Alabama Healthcare Sciences school in Demopolis meets enrollment goal, set to open Aug. 13

Less than two months before welcoming its first students, the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences announced reaching several major milestones as it prepares to open its doors this fall.

School leaders announced that ASHS has met enrollment goals for its inaugural class, completed hiring for faculty, staff and residential life positions, successfully hosted its first student orientation and appointed longtime educator Laura Bailey as Head of School.

The accomplishments come as Alabama's newest public residential specialty school prepares to begin classes on Aug. 13. When classes begin, ASHS will become Alabama's fourth public residential specialty school and the first in the state dedicated entirely to healthcare education.

Enrollment reached is goal and has students from 51 cities across Alabama.

"The excitement and enthusiasm we've seen from students and families has been extraordinary," Bailey said. "Our orientation confirmed what we have believed from the beginning — students across Alabama are eager for an opportunity like this."

Students and families from across the state gathered in Demopolis on June 10 for the school's first orientation event. The day-long program introduced students to faculty and staff, provided information about academics and residential life, and allowed classmates from across Alabama to begin building relationships before the school year begins.

Following orientation, students began participating in "Scrubbing In," a series of virtual sessions designed to help them connect with faculty and prepare for the transition to residential high school life.

The Executive Committee of the ASHS Board of Trustees appointed Bailey as Head of School.

Bailey previously served as Dean of Curriculum and Instruction and has played a leading role in developing the school's academic vision and educational programs.

The leadership change follows ASHS President Dr. Jimmy Martin stepping away from day-to-day operational responsibilities after the recent loss of his mother and to address family matters. Martin remains involved with the institution and continues supporting the school's mission.

"Laura Bailey has been instrumental in building ASHS from the ground up," said Mike Warren, chair of the ASHS Board of Trustees. "As we approach opening day, there is no one better prepared to lead this school, support its students and carry forward the mission that has inspired so many families across Alabama."

Bailey said the school's progress has been made possible through the efforts of faculty, administrators, healthcare partners and supporters across the state.

"This school was built around a simple but powerful belief: that Alabama students can help solve Alabama's healthcare challenges," Bailey said. "Over the last year, we've assembled an outstanding team, developed innovative academic programs and built partnerships that will create incredible opportunities for students."

School officials said faculty, staff and residential life personnel are fully hired and preparing for the inaugural year at ASHS's temporary campus on the campus of the University of West Alabama in Livingston.

Meanwhile, ASHS says construction of the school's permanent 10-acre campus in Demopolis is ahead of schedule. The project, led by Brasfield & Gorrie, is expected to be completed in time for occupancy in summer 2027.