Governance

From the Desk of the ALAPCAE President

Welcome from the President of ALAPCAE

Dear Members, Partners, and Visitors,

Welcome to the official website of the Alabama Association for Public Continuing and Adult Education (ALAPCAE)! It is my great honor to serve as President of this incredible organization that is dedicated to transforming lives through adult education and lifelong learning.

Our Mission

At ALAPCAE, our mission is clear: To support and promote high-quality adult education programs across Alabama that empower individuals, strengthen families, and contribute to a skilled and educated workforce.

We are passionate about expanding opportunities for adult learners to achieve their educational, personal, and professional goals, and we work tirelessly to advocate for the policies, resources, and innovation necessary to make that happen.

Our History

Since our founding in 1965, ALAPCAE has served as a united voice for adult educators, administrators, and community stakeholders across the state. Over the years, we have grown into a leading statewide association that represents a diverse group of professionals dedicated to literacy, workforce readiness, English language acquisition, high school equivalency, and postsecondary transition.

With deep roots in collaboration and advocacy, ALAPCAE has played a pivotal role in shaping adult education policy and practice in Alabama. Our legacy is one of progress, resilience, and unwavering commitment to learner success. We are an essential ingredient in the quest to remove poverty from our state.

Our Values

We believe in the power of adult education to change lives—and we are guided by these core values:

  • Equity: We champion equitable access to education for all individuals, regardless of background, age, or circumstance.
  • Empowerment: We empower adult learners and educators through resources, training, and advocacy.
  • Collaboration: We foster strong partnerships with educators, agencies, institutions, and workforce leaders.
  • Innovation: We embrace new approaches and technologies to meet the evolving needs of learners.
  • Excellence: We uphold the highest standards in teaching, leadership, and service.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, ALAPCAE is committed to advancing the field of adult education through professional development, legislative advocacy, and strategic partnerships. Our annual Summer Conference, regional workshops, and statewide initiatives are designed to provide tools and inspiration for everyone engaged in this vital work.

We invite you to explore our website, connect with fellow educators, explore our industry partners, and engage with our initiatives. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a new instructor, a community leader, or an adult learner, you are a valued part of our journey.

Thank you for your continued support of adult education in Alabama.

In service,

Stuart M. Lee
President
Alabama Association for Public Continuing and Adult Education (ALAPCAE)
president@alapcae.com

Stuart Lee

2025-2027 ALAPCAE President

2025 - 2026

Board of Directors

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Stuart Lee

President
Coastal Alabama

Full Bio
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Hollie Patterson

Vice-President
Gadsden State

Full Bio
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Joshua Novak

Secretary
Coastal Alabama

Full Bio
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Marcus Nash

Treasurer
Ingram State Technical

Full Bio
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Lacey Stovell

Parliamentarian/
Historian
Bevill State

Full Bio
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Kecia James

Public Relations Coordinator
Bishop State

Full Bio
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Sharnee' Hobbs

Director-At-Large
Bishop State

Full Bio
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Dr. Naomi Scales

ACCS Representative
ACCS

Full Bio
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Sydni Morgan

District 1 Representative
Bevill State

Full Bio
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Chad Carney

District 2 Representative
Gadsden State

Full Bio
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Laura Barnett

District 3 Representative
Jefferson State

Full Bio
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Vacant

District 4 Representative

Full Bio
Larissa Benz
Larissa Benz

District 5 Representative
Ingram State Technical

Full Bio
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Elizabeth Dominick

District 6 Representative
Goodwill Gulf Coast

Full Bio
Marsha LeMacks

Marsha LeMacks

District 7 Representative
Wallace Dothan

Full Bio

Stuart Lee

President
Coastal Alabama

International Man of Mystery
U.S. Army
Gulf War veteran (Desert Storm / Desert Shield)
Married w/ 3 kids

Hollie Patterson

Vice-President
Gadsden State

I am Hollie Patterson. I am a third-generation educator. My mom and grandmother instilled in me a desire to educate and encourage those around me. The past 16 years in education have been some of the most fulfilling years of my life, and I look forward to many more years in education. I have a passion for supporting others and equipping students with the tools they need to be more successful in life.  I am married to my high school sweetheart, we have 3 children and 3 dogs, and 1 cat. In my limited free time, I enjoy reading, running, and spending time with my family.

