Dr. Reginald Sykes, president of Bishop State Community College, is a native of Meridian, Mississippi, where he graduated from Meridian High School.
He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Jackson State University and his doctorate in school administration from Mississippi State University.
He served as president of Alabama Southern Community College for nearly six years.
On July 12, 2017, Dr. Sykes was appointed president of Bishop State Community College. He is an honorary member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and serves on their Presidential Advisory Board.
On the state level, Dr. Sykes is the former president of the Alabama Community College System Presidents’ Association and a member of the Alabama Community College Conference Athletic Executive Committee. He is a Board Member of the United States Sports Academy, member of the United Way of Southwest Alabama, Trustmark Bank Advisory Committee, graduate of the 2019 class of Leadership Alabama, member of the Rotary Club of Mobile, and the Atmore Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and playing golf. Dr. Sykes resides in Mobile, Alabama.
What is the number one thing you want people to know about Bishop State?
At Bishop State Community College, students will have many opportunities to grow and reach their personal goals.
Our mission is to prepare students to transfer to four-year colleges and universities to continue their education or learn a skill and enter the workforce. As always, Bishop State is a great place to start.
What inspires you to serve in a leadership role in our community?
I want to make a difference by supporting students in reaching their potential so they can lead productive and fulfilling lives. Leadership is also giving back to the community through education and service.
As president of Bishop State, my job is to help improve the quality of life in our community through the programs and services we offer.
What advice would you give others stepping into leadership roles?
Assess the new organization. Lead by example. Communicate vision. Surround yourself with smart people and encourage them to become contributors to the organization.
Listen, listen, listen and communicate effectively.
Written and shared in Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
on Wednesday, April 14, 2021.