Watching my daughter excel in her second year at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, especially as she prepares to enter her third year of nursing, has deepened my respect for Alabama's higher education system. Our university provides rigorous academic opportunities and critical technical training aligned with the needs of key industries.

Alabama values ​​an education system that emphasizes practical skills needed for real jobs, is firmly rooted in economic need, and is free from the divisive ideologies that prevail in many other academic settings.

However, we must remain vigilant against the “woke” ideologies that are trying to infiltrate our higher education institutions. Instead of ideological indoctrination, we must remain focused on practical, empirical learning objectives that equip students with the skills and knowledge they need for the workforce.

From the vibrant Gulf Coast to the rugged Appalachian foothills, Alabama's universities are bastions of opportunity, preparing students for successful careers that drive the state's economic growth. Our educational network is precisely aligned with industry demands, translating theoretical knowledge into practical expertise, preparing graduates who are job-ready and the pioneers and leaders who will shape the future.

By aligning academic achievement with market demands, we build strong, reliable pathways to prosperity for our students and the state of Alabama.

Our community colleges have also made great strides in expanding technical programs, especially welding and auto manufacturing training, which are essential for our burgeoning automotive industry. This hands-on training is critical to equipping young people with the skills to excel in the industries that will move our state forward. But we cannot rest on our laurels.

We need to continue to expand these programs to further improve our workforce, and I am encouraged that the Legislature continues to advance these efforts with new legislation to promote more skills-focused education at the high school level.

Alabama's approach to education stands in sharp contrast to the one-size-fits-all strategy often implemented by Washington elites — a disparity highlighted by issues such as federal Education Department oversight and President Biden's controversial student loan forgiveness plan.

This federal approach ignores the financial prudence of those who responsibly manage education dollars, directly contradicts states’ customized, effective education solutions, and undermines our values ​​of accountability and self-reliance.

Now more than ever, it is important that we prioritize local oversight of our education system and protect it from outside political agendas that do not align with Alabama values. Our goal is to foster an academic environment that truly serves the diverse needs and aspirations of our community.

Alabama must remain resolute. We must continue to champion both our universities and our community colleges. This commitment goes beyond maintaining our current successes; it goes beyond moving forward.

To ensure that our higher education system remains a pillar of excellence and a key component of our economic strategy, we must come together to resist federal interference that could impede our progress. By continuing to strengthen our renowned universities and exemplary technical programs, we affirm Alabama's role as a leader in educational excellence and economic growth.

Jerick Wilkins is an automotive consultant, author, and former congressional candidate.