Joshua Novak

Secretary
Coastal alabama

Joshua Novak, MA, is an Adult Education Instructor at Coastal Alabama Community College, a position he has held since December 2022. He helps students pass their General Educational Development (GED) subtests, cultivate contemporary hard and soft skills, and establish student-centered college and career pathways that enable social mobility, reduce poverty levels, and enhance degree and certificate attainment rates in the State of Alabama.

Concurrently, he is pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education Administration from Arkansas State University to better understand and alleviate the multifaceted academic, economic, familial, policy, and social impediments that affect underserved student populations, such as English Language Learners (ELLs), first-generation students, foster youth, nontraditional students, and veterans, when accessing postsecondary education. He hopes his research will contribute to and foster equitable and inclusive policies by highlighting and humanizing the stories of the aforementioned student populations.

Marcus Nash

Treasurer
Ingram State Technical

Born in Montgomery;
2002 B.A. Buss. Admin Management Alabama A&M;
Worked in Law Enforcement 02-16;
Joined Ingram as Career Coach 17-22;
Currently Instructional Coordinator for North Region.

Lacey Stovell

Parliamentarian/Historian
Bevill State

Lacey Stovall is an Instructional Assistant with Adult Education at Bevill State Community College, specializing in assisting teachers and students with attendance, paperwork, and any GED/HSDO questions. She enjoys hearing about the futures and aspirations of students who come through the program. 
 
With 1 year of experience, she achieved praise for their professionalism and push for the students to grow. Lacey received her Associate in Science degree in December of 2025. Lacey is passionate about rising in the Adult Education program in order to help and inspire as many people as possible. Outside of work, she enjoys going to Disney World with her husband and sweet daughter Avery Rose, who just turned 4 years old.

Kecia James

Public Relations Coordinator
Bishop State

Kecia James is a dedicated Career Coach at Bishop State Community College, where she supports adult learners in achieving their educational and career goals. With a passion for student success and workforce development, Kecia provides guidance and resources to help individuals navigate career pathways and overcome barriers to achievement.
 
In addition to her role at Bishop State, Kecia serves as the Public Relations Coordinator for the Alabama Association for Public Continuing and Adult Education (ALAPCAE) Board. In this capacity, she promotes initiatives that advance adult education and lifelong learning across the state.
 
Kecia is committed to fostering opportunities for growth and empowerment, and she actively engages in professional development through conferences and collaborations. Her work reflects a deep dedication to education, community engagement, and creating pathways for success.

Sharnee' Hobbs

Director-At-Large
Bishop State

Sharnee’ Hobbs is Director of Adult Education at Bishop State Community College. She has held several positions in the Adult Education Department for 22 years; Part-time/Full time Adult Education Instructor, Instructional Coordinator and Director. In addition to her many years working with adult learners, Mrs. Hobbs taught 6th, 8th and 9th grade history in the Mobile County Public School System for 9 years. She has a genuine love for education and enjoys helping her students achieve academic success. 

Dr. Naomi Scales

ACCS Representative
ACCS

Check back soon!

Sydni Morgan

District 1 Representative
Bevill State

With over 15 years of experience in Adult Education, Sydni Morgan serves as the Instructional Coordinator and AAESAP Data Entry Specialist for Bevill State Community College. She is a long-time supporter of ALAPCAE, having served multiple terms as Member-at-Large, Treasurer, and now District 1 Representative.

Sydni is passionate about creating welcoming, high-quality learning experiences for adult learners. She coordinates instructional activities, supports instructors, and manages student intake, assessment, and data in alignment with ACCS guidelines. Beyond data and compliance, Sydni is a connector—collaborating with administrators, instructors, workforce partners, and community organizations to align education with real-world opportunities. Her work bridges adult education with workforce development, helping learners earn credentials, build skills, and enter family-sustaining careers. 

