Explore HBCU – Trenholm State Community College

Staff Writer
April 14, 2022

H. Councill Trenholm State Community College is a public, historically black community college in Montgomery, Alabama.

Background

After the 1947 Regional Vocational and Trade School Act permitted the establishment of the technical division of Trenholm State, the school was founded as John M. Patterson Technical School—named after the governor at the time John M. Patterson. The school was renamed to the John M. Patterson Technical College in 1974 . 

By 1963, a three-bill act transferred control of two-year schools from the state of Alabama to the governor while simultaneously allowing for the expansion of trade schools and junior colleges throughout Alabama. As a result, H. Councill Trenholm State Technical College—named after Dr. Harper Councill Trenholm, former president of Alabama State University—was founded 8.9 miles from John M. Patterson Technical School. 

As part of a statewide program to remove community colleges with duplicate curricula, the Alabama State Board of Education chose to merge the John M. Patterson Technical College and the H. Councill Trenholm State Technical College. Though there was turmoil surrounding the decision to merge the schools due to the respective cultural differences of each institution as well as debate over the location of the main campus as well as what would be the designated name, the colleges finally consolidated in 2001. 

The name became H. Councill Trenholm State Technical College, and the Trenholm campus was designated as the main campus. The school was renamed H. Councill Trenholm State Community College, and has been accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Programs & Opportunities

Whatever your academic or career goals, Trenholm has an extensive list of programs designed to help students succeed in their desired field. Offering instruction in dual enrollment, adult education, allied health, career and technical education, and other academic programs granting degrees in areas such as associate of art, associate of science, business, computer information systems, and more.

Learn more about Trenholm State Community College’s certificate and degree programming here

Alumni Affairs

At Trenholm State, alumni are an invaluable part of the college’s legacy and maintenance of the overall tradition of excellence. Alumni often serve as living examples of one of Trenton State’s many guiding principles, searching for and implementing ways to improve the quality of life for the community. 

Graduates leave Trenholm State prepared to make their marks in the world, and a few notable alumni include, but are not limited to:

  • Dr. Brenda Johnson, Nurse Practitioner: Trenholm State Community College Class of 1980 LPN graduate, Assistant Professor of Neurology Assistant Director of the Comprehensive Stroke Stroke Center at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and School of Medicine
  • Michael Bainter: Trenholm State Community College Class of 2012 Graphics Design Technology graduate, Business Owner Fishtails
  • Dr. Victoria D. Perry: Trenholm State Community College Class of 1982 Keypunching, Counselor at Bishop State Community College

Financial Information

Through the various financial aid programs and opportunities, the Trenholm State Community College Financial Aid Office is dedicated to helping students achieve their educational and career goals. Financial aid helps students and is made available through federal, state, and institutional programs allowing students to receive assistance through grants, scholarships, VA educational assistance and/or work-study. 

The cost of tuition and fees comes to a total of $4,710, with a total cost of attendance of $15,460 due to $4,950 of estimated room and board, $1,8000 cost of books and supplies, and $4,000 of estimated other expenses. 

Conclusion

H. Councill Trenholm State Community College places its students at the forefront of its vision, remaining committed to educational excellence and the preparation of a student body that can meet the challenges of a global society. Through the use of comprehensive and accessible educational opportunities, Trenholm State works toward being the region’s leading catalyst for economic and workforce development.

Learn more about H. Councill Trenholm State Community College here.

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