Calhoun Community College in north Alabama is No. 1 in the nation.

And, no, not in college football.

The state's largest community college – with campuses in Decatur and Huntsville – announced Wednesday it ranks No. 1 in the country in awarding degrees in advanced manufacturing.

The ranking comes from Economic Modeling Specialist International and includes all community colleges, technical colleges and universities in the U.S.

According to Calhoun, the school awarded 220 associate of Applied Science Degrees in Advanced Manufacturing over a one-year period.

The school's advanced manufacturing initiative began with a $3.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor from 2005-08, allowing for the revamping of curriculum and designing it to meet business and industry needs.

“We are proud of what we have accomplished here at Calhoun Community College,” John Holley, Calhoun’s dean for technologies, said in the announcement. “Our program is respected by area business and industry and our students have jobs waiting for them as soon as they take off their caps and gowns after graduation. They can make a good living to support a family and that’s what it’s all about.”

Calhoun has worked closely with, among others, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama in Huntsville to prepare students for the workforce. Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA has now been adopted into that program.

“We are proud not only to lead the region and the state, but the nation as well and that’s a big deal,” Calhoun Interim President Joe Burke said in the announcement. “We plan to implement additional worked based learning programs and believe we are positioning ourselves to remain a leader in advanced manufacturing and workforce development. We look forward to meeting the challenges and remaining on the forefront of training the workforce for the region.”

Photo and Article Source: "Calhoun Community College receives No. 1 national ranking" AL.com (November 21, 2019)  Paul Gattis