A committed advocate for adult education, she works to ensure equitable access and help learners gain skills, earn credentials, and achieve their academic and career goals. Through outreach and advocacy, she promotes literacy awareness and strives to ensure every adult has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

Chad Carney

District 2 Representative
Gadsden State

Check back soon!

Laura Barnett

District 3 Representative
Jefferson State

Laura Barnett is a professional educator with 35 years of teaching experience in all grades, kindergarten through college. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Belhaven College (now Belhaven University) in Jackson, MS. She earned a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and a 2nd Master’s Degree in School Psychometry from Mississippi College in Clinton, MS.  Laura started as a part-time adult education instructor at Jefferson State Community College in Birmingham, AL in May of 2019.  She has been serving as a full-time instructor since February of 2022.  In addition to helping prepare her students to pass their GED or to earn their high school diploma, Laura is passionate about working with the men at the Jimmie Hale Mission Shepura Men’s Center in downtown Birmingham. During their 16-week recovery program, the men have the opportunity to earn certificates in ACE, MAPS, & WorkKeys as well as earn their GED or High School Diploma.  Since the end of August 2025, 6 men have earned their high school diplomas. Laura was chosen as a 2025 Gold Star Teacher for Jefferson State and is currently serving as district 3 representative on the ALAPCAE board!

Vacant

Vacant
Vacant

Check back soon!

Larissa Benz

District 5 Representative
Ingram State Technical

Larissa Benz is ISTC Adult Education Coordinator for Southern Region. Prior to this position, she worked as an ESL instructor at Auburn University at Montgomery and an Adult Education Coordinator at Southern Union State Community College. There, Benz developed a Career Pathways certification course in Medical Terminology and a Career Pathway certification course for translators and interpreters to meet the needs of the community in medical and legal fields. 
 
Larissa grew up in Ukraine when it was still a part of the Soviet Union. That allowed her to live in different places and travel to countries across EuroAsian continent. Growing up, she was fascinated by various cultures and the diversity. Larissa possesses Master’s degree in Linguistics. The degree opened the doors for her to teach foreign languages and be an interpreter for the UN and European Council conferences, translator for government agencies, non-profit organizations and ministries. 
 
Larissa Benz served as a lecturing professor at Tavria University of Management and Commerce and got her Master’s in Business from there. She also taught at the Crimea University of Pedagogy and Engineering, got accepted to the PhD program and did the research for her thesis there.
 
Benz and her son came to the U.S. in 2001 and worked with several ministries which served children and their families from underserved areas. She created projects and programs for cultural exchange and educational purposes. 
 
She is certified by the British Council to teach Business English and to translate legal documents. In 2022, Ms. Benz earned a certificate in leadership from LEAD University. Languages, art and hiking are her hobbies. 
 
Alabama became Larissa’s promise land and she has embraced the southern culture as her own even though she is still learning its beautiful idiosyncrasies. 

Elizabeth Dominick

District 6 Representative
Goodwill Gulf Coast

Elizabeth Dominick is the Director of Education Services at Goodwill Gulf Coast in Mobile, Alabama. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Mobile has been her home for the past 37 years. Elizabeth earned her undergraduate degree in Special Education from Appalachian State University and went on to receive her M.Ed. in Specific Learning Disabilities and Emotional Conflicts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

After 14 years of teaching at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, Elizabeth joined Goodwill Gulf Coast, where she became immersed in the field of Adult Education—a move that proved to be the most rewarding decision of her career. Now 23 years later, she remains dedicated to the mission…exhausted but truly blessed. Elizabeth also served as President of the Alabama Directors’ Association during the 2022–2023 term.

Elizabeth is married and the proud mother of two grown daughters and grandmother to three grandchildren who all live in Birmingham. In her free time, she enjoys reading, walking, and traveling—especially trips to Birmingham!

Marsha LeMacks

District 7 Representative
Wallace Dothan

Marsha S. LeMacks is a professional educator with 20+ years of teaching experience.  She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education from Southern Wesleyan University in South Carolina.  She is also a 2025 graduate of the ACCS Instructional Leadership Academy.  Marsha is currently a full-time adult education instructor at Wallace Community College in Dothan, Alabama, and she previously served as the  2024-2025 ALAPCAE  District 7 Representative.