Patty Hughston to Lead Coastal Alabama Community College

Patty Hughston has been named interim president of Coastal Alabama Community College, which operates three campuses in Bay Minette, Fairhope, and Gulf Shores. The institution enrolls just under 5,000 students, according to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Education. Women make up 63 percent of the student body.

Hughston began her career in education with the Mobile County and Baldwin County Public School Systems where she served in various roles including special education teacher, guidance counselor, and director of career technical education. She then joined Faulkner State Community College – one of three campus that were consolidated to form Coastal Alabama Community College – as the dean of workforce development and technology. Most recently, she was vice president of instruction and workforce development at Coastal Alabama.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to be chosen to serve Coastal Alabama Community College in this new capacity,” Hughston said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues at each of our campuses to continue our commitment to excellence and a better future for every student.”

Hughston holds a bachelor’s degree in special education from Jacksonville State University in Alabama, and a master’s degree in agency and rehab counseling and a master’s degree in administration from the University of South Alabama.