The Alabama Community College System board of trustees has appointed Olivier Charles as president of Bishop State Community College in Mobile. His tenure begins August 1.
Historically Black Bishop State Community College enrolls just under 2,200 students, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Education. African Americans make up 57 percent of the student body.
“This is my dream job,” said Charles, “and I intend to retire at Bishop State. Growing up in Mobile’s Campground neighborhood, Bishop State was always a physical reminder that opportunities were within my reach. That community-focused role hasn’t changed, and as Mobile grows, Bishop State will be there to help our community share in its success. Mobile gave so much to me, so I see this opportunity to serve as my way of giving back.”
“We are a proud historically black community college and we will always be. I am committed to making Bishop State not just the best HBCU in Alabama but the best community college in Alabama, period. I’m ready to work with our community stakeholders, our students, and our faculty so that Bishop State can achieve its full potential,” Charles added.
Charles has been serving as vice chancellor for student success for the Alabama Community College System. Previously, Charles served as dean of students at Enterprise State Community College in Alabama. Earlier in his career, he was director of admissions and enrollment management at the University of West Alabama and director of admissions and recruitment for the Montgomery, Alabama, campus of Auburn University.
Charles earned a bachelor’s degree in special education and a master’s degree in college student development from the University of West Alabama.
