New Board Members to Focus on Student Success, Workforce Development

The new board members will join the ACHE at a critical time, as the state seeks to improve student outcomes, increase workforce development, and enhance the overall quality of its higher education system. Both Dr. Cobbs and Dr. Hendrickson have expressed their commitment to these goals, and their diverse backgrounds and expertise will help inform the commission’s decision-making process.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Cobbs and Dr. Hendrickson to the ACHE board,” said Commission Chair, Dr. Emily Thompson. “Their unique perspectives and experiences will be invaluable as we work to strengthen Alabama’s higher education system and prepare our students for success in the 21st century workforce.”

The appointments of Dr. Cobbs and Dr. Hendrickson are effective immediately, and they will serve on the ACHE board for a term of four years.