Meet Shakea Miller; she is the first black woman to set up a degree-granting technical college in Alabama. She is the driving force behind the establishment of 1 on 1 Technical & Theological College in Phenix City, which officially opened its doors in June 2024.
The college plans to offer a variety of courses tailored to market demands. In this regard, the institution is rolling out 50 new certificate programs with a commitment to affordability and accessibility. Furthermore, the college is concentrating on drawing in diverse students and providing them with the necessary skills.
Miller’s move has been hailed as a giant step towards the quest for diversity and inclusion in the education sector, according to Black News.
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“1 on 1 Technical & Theological College (1 on 1 T&T) aims to provide biblical and comprehensive educational opportunities with a focus on empowering all students but also addressing the educational disparities faced by African American communities,” said Miller, who has a long career in entrepreneurship and the education sector.
“I am deeply honored to open the doors of this institution, which stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the resilience and determination of countless individuals who have fought for equal rights in education.“
“This College is more than an academic institution as it is a platform for transformation while providing the tools and knowledge necessary to uplift our communities.”
Aside from being the first black woman to open a degree-awarding technical college in Alabama, she is also the sixth African-American woman in U.S. history to have founded and established an institution of this caliber, according to Black News.
“Shakea Miller’s accomplishment is not just a personal triumph but a monumental victory for the African American community and all those in academia,” stated Carla Barnett, who is the Assistant Dean of 1 on 1 Technical & Theological College. “Her leadership in opening the first African American woman-founded, degree-granting technical college in Alabama is a bold step towards rectifying the underrepresentation of minority groups in higher education leadership.”
“By establishing this college, I hope to inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators who will carry forward the torch of progress and equality,” added Miller. “We are committed to cultivating an environment that not only educates but also empowers students to create positive change in their communities and beyond.”
