Transforming Capitol Technology University to Meet Industry Demands and Global Reach!
In the realm of education, there are exceptional individuals who go above and beyond to shape the lives of students and inspire generations to come. These trailblazers are not just teachers; they are visionaries who have dedicated their lives to empowering young minds and nurturing a passion for learning. One such remarkable educator stands out for her unwavering commitment to the field of education—a true beacon of knowledge and inspiration.
Step into the world of academia and leadership with Dr. Bradford L. Sims, a distinguished educator, administrator, and construction project manager, whose visionary approach is shaping the future of Capitol Technology University.
As the President of Capitol Technology University, Dr. Sims has been at the helm of driving organizations towards greater success through his unparalleled vision, insightful strategies, and dedication to academic excellence. With extensive experience in both academia and industry, he brings a unique blend of expertise that has propelled the university to new heights.
Capitol Technology University, founded in 1927 by a former US Navy Radioman, has a rich history of teaching students the art of building radios. Over the years, the university has evolved to cater exclusively to STEM and STEM Management degrees, ensuring students are equipped with knowledge that is in high demand in today’s rapidly changing world.
Under Dr. Sims’ leadership, the university has taken significant strides towards innovation and inclusivity in education. In 2017, he introduced a range of on-campus bachelor’s degrees, synchronous online master’s degrees, and two doctoral degrees, catering to the diverse needs of students worldwide. By keeping a keen eye on industry demands, Dr. Sims has consistently expanded the university’s degree programs, ensuring students are equipped with the skills required to excel in the job market.
Embracing the digital age, Dr. Sims transformed the university’s online programs into an asynchronous format, making education accessible to students from all corners of the globe. The university’s online doctoral degrees have garnered international acclaim, attracting students who seek excellence and cutting-edge knowledge.
Additionally, Dr. Sims prioritized student well-being by upgrading existing facilities and establishing a state-of-the-art, on-ground, apartment-style student living facility. By creating an enriched campus environment, he has fostered a sense of community and support for students pursuing their academic dreams.
Below are the highlights of the interview!
A Trailblazer in Education and Construction Management
Dr. Sims has had a remarkable journey, culminating in his appointment as Capitol’s president. Before assuming this prestigious role, he served as interim chancellor and chief academic officer at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s worldwide campus in Daytona Beach, FL. As chancellor, he oversaw the complex global academic institution, which annually caters to 22,000 students across 130 locations worldwide.
His responsibilities as chief academic officer at the same institution involved ensuring the academic excellence of the worldwide campus. Dr. Sims spearheaded scholarly activities, managed academic affairs, and played a pivotal role in the expansion of over 20 new degree programs.
Before joining Embry-Riddle, Dr. Sims served as a distinguished dean and professor at Indiana State University. During his tenure as the dean of the College of Technology, he achieved significant milestones, including a remarkable 75% boost in enrollment and an increased number of international students. Additionally, he made strides in alumni participation and established the college’s social media presence, including its first Facebook and LinkedIn pages.
At Western Carolina University, Dr. Sims was an esteemed professor and department head. His visionary leadership led to the founding of the construction management program, which witnessed extraordinary growth from zero to 400 majors within five years. Moreover, he successfully collaborated with the College of Business to establish an online master’s program in the field.
Dr. Sims began his academic career as an assistant professor at the University of Florida while simultaneously serving as a consultant in the lean construction industry. Before embarking on his academic journey, he achieved success in the industrial construction sector, working in various roles, including project control supervisor and cost engineer.
His academic achievements are impressive, with a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from Purdue University, his alma mater for undergraduate studies in building construction management. He also holds a master of science degree in building construction from the University of Florida.
Dr. Sims’ expertise and dedication have earned him recognition and membership in esteemed organizations, including the Sigma Lambda Chi International Construction Honor Society, the Military Cyber Professionals Association, InfraGard, and the Royal Aeronautical Society. His contributions to the field were further acknowledged with the Distinguished Technology Alumni Award for Building Construction Management from Purdue University in 2019.
From Construction Management to Educational Leadership
Dr. Sims made a pivotal decision to transition from a successful career in the construction industry to pursue higher education and advance his career prospects. He aspired to move from project management to a Vice President of Operations position, enabling him to support projects across the entire company from a high-level perspective. This ambition led him to pursue a master’s degree to further his career in the operational realm.
His pursuit of a doctorate, however, delayed his return to the industry. After completing his doctoral studies, Dr. Sims encountered challenges in conveying his desire for an operations-focused role to recruiters. Despite receiving numerous offers to begin a new career as an assistant professor, he remained steadfast in his pursuit of an operational point of view.
Dr. Sims embraced the opportunity to be an assistant professor at the University of Florida, where he gained valuable insights into the requirements of the position. However, his longing for a more operational perspective led him to Western Carolina University. Here, he was entrusted with building a new bachelor’s degree program in construction management, which quickly flourished into the university’s third-largest program within five years, eventually becoming its department. In addition to this accomplishment, Dr. Sims created one of the first fully online master’s degree programs in construction management, pioneering online education in the field.
