Nearly 200 employees, community leaders, elected officials, educational partners, family members and friends gathered at J.F. Ingram State Technical College to celebrate President David Walters and show their support for his leadership and vision for the College. 

The President’s Reception marked Walters’ recent appointment as president and gave members of the Ingram State community an opportunity to recognize his longstanding commitment to education, workforce development and successful reentry.

“I am deeply honored by the confidence placed in me by Chancellor Baker and the Board of Trustees,” Walters said following his appointment. “Ingram State Technical College represents the power of education to transform lives, strengthen families and create generational change across Alabama.” 

Walters brings more than 30 years of experience in elementary, secondary and postsecondary education. He holds a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in adult and higher education from Morehead State University.

Before joining Ingram State as interim president in November 2025, Walters spent more than a decade serving in leadership roles within the Alabama Community College System. Most recently, he served as vice chancellor of Adult Education and Correctional Education, where his work focused on expanding opportunities for adult learners, underserved populations and justice-involved individuals.

Under his leadership, Alabama’s adult education programs expanded to more than 400 locations and programs statewide. Walters was also instrumental in developing several major educational and workforce initiatives, including the Alabama Non-Traditional High School Diploma Option, Alabama Career Essentials, Mobilizing Alabama’s Pathways and the Activate Program, which prepares trainees for the Alabama Correctional Academy.

Walters’ background in adult education, correctional education and workforce development has shaped his vision for moving Ingram State forward. His priorities include expanding access to educational and career-training opportunities, increasing the number of industry-recognized credentials available to students and ensuring the College’s programs remain aligned with the needs of Alabama employers.

He also plans to strengthen partnerships with state agencies, industry leaders and community organizations while creating clearer connections between education, employment and successful reentry. By expanding short-term training opportunities and preparing students for in-demand careers, Ingram State can continue helping individuals build long-term stability for themselves and their families.

Central to Walters’ vision is the understanding that the College’s success depends on the collective work of its employees and partners. He has emphasized the importance of collaboration and ensuring every member of the Ingram State team understands the value of their role in carrying out the College’s mission.

As the nation’s only accredited postsecondary institution exclusively serving justice-involved individuals behind the wire, Ingram State occupies a unique place in higher education. The College provides students with the education, technical skills and credentials needed to enter the workforce, successfully return to their communities and create a better future.

The reception reflected the confidence that employees, partners and supporters have in Walters’ ability to lead Ingram State into its next chapter. It also celebrated the relationships he has built throughout his career and the shared commitment of those who support the College’s mission.

Ingram State extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who attended and helped make the President’s Reception a memorable occasion.

Congratulations, President Walters. The Ingram State community looks forward to continued growth, innovation and impact under your leadership.