MOBILE, Ala. – The Innovator of the Year award is presented to a business committed to innovation and dedication to positively impacting Mobile’s economic growth.

This award celebrates innovative products, technology, processes or services created by a business that promotes economic growth in Mobile.

Award winners are chosen based on:

• The degree of innovation
• Creativity
• Impact of their product
• Technology
• Process
• Service on Mobile

The 2023 Innovator of the Year is Bishop State Community College.

Bishop State Community College President Olivier Charles said, “We are not necessarily trying to be innovative; we’re trying to meet the needs of our community and along the way I think we’ve just done some innovative things. We look at Bishop State as the economic engine that keeps our community going.”

Bishop State Community College has redefined innovation in education in Mobile. With visionary partnerships with industry like the Flight Path 9 Aviation Manufacturing Program and the Federation of Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) Program, Bishop State has positioned itself at the forefront of technical education.

Flight Path 9 has provided over 2,100 industry-recognized credentials and seamlessly integrated 120 skilled workers into the operations of Airbus.

The FAME Program has charted new territory by launching the nation’s first-ever FAME Process Technology cohort, setting a benchmark for educational innovation.

“The mission of Bishop State is to serve all of the citizens within our region that walk through our doors. So, whether someone has a low ACT score, they’ve been incarcerated or there’s somebody that has a job but is trying to get to a different job, our job is to essentially help them meet their goals and along the way we get to help our workforce grow as well,” said Charles.

Bishop State’s latest achievements are recognized in the new, state-of-the-art Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center. This 80,000 square feet facility is now training students using the latest technology and equipment. Creating innovative solutions to solve our community’s workforce shortage will ensure our economy continues to grow.

Charles said, “I always say that the one thing that makes Bishop State special is our people. The fact that we are being recognized for this award I think is a testament to our people and the amazing work that they’ve done.”