Written by: Amber Capello September 23, 2024 UAH Continuous Education Center Photo courtesy of University of Alabama in Huntsville Archives, Special Collections, and Digital Initiatives, Huntsville, Alabama After the economic boom of World War II, interest in Huntsville declined and Redstone Arsenal was deemed obsolete and prepared for disposal. Despite these setbacks, Huntsville leadership campaigned to establish a University of Alabama extension center to make education accessible in the city. The vision materialized in 1949, but it was the arrival of German scientist Dr. Wernher von Braun that made Huntsville and Redstone Arsenal the epicenter of knowledge and research that it is today. It is curiosity that sets man apart. It is curiosity that makes him learn. This has been true throughout history… First curiosity; then learning; then advancement. Known as the “Father of the American Space Program,” von Braun arrived in Huntsville in 1950, soon after the University of Alabama Center began offering freshman-level classes. Although the center thrived – nearly doubling enrollment within the first few months – von Braun recognized that more was needed to support the city’s growing demand for a highly skilled aerospace and defense workforce. Dr. Wernher von Braun in his office. On June 20, 1961, von Braun petitioned Lt. Gov. John Patterson, urging the Alabama Legislature to establish an educational institution capable of supporting the growing national space and defense initiatives at Redstone Arsenal. In his now-famous petition, von Braun cited curiosity as the driver of human progress: “It is curiosity that sets man apart. It is curiosity that makes him learn. This has been true throughout history… First curiosity; then learning; then advancement.” Continuing education at UAH embodies von Braun’s philosophy, aiming to satisfy curiosity while fostering advancement. From the start, UAH has offered noncredit programs in a variety of topics – from interior decoration to planetary entry physics. However, after UAH became an autonomous institution on June 16, 1969, continuing education was officially recognized as the Division of Continuous Education. Under the leadership of director Dr. Raymond C. Watson Jr., the division introduced postgraduate certificate programs designed to advance knowledge in management, scientific and technical fields. This shift from a noncredit to a credit structure, which now required a bachelor’s degree, created learning pathways to support career advancement. Dr. C. Michael Oliver, Director of UAH Continuing Education In the years that followed, continuing education continued to evolve. Dr. Michael Oliver was appointed director in 1977, and the program was renamed the Division of Continuing Education. To enhance accessibility, the division reverted to noncredit courses with recommended rather than required prerequisites. It began offering Continuing Education Units (CEUs) instead of traditional credit, eliminating the need for formal university admission. Dr. Karen Clanton, Dean of the UAH College of Professional Studies Following Oliver, Dr. Karen M. Clanton became the first female director of continuing education in 2003. “I was blessed to work for Dr. Oliver, who provided me the opportunity to learn from a strong role model and mentor,” says Clanton. Overseeing significant growth and transformation, Clanton introduced online learning, expanded corporate and government training programs and evolved senior lifetime learning into the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UAH. In 2017, the division was restructured into the College of Professional Studies, with Clanton becoming the inaugural dean. Credit initiatives included the Department of Health and Physical Education, which eventually became kinesiology, and the Adult Degree Completion Program, which introduced the bachelor’s in engineering technology and the bachelor’s in professional studies. After Clanton’s retirement in 2021, the college reorganized to focus on Watson’s original vision of empowering individuals to advance their careers. Fathia Hardy, Director of UAH OPCE Today, the Office of Professional and Continuing Education (OPCE) operates under the UAH College of Business and is led by its first minority female director, Fathia Hardy. With new strategic initiatives, OPCE aims to support national interests, advance the professional workforce and inspire intellectual growth. The goal is to continue the legacy that Dr. Wernher von Braun envisioned for UAH and Huntsville – to inspire curiosity, which leads to learning and advancement. “I am honored to follow in the footsteps of Dr. Clanton and her predecessors, who paved the way to make continuing education what it is today,” says Hardy. “I am thankful for Dr. Clanton’s mentorship, friendship and trust to carry her legacy forward. Over the years, we have impacted countless lives, and I’m proud to continue building on that foundation.” To learn more about the Office of Professional and Continuing Education and explore the programs offered, visit . Learn More Office of Professional and Continuing Education Contact Office of Professional and Continuing Education 256.824.4430 opce@uah.edu