Continuing on his path of growth and leadership, Dr. Sims accepted positions as the Dean of the College of Technology at Indiana State University, followed by the role of Chief Academic Officer for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s worldwide campus. Finally, he attained the prestigious position of President of Capitol Technology University.
Adapting to the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to higher education institutions, forcing them to embrace technology and adapt quickly to new modes of instruction. However, Capitol Technology University stood well-prepared, having already implemented online synchronous and asynchronous technology for several years.
In March 2020, when face-to-face operations had to be suspended, Capitol Technology University seamlessly pivoted to continue online instruction. Thanks to their prior experience with online learning, the transition was smooth, ensuring minimal disruption to the student’s education.
As the fall of 2020 approached, the university offered a flexible approach, providing both hybrid and online courses for undergraduate students allowed back on campus. For Master’s and Doctoral students, who had been accustomed to online learning, the mode of instruction remained largely unchanged. Many of these students were part-time or fully employed, juggling remote work and education simultaneously, making the transition more manageable.
Dr. Sims emphasizes the university’s commitment to its students’ success. Even during the pandemic, they ensured support and opportunities for graduates. The “Capitol Commitment” guarantees that if an undergraduate student does not secure a job in their field of study within 90 days of graduation, they can complete a certificate for free. To further enhance support, in 2021, additional guarantees were introduced for on-campus undergraduate students. These guarantees included a minimum $50,000 salary upon graduation or repayment of their student loan payments every quarter.
Capitol Technology University’s proactive approach to technology and student welfare allowed them to navigate the challenges of the pandemic with confidence. Their dedication to providing quality education and empowering graduates for successful careers remained unwavering, even in the face of unprecedented circumstances.
Inspired Leader of Capitol Technology University
If there is one word that defines Dr. Sims, it is “inspired.” As the President of Capitol Technology University, he shoulders the responsibility for the university’s overall strategic success. His days are filled with various meetings, from marketing and partnership discussions to strategy efforts, ensuring effective communication across all functional areas and fostering a unified team effort.
Despite his busy schedule, Dr. Sims makes sure to prioritize time with his family, which includes his spouse, two high school-aged daughters, and several pets. While he remains accessible for work-related matters seven days a week, he cherishes daily moments spent with his loved ones. He also enjoys traveling to visit his parents, meeting friends, and relishing some well-deserved downtime.
Dr. Sims is deeply passionate about leading a university that provides students and their families with great career opportunities. His dedication lies in supporting these students to become successful industry leaders. The role aligns perfectly with his values and beliefs, and he takes immense satisfaction in contributing to the betterment of society through education.
Vision for Future Growth
Dr. Sims envisions a bright future for Capitol Technology University, with a strong focus on expanding its offerings to meet the needs of the industry. The university aims to continuously develop on-campus undergraduate degree programs and online bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs that align with the demands of employers in the evolving job market. As an industry-friendly institution, Capitol Tech actively welcomes collaborations with employers to design specialized degree programs that address specific skill gaps.
Being a private nonprofit, Capitol Technology University prides itself on its agility, allowing it to respond quickly to industry demands. They leverage industry-experienced instructors to ensure that course content remains up-to-date and relevant to the current needs of various sectors.
Dr. Sims’ personal goals for the university involve enhancing awareness of Capitol Tech’s affordable, high-quality, and industry-relevant degrees. The university seeks to foster more partnerships with employers, creating a mutually beneficial relationship that benefits both students and the industries they serve. Additionally, the university aims to expand its global reach through online doctoral programs, offering accessible education to students worldwide without requiring physical visits to the campus. While emphasizing the convenience of online programs, Dr. Sims also values the importance of celebrating academic achievements in person, making graduation an unforgettable experience for all students.
With its forward-looking approach and commitment to meeting the demands of the ever-changing job market, Capitol Technology University is poised to remain at the forefront of providing exceptional education and empowering students for successful careers in their chosen fields.
Perspective on Success and Personal Growth
Dr. Sims believes that success is a deeply personal and subjective assessment, unique to each individual. Reflecting on his journey, he recalls how he initially embarked on a career in construction management, not knowing where it would lead him. His experiences working in various cities across the United States and the Netherlands broadened his perspective and enriched his life.
Although he pursued a bachelor’s degree in construction management at Purdue University due to his parents’ insistence, Dr. Sims quickly found himself immersed in a rewarding and fulfilling career that he never looked back on. His accidental entry into higher education marked the beginning of a 25-year journey, during which he pioneered numerous successful, industry-relevant degree programs.
Dr. Sims derives a sense of accomplishment from providing students with well-paying careers that empower them to support themselves and their families. For him, success lies in the positive impact he has on students’ lives by equipping them with the tools to thrive in their chosen professions.
Having gained valuable insights from his diverse experiences, Dr. Sims encourages new graduates to explore multiple locations and embrace new opportunities. He believes that living in different places offers valuable life experiences and contributes to personal growth and development. Through his journey, he exemplifies how unexpected turns can lead to fulfilling careers and meaningful contributions to the education and professional development of others.
